How Many Players Are on OSRS in 2025? A Deep Dive into Old School RuneScape’s Player Count
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has been a beloved MMORPG since its launch in 2013, bringing nostalgic gameplay from 2007 back to life. With its thriving community and consistent updates, one question remains on every fan’s mind: how many players are on OSRS today? In this blog post, we’ll explore the current player count, historical trends, factors driving its popularity, and what the future might hold—all optimized for search engines to help you find the answers you need. Whether you’re a veteran adventurer or a curious newbie, let’s dive into the world of Gielinor and uncover the numbers behind OSRS in 2025.
As of April 08, 2025, estimating the exact number of players on OSRS requires a blend of official data, community insights, and third-party analytics, since Jagex, the game’s developer, doesn’t release precise daily figures publicly. However, based on available metrics, OSRS continues to boast a robust player base.
Daily Active Players
Estimates suggest that OSRS has between 100,000 to 150,000 daily active players in 2025. This figure comes from tracking tools like MMO Populations, which pegs the daily count around 312,333 players in recent months, though this can fluctuate. On April 07, 2025, PlayerAuctions reported a peak of 1,092 players on Steam alone, but this represents only a fraction of the total, as most players use the Jagex Launcher or mobile platforms.
Concurrent Players: Peak Moments
Concurrent player counts—those online at the same exact time—offer a clearer snapshot of OSRS’s vibrancy. In December 2024, OSRS hit an all-time high of 231,719 concurrent players, according to the OSRS Wiki, driven by major events like Leagues. Posts on X from late 2023 even celebrated over 200,000 concurrent players, and with 2025’s updates, peaks likely hover between 150,000 to 200,000 during high-traffic events.
Total Registered Accounts
The total number of OSRS accounts exceeds 64 million, per MMO Populations, though many are inactive or alternate accounts. Some sources, like Esports.net, claim over 200 million accounts globally, but this might reflect the broader RuneScape franchise. For active subscribers, estimates range from 1.6 million to 2 million monthly, bolstered by mobile and free-to-play access.
What Drives the OSRS Player Count?
OSRS’s enduring popularity isn’t random—it’s fueled by unique elements that keep players logging in year after year. Let’s break down the key factors behind these numbers.
Nostalgia: The 2007 Throwback
OSRS thrives on its nostalgic appeal, recreating RuneScape as it was in August 2007. For many, it’s a trip down memory lane, offering simple point-and-click mechanics and retro graphics that stand out in a sea of modern, high-spec MMOs.
Community-Driven Updates
Unlike many games, OSRS lets players vote on updates, needing a 75% approval rate to pass. This democratic approach keeps the game aligned with community desires, from new quests to skills like Sailing, boosting engagement and retention.
Events and Leagues
Seasonal events like Leagues—such as Trailblazer in 2020, which saw 157,445 concurrent players—spike player counts. These time-limited modes offer fresh challenges, drawing both veterans and newcomers into Gielinor’s grind.
Multi-Platform Accessibility
Available on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android, OSRS’s mobile launch in 2018 alone racked up over 8 million downloads by 2019. Today, mobile players account for roughly 40% of the player base, per Touch Tap Play, making it a game you can play anywhere.
Historical Player Count Trends: How OSRS Grew Over Time
OSRS didn’t start as the juggernaut it is today. Its journey from a niche side-project to a leading MMO is a tale of resilience and adaptation.
The Early Days (2013–2015)
Launched on February 22, 2013, OSRS debuted with 30,000–50,000 players on day one, per Gamers Decide. By year’s end, this dipped to 10,000–15,000, overshadowed by RuneScape 3. The introduction of free-to-play in 2015, however, boosted numbers to 30,000–45,000 daily.
The Mobile Boom (2018–2019)
The 2018 mobile release was a game-changer, pushing daily active players past 60,000–90,000 during events like League II: Trailblazer. By 2019, OSRS hit an “all-time membership high,” with over 5 million mobile installs in its first few months, per PCGamesN.
Record-Breaking Peaks (2020–2024)
From 157,445 concurrent players in 2020 (PC Gamer) to 185,000 in 2023 (Reddit’s r/MMORPG), OSRS kept climbing. The December 2024 peak of 231,719 solidified its dominance, outpacing even RuneScape 3, which now holds just 25–30% of the franchise’s player base.
| Year | Concurrent Peak | Daily Average (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 50,000 | 10,000–15,000 |
| 2019 | 90,000+ | 60,000–90,000 |
| 2024 | 231,719 | 100,000–150,000 |
Comparing OSRS to Other MMOs: Where Does It Stand?
OSRS isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it competes with modern giants. Here’s how its player count stacks up in 2025.
OSRS vs. RuneScape 3
OSRS dominates its sibling, RuneScape 3, with roughly 73% of the total RuneScape player base, per Reddit’s r/runescape in 2020. RS3 averages 20,000–30,000 daily players, while OSRS triples that, thanks to its classic appeal and fewer microtransactions.
OSRS vs. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft boasts millions of subscribers, but OSRS holds its own with a leaner, free-to-play model. WoW’s daily peaks might hit 500,000+, yet OSRS’s 150,000–200,000 concurrent players during events rival smaller WoW expansions.
OSRS vs. New World
Amazon’s New World peaked at over 900,000 concurrent players in 2021 but dropped to under 10,000 by 2023. OSRS’s steady growth and retention highlight its staying power over flash-in-the-pan releases.
- OSRS Strength: Consistent updates and community focus.
- Competitor Weakness: Reliance on hype or high system requirements.
The Future of OSRS Player Count: What’s Next?
With 2025 underway, what’s in store for OSRS’s player base? Here’s a look at trends and predictions.
Upcoming Updates and Features
Jagex’s roadmap includes Sailing, a new skill in development, alongside fresh quests and areas. These could push concurrent players past 250,000, especially if tied to another League event.
Challenges: Bots and Burnout
Bots remain a thorn in OSRS’s side, inflating counts by an estimated 10–20%, per community anecdotes. Player burnout from grinding also looms, though Jagex’s anti-bot measures and quality-of-life updates aim to mitigate this.
Global Reach and Mobile Growth
OSRS’s popularity spans the U.S., UK, Netherlands, and beyond, with mobile driving growth in Asia and South America. If Jagex taps these markets further, daily players could climb toward 200,000 consistently.
In conclusion, OSRS’s player count in 2025 reflects a game that’s not just surviving but thriving. With 100,000–150,000 daily players, peaks nearing 200,000, and a legacy of over 64 million accounts, it’s a testament to nostalgia, community, and adaptability. Whether you’re slaying dragons or chopping yews, Gielinor’s population shows no signs of fading. So, how many players are on OSRS? Enough to keep this old-school gem a modern classic.