OSRS Experiment No 2 Uncovering New Gameplay Insights

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) thrives on its vibrant community and endless experimentation. Players constantly push boundaries, testing mechanics to uncover hidden gems or optimize their gameplay. In this second installment of our OSRS experiment series, we dive into Experiment No. 2—a fresh exploration of in-game strategies designed to spark curiosity and boost efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious newbie, this blog post unpacks the experiment’s setup, results, and practical takeaways to elevate your RuneScape journey.

OSRS experiments are player-driven tests that challenge conventional gameplay wisdom. Experiment No. 2 was born from a community discussion on X, where players debated whether combining specific skilling methods could outperform traditional approaches. The goal? To discover if a hybrid strategy involving multiple skills could yield better XP rates or resource gains than standard methods.

Why Experiment No. 2 Matters

This experiment isn’t just about numbers—it’s about rethinking how we play. By blending skills like Fishing and Cooking, players aimed to maximize efficiency while minimizing downtime. The idea stemmed from a desire to make skilling feel less grindy and more rewarding, especially for mid-level players looking to progress without endless hours of repetition.

Inspiration from the Community

The spark for Experiment No. 2 came from a thread where users shared frustrations about slow XP gains in certain skills. One player suggested alternating between Fishing and Cooking to keep resources flowing while gaining XP in both. This caught traction, leading to a structured test to see if the method held up under scrutiny.

Setting Up the Experiment

Designing Experiment No. 2 required clear parameters to ensure fair results. The team of players, coordinated via a dedicated Discord server, agreed on a controlled setup to track progress accurately.

Skills and Locations Chosen

The experiment focused on two skills: Fishing and Cooking. Why these? They’re accessible, complementary, and don’t require high levels to test effectively. The chosen location was Lumbridge, specifically the fishing spots near the river and the nearby cooking range.

• Fishing: Catching trout and salmon using a fly fishing rod.
• Cooking: Preparing the caught fish on the Lumbridge range.

Rules and Constraints

To keep things consistent, participants followed strict guidelines:

1. Level Range: Players had to be between levels 30-50 in both Fishing and Cooking.
2. Time Limit: Each session lasted 2 hours.
3. No Boosts: No potions or special equipment were allowed to skew results.
4. Data Tracking: XP gains and resources were logged every 30 minutes.

Control Group vs. Experimental Group

The experiment split players into two groups:

Group	Method	Focus
Control	Fishing only for 2 hours	Maximize Fishing XP
Experimental	Alternate Fishing (30 min) and Cooking (30 min)	Balance XP and resources

This setup allowed direct comparison between traditional skilling and the hybrid approach.

Results of Experiment No. 2

After a week of testing, the data revealed surprising insights. Both groups performed well, but the hybrid method showed unique advantages that could reshape how players approach skilling.

Fishing XP Comparison

The control group, focusing solely on Fishing, averaged 25,000 XP per hour. The experimental group, splitting time with Cooking, logged 18,000 XP per hour in Fishing. While the control group gained more Fishing XP, the gap wasn’t as wide as expected.

Cooking XP Gains

The experimental group’s Cooking sessions yielded 15,000 XP per hour. Since the control group didn’t cook, they earned zero Cooking XP. This gave the experimental group a dual-skill advantage, totaling 33,000 combined XP per hour across both skills.

Resource Output

Resources told another story:

• Control Group: Stockpiled 400-500 raw trout and salmon per session.
• Experimental Group: Cooked most fish, ending with 200 cooked fish and 100 raw fish.

The experimental group’s cooked fish were ready for immediate use or sale, offering practical value over raw inventory.

Analyzing the Takeaways

Experiment No. 2 wasn’t about crowning a “best” method—it was about understanding trade-offs. The results highlighted key lessons for players looking to optimize their OSRS experience.

Efficiency vs. Versatility

The control group’s higher Fishing XP made it ideal for players laser-focused on one skill. However, the experimental group’s balanced approach suited those wanting progress in multiple areas without feeling stuck in a single grind.

Time Management Benefits

Alternating tasks kept players engaged. Many reported that switching between Fishing and Cooking felt less monotonous, reducing burnout. This mental boost could be a game-changer for long-term skilling.

Economic Impact

Cooked fish from the experimental group fetched higher prices on the Grand Exchange compared to raw fish. For players needing quick gold, the hybrid method offered a slight edge, with an estimated 10-15% profit increase per session.

How to Apply Experiment No. 2 to Your Gameplay

Ready to try this yourself? Here’s how to adapt Experiment No. 2 to your OSRS routine, whether you’re skilling for XP, gold, or fun.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hybrid Skilling

1. Check Your Levels: Ensure Fishing and Cooking are at least level 30.
2. Gear Up: Grab a fly fishing rod, feathers, and access to a cooking range.
3. Set a Timer: Alternate 30 minutes of Fishing with 30 minutes of Cooking.
4. Track Progress: Note XP and fish counts to compare with traditional methods.
5. Sell or Use: Decide whether to sell cooked fish or stockpile for training.

Tips for Success

• Stay Focused: Avoid distractions to maintain the 30-minute cycle.
• Optimize Location: Use Lumbridge for minimal travel time between fishing and cooking spots.
• Experiment Further: Try tweaking the time split (e.g., 45 min Fishing, 15 min Cooking) to suit your goals.

Who Should Try This?

This method shines for:

• Mid-Level Players: Those balancing multiple skills.
• Casual Gamers: Players who want variety over grind.
• Gold Farmers: Anyone looking to turn fish into profit.

High-level players chasing max efficiency might prefer specialized methods, but even they could use this for relaxed skilling sessions.

OSRS Experiment No. 2 proves there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skilling. By blending Fishing and Cooking, players uncovered a method that’s not just about XP—it’s about enjoying the game while making tangible progress. Whether you adopt this hybrid strategy or use it as inspiration for your own experiments, the key is to keep exploring. Old School RuneScape rewards creativity, and there’s always a new angle to discover. What’s your next experiment? Share your thoughts on X or try this method and let us know how it goes!