How to Change Your Name in Old School RuneScape

How to Change Your Name in Old School RuneScape

Changing your display name in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a great way to refresh your in-game identity, whether you’re looking to stand out, align with your clan, or just move on from a name you picked years ago. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, covering everything from eligibility to restrictions, so you can update your name with ease. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer in Gielinor, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and insights to make your name change smooth and hassle-free.

Your display name is how other players see you in-game, on friends lists, clan chats, and the Hiscores. It’s a key part of your identity in OSRS, and there are plenty of reasons you might want to switch it up:

  • Personal growth: A name you chose as a kid might not vibe with you anymore.
  • Creativity: You’ve got a fresh idea for a name that reflects your playstyle or personality.
  • Clan alignment: Matching names with clanmates can build camaraderie.
  • Privacy: Changing your name can help you stay low-key if you’re avoiding unwanted attention.

Whatever your reason, OSRS makes the process straightforward, but there are rules and limitations to understand before you dive in.

Eligibility and Requirements for Changing Your Name

Before you can change your display name, you need to meet certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re eligible.

Membership Status

Name changes are exclusive to OSRS members. If you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player, you’ll need to grab a membership to unlock this feature. Membership can be purchased via the official OSRS website or by redeeming a Bond in-game.

28-Day Waiting Period

Members can change their name once every 28 days for free. If you’ve recently changed your name, you’ll see a countdown in the name change menu indicating when your next free change is available. Want to bypass the wait? You can redeem a Bond for an instant name change, which we’ll cover later.

Account Age

New accounts must be active for at least 28 days before they can change their display name. This rule helps prevent spam accounts from flooding the system with name changes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Name in OSRS

Ready to update your display name? You can change it either in-game or through the official website. Below, we break down both methods so you can choose what works best for you.

Changing Your Name In-Game

The in-game method is quick and convenient, letting you stay in the world of Gielinor while updating your name. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings: In the OSRS client, click the wrench icon to access the Settings menu.
  2. Navigate to Display Name: Go to “Chat & Notifications” and select “Display Name.”
  3. Check Availability: Click the “Look up name” button, type your desired name, and hit enter to see if it’s available.
  4. Confirm the Change: If the name is free, select it and confirm. You may need to log out and back in for the change to take effect.

Note: If you’re trying to revert to a previous name still reserved for your account, you might need to use the website method, as the in-game system sometimes doesn’t recognize reserved names.

Changing Your Name via the Website

The website method offers the same functionality and is ideal if you’re having issues in-game or want to reclaim a reserved name. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Visit the OSRS Website: Head to the official Old School RuneScape website and log into your account.
  2. Go to Account Settings: Scroll to the “Account” section and click “Account Settings.”
  3. Select Name Changer: Find the “Change Character Name” tab.
  4. Enter Your New Name: Type your desired name, check its availability, and click “Set Name” if it’s free.

Tip: The website is the best option for reverting to a previous name within the 35-day reservation period, as it’s more reliable for recognizing names tied to your account.

Using a Bond to Bypass the 28-Day Wait

If you don’t want to wait 28 days for your next free name change, you can redeem a Bond. Bonds are in-game items purchasable with real money or earned through gameplay (e.g., buying them on the Grand Exchange for roughly 6-7M GP). Here’s how to use one:

  • Access Your Currency Pouch: Open your backpack and click the currency pouch icon.
  • Redeem the Bond: Right-click (or long-press on mobile) the Bond, select “Redeem,” and choose “Display name change.”
  • Follow Prompts: Confirm the redemption and proceed to the name change menu to pick your new name.

This method resets the 28-day timer, letting you change your name instantly, provided the name is available.

Rules and Restrictions for OSRS Display Names

Not every name is up for grabs. Jagex enforces strict guidelines to keep the game fair and appropriate. Understanding these rules can save you time and frustration.

Name Availability

Your desired name must not be in use by another player or reserved by someone else. If a name is unavailable, try variations (e.g., adding numbers, dashes, or different spellings).

Content Restrictions

Jagex blocks names that violate their terms. Your name cannot:

  • Be offensive, racist, or obscene.
  • Impersonate Jagex staff (e.g., contain “mod”).
  • Exceed 12 characters.
  • Be deceptive (e.g., mimicking another player’s name to scam).

If you pick an inappropriate name, Jagex may replace it with a temporary number string and require you to choose a new one before logging in.

Reservation Period

When you change your name, your old one is reserved for you for 35 days. During the first 24 days, you can’t change your name again without a Bond, giving you a week to reclaim your old name if you change your mind. After 35 days, the name becomes available to others.

Name Change Restrictions Overview
Restriction Details
Character Limit Maximum 12 characters
Content Rules No offensive, deceptive, or staff-impersonating names
Reservation Old name reserved for 35 days
Waiting Period 28 days between free changes (bypass with Bond)

Tips for Choosing a Great OSRS Name

Picking the right name can make your OSRS experience more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you craft a memorable and unique display name.

Reflect Your Playstyle

Think about what defines you in OSRS. Are you a skiller, PvPer, or quester? Names like “IronSlayer” or “QuestCape” can showcase your focus.

Keep It Simple

Short, catchy names are easier for others to remember and type in clan chats or friends lists. Avoid overly complex strings that might confuse people.

Check Availability Early

Popular names get snapped up fast, especially after Jagex releases batches of inactive names. Use the in-game or website name checker to test your ideas before getting your heart set on one.

Avoid Numbers If Possible

Names with random numbers (e.g., “Player1234”) can feel generic. Try creative spellings or dashes (e.g., “Dark-Warden”) for a cleaner look.

Plan for the Long Term

You’ll be stuck with your name for at least 28 days (unless you use a Bond), so choose something you won’t regret. Test it out by saying it aloud or imagining it in a clan chat.

Pro Tip: Hovering over a friend’s name in the friends list shows their previous name (if changed recently), so don’t worry about confusing buddies with your new identity—an icon will help them keep track.

Changing your name in Old School RuneScape is a simple process once you know the steps and rules. Whether you’re rebranding for fun, strategy, or a fresh start, following this guide ensures you’ll navigate the process like a pro. Log in, pick a name that sparks joy, and get back to exploring Gielinor with confidence!