Beneath Cursed Tides OSRS: A Deep Dive into the Iconic RuneScape Quest
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a treasure trove of nostalgic quests, and Beneath Cursed Tides stands out as a fan-favorite that bridges the past with the present. Released on December 14, 2015, in RuneScape 3 and often discussed among OSRS players for its ties to the game’s early days, this quest takes you on an underwater adventure to uncover the fate of Tutorial Island. Whether you’re an OSRS veteran or a newcomer curious about its lore, this blog post explores everything you need to know about Beneath Cursed Tides—its storyline, mechanics, rewards, and why it resonates with the community. Let’s dive in!
Beneath Cursed Tides isn’t technically an OSRS quest—it’s a RuneScape 3 creation—but its roots are deeply tied to the shared history of both games. Tutorial Island, the starting point for countless players since RuneScape’s early days, mysteriously vanished in the lore, leaving fans wondering what happened to this iconic location. This quest answers that question with a mix of nostalgia, humor, and adventure.
A RuneLabs Creation
The quest originated from a player suggestion on RuneLabs, RuneScape’s community-driven idea platform. A player named “Guitar Girl” pitched the concept of revisiting Tutorial Island underwater, and the Jagex team brought it to life. While OSRS sticks to its 2007 roots, Beneath Cursed Tides in RS3 serves as a love letter to the shared legacy of both versions, making it a topic of interest for OSRS fans too.
The Disappearance of Tutorial Island
In the RuneScape universe, Tutorial Island sank after an expansion of the Wizards’ Tower displaced it. Beneath Cursed Tides picks up this thread, sending players to investigate the sunken island with Wizard Myrtle and Vannaka, the beloved Slayer Master. For OSRS players, this ties into the nostalgia of starting their journey on Tutorial Island before it was replaced by other tutorials like Ashdale.
Quest Walkthrough: Beneath Cursed Tides Step-by-Step
While Beneath Cursed Tides isn’t available in OSRS, its mechanics and story are worth exploring for fans of both games. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the quest as it exists in RS3, with insights into how it could fit into the OSRS world.
Starting the Quest
To begin, head to the Wizards’ Tower south of Draynor Village and speak to Wizard Myrtle near the fountains. She’s a hydromancer searching for her mentor, Terrova, who vanished with Tutorial Island. She asks you to investigate, but since she fears deep water, you’ll need to enlist Vannaka’s help from Edgeville Dungeon.
Diving into the Depths
After recruiting Vannaka, return to Myrtle at Mudskipper Point (accessible via Fairy Ring AIQ or running south from Port Sarim). Unequip your weapons, and Myrtle casts a spell to let you breathe underwater. You’ll descend to the sunken Tutorial Island, where the real adventure begins.
Breaking the Curse
The quest recreates Tutorial Island’s classic tasks with a twist—its tutors are now cursed Crassian hybrids. You’ll:
- Catch and cook shrimp with Brynna, using steam vents instead of a fire.
- Smith a bronze dagger with the Mining and Smithing tutors.
- Cast spells on chickens with Terrova, proving your magical prowess.
- Fight sea rats with Vannaka, blindfolded, using his sword.
Finally, you’ll confront Hector Vivian, the evil magician behind the curse, and assist Myrtle in banishing him.
Rewards and Benefits of Beneath Cursed Tides
Completing Beneath Cursed Tides offers rewards that appeal to both practical players and nostalgia enthusiasts. While these are RS3-specific, they spark ideas for what an OSRS version could include.
Experience Lamps
The quest grants:
- Cooking Lamp: 5,000 Cooking XP
- Fishing Lamp: 5,000 Fishing XP
- Combat Lamp: 10,000 XP in a combat skill of your choice (Attack, Strength, etc.)
For OSRS players, these mid-level XP boosts would be a welcome addition to early-game progression.
Unique Unlockables
Beyond XP, you unlock:
- Vannaka’s Sword: A cosmetic override resembling his steel two-hander.
- Giant Oyster: A monthly Distraction & Diversion for Fishing and Farming XP.
- Lev’s Music Box: Plays the original “Newbie Melody” track before crumbling to dust.
The Giant Oyster, in particular, adds repeatable content, a concept OSRS could adapt for its own underwater-themed activities.
| Reward | Description | Potential OSRS Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Lamp | 5,000 Cooking XP | Boosts early-game cooking grind |
| Fishing Lamp | 5,000 Fishing XP | Supports Fishing progression |
| Vannaka’s Sword | Cosmetic override | Nostalgic flair for Slayer fans |
| Giant Oyster | Monthly D&D | Adds repeatable content |
Why Beneath Cursed Tides Resonates with OSRS Players
Even though it’s an RS3 quest, Beneath Cursed Tides strikes a chord with the OSRS community due to its nostalgic roots and clever design. Here’s why it’s a talking point among old-school fans.
Nostalgia Factor
Tutorial Island was the gateway to RuneScape for players from 2001 to 2008. Seeing it underwater, with familiar NPCs like Brynna and Vannaka transformed, evokes memories of chopping trees, burning shrimp, and learning the ropes. OSRS players often cite it as a quest they’d love to see adapted.
Humor and Self-Awareness
The quest pokes fun at RuneScape’s past—like Brynna’s shock at unburnt shrimp or references to “horrendous green clothing.” This humor aligns with OSRS’s quirky charm, making it feel like a natural fit for the old-school vibe.
Community Praise
On Reddit, OSRS players have lauded Beneath Cursed Tides. One user called it “fantastic” for its nostalgia, while another suggested it as a must-do for OSRS fans trying RS3. The quest’s simplicity and underwater aesthetic also earn it praise as a refreshing break from typical questing.
Could Beneath Cursed Tides Come to OSRS?
With its popularity, many wonder if Beneath Cursed Tides could be ported to OSRS. Let’s explore the feasibility and potential adaptations.
Technical Challenges
OSRS runs on a 2007 engine, lacking RS3’s underwater mechanics. However, mods have recreated Tutorial Island for other updates (like the current tutorial), suggesting it’s possible with adjustments—like draining the water and keeping it land-based.
Adapting the Story
The curse plot could remain, with OSRS-specific tweaks:
- Location: Move it to a coastal area like Mudskipper Point.
- Mechanics: Replace underwater breathing with a diving helmet item.
- Rewards: Swap lamps for OSRS-friendly XP books or a unique Slayer item from Vannaka.
This keeps the spirit intact while fitting OSRS’s aesthetic.
Community Demand
Polls and forums show strong OSRS interest in Tutorial Island content. A 2019 Reddit thread debated its lore post-return, and fans frequently request nostalgic quests. If pitched via OSRS’s polling system, Beneath Cursed Tides could pass with flying colors.
Conclusion: Beneath Cursed Tides is more than a quest—it’s a time capsule for RuneScape’s history. While OSRS players can’t experience it directly, its story, rewards, and nostalgia make it a beloved topic. Whether you’re reliving Tutorial Island in RS3 or dreaming of its OSRS debut, this quest proves RuneScape’s past still shapes its future. What do you think—should Jagex bring it to OSRS? Drop your thoughts below!