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How Much Is an OSRS Membership A Comprehensive Guide to Costs and Benefits
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a beloved MMORPG that has captured the hearts of millions with its nostalgic gameplay and community-driven updates. While the game offers a free-to-play version, an OSRS membership unlocks a wealth of exclusive content, making it a popular choice for dedicated players. But how much does an OSRS membership cost, and is it worth the investment? In this blog post, we’ll break down the current pricing, explore payment options, highlight membership benefits, and provide tips to save on your subscription. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer in Gielinor, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
As of September 27, 2024, Jagex, the developer of OSRS, updated membership prices to reflect rising development costs and global inflation. The cost varies depending on the subscription duration and payment method. Below, we outline the standard pricing for new members or those whose subscriptions have lapsed for more than 14 days.
Monthly Subscription
The standard monthly membership costs $13.99 USD for players in the United States. In other regions, prices are adjusted for local currencies, such as £8.99 GBP or €10.99 EUR. This option is ideal for players who want flexibility or are trying out the membership for the first time.
6-Month Subscription
For those committed to a longer adventure, the 6-month subscription is priced at $59.99 USD, roughly equivalent to $10.00 USD per month. This plan offers a moderate discount compared to the monthly option and is suitable for regular players.
12-Month Premier Membership
The 12-month Premier Membership is the best value for long-term players, costing $99.48 USD, or about $8.29 USD per month. This plan includes additional perks, such as exclusive cosmetic outfits, monthly care packages, and access to Premier-only worlds. However, Premier Membership does not support grandfathered rates, so all subscribers pay the updated price upon renewal.
| Subscription Plan | Cost (USD) | Cost Per Month (USD) | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $13.99 | $13.99 | None |
| 6 Months | $59.99 | $10.00 | None |
| 12 Months (Premier) | $99.48 | $8.29 | Cosmetics, care packages, exclusive worlds |
Alternative Payment Methods for OSRS Membership
Jagex offers several payment methods to make subscribing accessible worldwide. These options cater to different preferences and may offer slight cost variations.
PayByPhone and PayBySMS
Players in select countries, including the US, UK, and Germany, can use PayByPhone or PayBySMS through Surfpin. PayByPhone costs around $7.99 USD for a one-month membership, while PayBySMS is pricier at $11.96 USD, plus potential mobile carrier fees. These methods are convenient but less cost-effective for long-term subscriptions.
GiroPay (Germany Only)
German players can use GiroPay, a real-time bank transfer option, with costs starting at €6.45 for one month or €58.05 for 12 months. This method requires manual renewal, avoiding automatic charges.
Old School Bonds
OSRS Bonds are a unique way to pay for membership using in-game currency. A single bond, redeemable for 14 days of membership, can be purchased on the Grand Exchange for approximately 14.7 million OSRS coins. To cover a full month, you’d need two bonds, costing around 29.4 million coins. Bonds can also be bought from Jagex for real money (about $6 USD per bond), making them a flexible option for players who prefer earning membership through gameplay.
Grandfathered Rates and Price Protection
If you’re an existing subscriber with an active 1-month or 6-month membership, you may benefit from grandfathered rates. As long as your subscription doesn’t lapse for more than 14 days, you’ll continue paying the price you were charged before the September 2024 price hike (e.g., $12.49 USD per month). However, Premier Membership does not support grandfathered rates, so all renewals are at the new price of $99.48 USD annually.
How to Maintain Grandfathered Rates
- Keep Your Subscription Active: Ensure automatic renewals are enabled or manually renew before the 14-day lapse period.
- Monitor Payment Methods: Update your payment details if your card expires to avoid unintentional lapses.
- Contact Support: If you accidentally lapse, Jagex may reinstate your rate if you resubscribe within 14 days.
Benefits of an OSRS Membership
An OSRS membership unlocks a vast array of content that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. Here’s why many players find the cost worthwhile:
Expanded Game World
Members gain access to a game world that’s three times larger than the free-to-play version, including iconic regions like Morytania and the Fremennik Isles.
Additional Skills and Quests
Membership includes 8 additional skills (e.g., Slayer, Construction, and Farming) and over 120 exclusive quests, offering rich lore and rewarding challenges.
Exclusive Features
- Player-Owned Houses: Customize your own in-game home.
- Minigames: Enjoy over 20 unique minigames, like Pest Control and Barbarian Assault.
- Boss Battles: Face challenging bosses like Zulrah and the Theatre of Blood.
- Grand Exchange Access: Expanded trading options with 400 extra bank slots.
Community Influence
Members can participate in player polls to shape the game’s future, ensuring updates align with community desires.
Tips to Save on OSRS Membership
While membership costs have increased, there are ways to reduce expenses or avoid paying real money altogether.
Buy Bonds with In-Game Gold
If you’re skilled at making money in OSRS, grinding for 29.4 million coins to buy two bonds for a month’s membership is a cost-free option. Popular money-making methods include:
- Runecrafting: High-level runecrafting can yield millions per hour.
- Bossing: Defeating bosses like Vorkath or Zulrah offers lucrative drops.
- Skilling: Activities like mining or fishing can steadily build your coin stack.
Purchase Membership Gift Cards
Websites like Eneba or GG.deals often sell membership gift cards at discounted rates, such as $67.64 USD for a 12-month membership, a 32% savings compared to the standard price. These cards can stack up to 35 months and don’t expire, making them a smart long-term investment.
Take Advantage of Promotions
Jagex occasionally runs promotions, such as free membership weekends or Twitch Prime bundles. Keep an eye on the official OSRS website or social media for announcements.
Opt for Longer Subscriptions
Choosing the 6-month or 12-month plan saves you up to 45% compared to monthly billing. If you’re confident you’ll play long-term, these plans offer the best value.
Is OSRS Membership Worth It?
At $13.99 USD per month, OSRS membership is pricier than it was a decade ago, but it remains competitive compared to other MMORPGs like World of Warcraft ($14.99 USD) or Final Fantasy XIV ($12.99 USD). The value lies in the sheer volume of content—quests, skills, and minigames—that can keep players engaged for years. For casual players, the free-to-play version may suffice, but membership is a must for those seeking the full Gielinor experience.
Final Thoughts
The cost of an OSRS membership varies from $13.99 USD per month to $99.48 USD for a year, with options like bonds and gift cards offering flexibility. While price hikes have sparked debate, the grandfathered rates and in-game bond system provide ways to mitigate costs. Whether you’re exploring new quests, building a player-owned house, or battling epic bosses, an OSRS membership unlocks a world of adventure. Weigh your budget, consider the benefits, and choose the plan that best fits your playstyle. Ready to dive into Gielinor? Subscribe today and start your journey!