How to Change Appearance in Old School RuneScape A Complete Guide
Customizing your character’s look in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a fun way to stand out in Gielinor. Whether you’re stuck with the default bald-bearded avatar or just want a fresh style, this guide covers everything you need to know about changing your appearance in OSRS. From visiting NPCs to using in-game furniture, we’ll walk you through the steps to personalize your character’s hair, clothes, body type, and more—no matter if you’re a free-to-play (F2P) or pay-to-play (P2P) player.
Your character’s appearance is more than just aesthetics; it’s a reflection of your personality in the game. Maybe you want a fierce warrior vibe or a quirky mage look. OSRS offers plenty of options to tweak your style, and best of all, most changes are free after the tutorial. Let’s dive into the methods available to transform your character.
Benefits of Customizing Your Look
- Personal Expression: Make your character uniquely yours with hairstyles, colors, and outfits.
- Social Appeal: A cool look can spark conversations in crowded areas like the Grand Exchange.
- Roleplay Fun: Perfect for players who love immersive storytelling or clan events.
Visit NPCs for a Full Makeover
The easiest way to overhaul your character’s appearance is by visiting specific non-player characters (NPCs) who offer makeover services. These NPCs can change everything from your gender to your shoe color, and since an update on August 14, 2024, any makeover NPC can now handle all appearance changes for free.
Where to Find Makeover NPCs
Head to one of these locations to access the makeover interface:
| NPC | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Makeover Mage | Southwest of Falador, near Crafting Guild | Switches gender every 10 seconds; also sells Yin Yang amulets for 100 coins. |
| Hairdresser | Falador, near West Bank | Great for F2P players seeking hair changes. |
| Thessalia | Varrock, south of the square | Runs Thessalia’s Fine Clothes; ideal for clothing tweaks. |
How to Use the Makeover Interface
Interact with any of these NPCs and select the makeover option. You’ll see a menu where you can adjust:
- Hair: Choose from 57 hairstyles and 15 facial hair options (for male characters).
- Clothing: Customize torso, sleeves, bottoms, shoes, and wristwear.
- Body Type and Pronouns: Switch between male/female body types and set pronouns.
- Skin Color: Pick from standard tones or unlock special ones (e.g., green or zombie blue) via Halloween events.
Tip: If you’re wearing gender-specific items like the Royal Frog costume, the Makeover Mage may refuse service until you unequip them.
Use Player-Owned House Furniture for Random Changes
If you’re a member with a player-owned house (POH), you can tweak your character’s hair and clothes using specific furniture. These changes are free but random, so you might need a few tries to get the look you want.
Dresser for Hair Changes
Build a dresser in your POH bedroom (requires Construction level 21 and 2 planks, 1 bolt of cloth). Interact with it to cycle through random hairstyles and colors. Keep trying until you land on a style you like.
Wardrobe for Clothing Changes
A wardrobe (Construction level 42, 3 planks, 3 nails) lets you randomize your character’s clothing, including torso, legs, and more. Like the dresser, results are unpredictable, but it’s a fun option for members experimenting with looks.
Pros and Cons of POH Makeovers
- Pros: Free, no NPC travel required, accessible anytime in your POH.
- Cons: Random outcomes can be frustrating; requires Construction levels and materials.
Special Skin Colors and Event Unlocks
Beyond standard customization, OSRS offers unique skin colors tied to events or promotions. These are a great way to make your character stand out without relying on gear.
How to Unlock Special Skin Colors
Special skin colors are available through the makeover interface once unlocked:
- Green, Black, White, Zombie Blue: Complete any Halloween event.
- Purple: Originally a Twitch Prime exclusive (2018), now available to all players since September 20, 2018.
Check the makeover interface after events to see if new colors have been added. These don’t affect gameplay but add a cool flair.
Impact on Equipment Appearance
Some items in OSRS change color based on your character’s appearance settings. For example:
- Shoe Color: Affects items like Dragon Axe (or) or Larupia Hat.
- Torso Color: Influences Moonclan Gloves.
- Skin Color: Alters Fairy Heraldic Kiteshield or Shrink-me-quick animation.
Experiment with these to create a cohesive look with your gear.
Tips for a Seamless Makeover Experience
To make your OSRS appearance changes smooth and hassle-free, keep these pointers in mind.
Plan Your Look Beforehand
Decide what vibe you’re going for—rugged adventurer, elegant mage, or quirky jester. This helps you focus when navigating the makeover interface or POH furniture.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Unequip Special Items: Remove gear like the Frog Mask before visiting the Makeover Mage to avoid errors.
- Check F2P Limits: Free players can access most makeover options, but some clothing styles are P2P-only.
- Save Your Progress: Confirm your choices carefully, as there’s no “undo” button once you exit the interface.
Combine with Cosmetic Gear
While this guide focuses on base appearance, pairing your new look with cosmetic items from the Grand Exchange or Solomon’s General Store (for overrides) can elevate your style. Think graceful outfits or holiday event rewards for extra flair.
Changing your appearance in Old School RuneScape is straightforward and rewarding. Whether you’re hitting up the Makeover Mage, styling your hair at a dresser, or unlocking rare skin colors, you’ve got plenty of ways to craft a character that feels like you. So, head to Falador or Varrock, experiment with those options, and show Gielinor your new look!