How to Use Clan Chat in Old School RuneScape for Better Gameplay
Clan Chat in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a powerful tool for connecting with other players, organizing group activities, and building a community. Whether you’re coordinating boss fights, skilling sessions, or just chatting with friends, mastering Clan Chat can enhance your gaming experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Clan Chat effectively, from joining a channel to managing your own. Let’s dive into the world of OSRS Clan Chat!
Clan Chat, also referred to as Friends Chat in some contexts, is a feature introduced on August 6, 2007, that allows players to communicate across multiple game worlds. It’s a versatile system for group communication, linked to the Friends Chat feature in the main RuneScape game, meaning OSRS players can even chat with those on RuneScape. Here’s how it works and why it’s essential for players.
Key Features of Clan Chat
- Cross-World Communication: Connect with players on different worlds without needing to be in the same location.
- Rank-Based Permissions: Channel owners can assign ranks to control who can join, talk, or moderate.
- Up to 100 Players: A single channel can hold up to 100 players, with a friends list cap of 400 for ranks.
- Moderation Tools: Kick or ban disruptive players to maintain a positive environment.
Why Use Clan Chat?
Clan Chat is perfect for organizing group activities like PvM (Player vs. Monster), PvP (Player vs. Player), or skilling clans. It’s also a great way to stay connected with friends or find help for quests and minigames. By joining or creating a Clan Chat, you can tap into a community that aligns with your playstyle.
How to Join a Clan Chat in OSRS
Joining a Clan Chat is straightforward and opens the door to group activities. Whether you’re joining an existing clan or guesting in another’s chat, here’s how to get started.
Steps to Join a Clan Chat
- Access the Chat Interface: Press F7 or click the chat interface in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- Click Join Chat: Select the green plus icon (+) labeled “Join Chat” in the Clan Chat interface.
- Enter the Owner’s Username: Type the username of the player hosting the Clan Chat (not the clan name).
- Start Chatting: Once joined, type a forward slash (/) or double slash (//) before your message to send it to the Clan Chat.
Joining as a Guest
If you’re not a member of a clan but want to participate, you can join as a guest if the clan allows it. Use the “View Another Clan” option in the Clan Hub, enter the clan’s name, and select “Chat” to join as a guest. To talk, use three slashes (///) or /@gc before your message.
Important Notes
Free-to-play accounts with a total level below 150 cannot join or create Clan Chats due to an update on May 14, 2018. Ensure your account meets this requirement if you’re playing without membership.
Creating and Setting Up Your Own Clan Chat
If you want to lead your own group, creating a Clan Chat is a great way to build a community. Here’s how to set it up and customize it to suit your needs.
Steps to Create a Clan Chat
- Open Clan Setup: In the Clan Chat interface, click the gear icon to access “Clan Setup.”
- Name Your Clan: Choose a name (up to 12 characters) for your channel. This appears next to messages sent in the chat.
- Set Permissions: Decide who can enter, talk, or kick others. Options include:
- Anyone: Open to all players.
- Any Friends: Only those on your friends list.
- Recruit+: Specific ranks assigned to friends.
- Only Me: Private channel.
- Assign Ranks: Add players from your friends list and assign ranks like General, Captain, or Recruit.
- Save and Exit: Click the “X” to save your settings—no additional save button is needed.
Managing Clan Chat Ranks
Ranks determine who can talk, kick, or join your Clan Chat. Here’s a quick overview of ranks from highest to lowest:
| Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| Channel Owner | Full control over settings and permissions. |
| General | High-ranking member, often with kicking privileges. |
| Captain | Mid-tier rank, can be granted moderation powers. |
| Lieutenant | Lower-tier rank, often for trusted members. |
| Sergeant | Basic rank for active members. |
| Corporal | Entry-level rank for new members. |
| Recruit | Lowest rank, typically for newcomers. |
| Friend | Non-ranked friends on the owner’s friends list. |
Managing Your Clan Chat Effectively
Running a Clan Chat requires moderation to keep it organized and enjoyable. Here are tips to manage your channel like a pro.
Controlling Access
To prevent unwanted players from joining, use the “Who can enter chat?” setting. You can also add disruptive players to your Ignore List to block them permanently or kick them for a 60-minute ban. For temporary privacy, set the channel to “Only me” or disable it entirely.
Kicking and Banning Players
Players with ranks of Corporal or higher can be granted kicking permissions. To kick someone, right-click their name in the Clan Chat interface and select “Kick user [name].” This removes them for 60 minutes. Note that only players with lower ranks can be kicked by those with kicking privileges.
Reporting Rule-Breakers
If someone is breaking Jagex’s rules (e.g., spamming or using offensive language), use the “Report Abuse” button in the chat interface. Right-click the offender’s name, select the rule they’ve broken, and submit the report.
Tips for Using Clan Chat Like a Pro
To get the most out of Clan Chat, whether you’re a member or a channel owner, follow these expert tips to streamline communication and enhance your experience.
Chat Commands and Shortcuts
- Switch to Clan Chat Mode: Use /@c to set your chat to Clan Chat only, so all messages go to the channel without needing slashes.
- Guest Chat Mode: Use /@gc for guest Clan Chat messages.
- Return to Public Chat: Use /@p to revert to public chat.
- Clear Chat History: Use the “Clear history” option to wipe the chat log for your session.
Finding Useful Clan Chats
Some Clan Chats offer specialized services, such as skilling help or quest assistance. Here are a few notable ones:
- W308 Anvil: For buying and selling alchables in Varrock West bank on World 308.
- OSRS SOA: Helps find partners for quests like Shield of Arrav and Heroes’ Quest.
- Thievinghost: Provides a splashed Ardougne Knight for thieving training.
Best Practices for Clan Chat Etiquette
- Respect Rules: Follow the channel owner’s guidelines to avoid being kicked.
- Be Clear: Use concise messages to coordinate activities effectively.
- Stay Active: Engage with the community to build trust and earn higher ranks.
By mastering Clan Chat, you can transform your OSRS experience, making it easier to connect, collaborate, and conquer Gielinor with your clan. Whether you’re joining an existing chat or creating your own, these tools and tips will help you navigate the system with ease. Start chatting today and build your OSRS community!