OSRS F2P Achievement Diary: A Complete Guide for Free-to-Play Players

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a beloved MMORPG that offers a rich experience for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players. While the game’s Achievement Diary system is a well-known feature for members, providing tasks and rewards tied to specific regions, F2P players often wonder if there’s an equivalent for them. As of April 3, 2025, there’s no official F2P Achievement Diary in OSRS, but the community has long discussed its potential, and some tasks from existing diaries can be prepped in F2P. This blog post explores the concept of an OSRS F2P Achievement Diary, its potential benefits, suggested tasks, and how it could enhance the free-to-play experience. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned F2P veteran, this guide will dive deep into what could be and how to make the most of what’s already available.
Achievement Diaries in OSRS are sets of tasks tied to specific areas of Gielinor, designed to test a player’s skills, knowledge, and exploration abilities. Exclusive to members, these diaries offer rewards like experience lamps, unique items, and quality-of-life perks upon completion. They’re divided into four difficulty tiers—Easy, Medium, Hard, and Elite—each with increasing requirements and better rewards.
Why No Official F2P Achievement Diary Exists
Currently, all 12 Achievement Diaries (e.g., Lumbridge & Draynor, Varrock, Falador) are locked behind membership. Jagex, the game’s developer, has historically positioned diaries as a premium feature to incentivize subscribing. Despite this, F2P players can complete certain preparatory steps—like training skills or gathering items—that count toward diary progress once they become members. However, no rewards can be claimed without a subscription, leaving F2P players without an official diary system.
The Community’s Push for F2P Diaries
The OSRS community, especially on platforms like Reddit, has advocated for an F2P Achievement Diary for years. With the game’s mobile release and influx of new players, many argue that a free diary would provide goals for beginners, bridge the gap to membership, and combat botting by tying progression to meaningful tasks. While Jagex has not implemented this, the idea remains a hot topic.
Potential Benefits of an OSRS F2P Achievement Diary
An F2P Achievement Diary could transform the free-to-play experience by adding structure, rewards, and motivation. Here’s why it matters:
- Goal Setting for New Players: F2P can feel aimless without quests or clear objectives. A diary would guide newcomers through key activities.
- Reward Incentives: Small, balanced rewards could enhance gameplay without overshadowing P2P benefits.
- Bot Prevention: Task-based progression could deter suicide bots by requiring diverse activities beyond repetitive grinding.
- Membership Teaser: A taste of the diary system might encourage players to subscribe for more content.
How It Could Fit into F2P Gameplay
An F2P diary would need to align with the limited scope of free-to-play content—skills up to level 99, basic combat, and accessible areas like Lumbridge, Varrock, and Falador. Rewards would need to be modest to maintain the value of membership, but still impactful for F2P players.
Suggested Tasks for an OSRS F2P Achievement Diary
Since no official F2P diary exists, let’s imagine one based on the free-to-play regions of Misthalin (Lumbridge, Varrock) and Asgarnia (Falador). Below are proposed tasks across two tiers—Beginner and Intermediate—tailored to F2P limitations.
Beginner Tier Tasks
These tasks would introduce players to core mechanics and require minimal skill levels.
- Cook a Shrimp: Catch and cook a shrimp at Lumbridge’s fishing spot (Fishing 1, Cooking 1).
- Mine a Tin Ore: Mine tin in the Varrock Southeast Mine (Mining 1).
- Chop an Oak Tree: Cut an oak log west of Lumbridge (Woodcutting 15).
- Kill a Goblin: Defeat a goblin near Lumbridge (no requirements).
- Visit the Grand Exchange: Travel to Varrock’s Grand Exchange (no requirements).
Intermediate Tier Tasks
These tasks would challenge players with moderate skill levels and exploration.
- Smith a Mithril Dagger: Smelt and smith a mithril dagger at Varrock’s anvils (Smithing 50).
- Fish a Pike: Catch a pike at Barbarian Village (Fishing 25).
- Burn a Willow Log: Light a willow log fire in Falador (Firemaking 30).
- Defeat a Hill Giant: Kill a hill giant in the Edgeville Dungeon (Combat 20+ recommended).
- Craft an Air Staff: Craft an air battlestaff at Varrock’s staff shop (Crafting 40).
Table of Suggested Tasks and Requirements
Tier | Task | Skill Requirements | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Beginner | Cook a Shrimp | Fishing 1, Cooking 1 | Lumbridge |
Beginner | Mine a Tin Ore | Mining 1 | Varrock Southeast Mine |
Intermediate | Smith a Mithril Dagger | Smithing 50 | Varrock |
Intermediate | Fish a Pike | Fishing 25 | Barbarian Village |
Possible Rewards for an F2P Achievement Diary
Rewards for an F2P diary should be useful but not overpowered, preserving the appeal of membership. Here are some ideas:
Beginner Tier Rewards
- Explorer’s Ring 1 (Modified): Restores 25% run energy once per day.
- Experience Lamp: 500 XP in any skill above level 10.
- Lumbridge Teleport Unlock: One free teleport to Lumbridge per day.
Intermediate Tier Rewards
- Explorer’s Ring 2 (Modified): Restores 50% run energy twice per day.
- Experience Lamp: 2,000 XP in any skill above level 30.
- Falador Shield 1 (Modified): +5% XP boost to Mining in F2P areas.
These rewards mirror existing diary items but are scaled down to fit F2P constraints. The Explorer’s Ring, historically F2P in RuneScape’s early days, would be a nostalgic and practical addition.
How to Prepare for P2P Diaries as an F2P Player
While waiting for an official F2P diary, you can prep for P2P diaries in free-to-play. Certain tasks from diaries like Lumbridge & Draynor, Varrock, and Falador have steps that align with F2P content.
Preparable Tasks in F2P
- Lumbridge & Draynor Easy – Cook a Shrimp: Do this at Lumbridge now.
- Varrock Easy – Mine an Iron Ore: Mine iron in Varrock’s Southeast Mine.
- Falador Easy – Kill a Duck: Slay a duck in Falador Park.
- Skill Training: Level skills like Mining, Smithing, and Fishing to 40+ for Easy and Medium tiers.
Tips for F2P Preparation
To maximize your progress:
- Focus on Combat: Train at Hill Giants or Moss Giants to prepare for combat tasks.
- Gather Resources: Stockpile ores, logs, and fish for future smithing or cooking tasks.
- Complete F2P Quests: Quests like Dragon Slayer unlock areas and skills useful for diaries.
Once you go P2P, these efforts will count toward diary completion, saving you time.
In conclusion, while OSRS lacks an official F2P Achievement Diary as of April 3, 2025, the concept holds immense potential to enrich the free-to-play experience. A well-designed diary could guide new players, reward veterans, and bridge the gap to membership—all while staying true to F2P’s simplicity. Until Jagex acts, F2P players can prep for P2P diaries and enjoy the game’s core offerings. What do you think—should OSRS add an F2P diary? Let us know your thoughts!