OSRS Kourend Favor Removal: What It Means for Old School RuneScape Players

OSRS Kourend Favor Removal: What It Means for Old School RuneScape Players


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) underwent a significant change on January 10, 2024, with the removal of the Kourend Favor system. For years, this mechanic shaped how players interacted with Great Kourend, requiring them to grind reputation with its five houses—Arceuus, Hosidius, Piscarilius, Lovakengj, and Shayzien—to unlock content. While some embraced the grind, others saw it as a tedious barrier. Now that it’s gone, what does this mean for the game, its players, and the future of Kourend? This blog post dives into the history of Kourend Favor, why it was removed, its impact on gameplay, community reactions, and what might come next.

Introduction of the Favor System

Great Kourend debuted in OSRS in 2016 as a sprawling kingdom in Zeah, bringing with it the Kourend Favor system. Players had to earn favor with each house by completing specific tasks, like assisting library customers in Arceuus or mining volcanic sulphur in Lovakengj. Favor unlocked perks such as the Arceuus spellbook at 60% favor or access to the Hosidius kitchen at 100%. Initially, favor was dynamic—gaining favor in one house reduced it in others unless locked at 100%, adding a layer of strategy.

Evolution Over Time

The system evolved based on player feedback. Early complaints about losing favor led to a 2016 update allowing players to lock favor at 100% without penalties. Later, the 2018 “Tale of the Righteous” update rebalanced favor gain rates to make the grind less punishing. Despite these tweaks, the system remained a repetitive hurdle, especially for new accounts or alternate builds like Ironmen.

Why Jagex Removed Kourend Favor

Shifting Game Design Philosophy

Jagex announced the removal in a November 2023 blog post, tying it to the upcoming Varlamore expansion. The favor system, once a novel way to integrate players into Kourend’s lore, no longer fit OSRS’s direction. With content now widely accessible, locking it behind favor felt outdated compared to quest-based unlocks prevalent elsewhere in the game.

Player Feedback and Polling

The decision wasn’t unilateral. Jagex polled the community, asking: “Should we make various changes to Kourend, focusing on the removal of favor and improved transportation methods?” The poll passed with strong support, reflecting a sentiment that favor was more chore than challenge. Posts on X and Reddit showed a mix of relief and nostalgia, but the majority welcomed a streamlined experience.

Impact on Gameplay After Removal

Immediate Changes to Kourend Content

Post-removal, Kourend’s rewards were reassigned:

  • Arceuus Spellbook: Unlocked by speaking to Tyss at the Dark Altar, no favor required.
  • Hosidius Kitchen: Tied to the Kourend and Kebos Easy Diary.
  • Lizardman Shamans: Accessible by default.
  • Graceful Recolors: Still available via house-specific tasks for 90 Marks of Grace.

This shift eliminates the grind but preserves rewards, making Kourend more approachable for newbies and alts.

Effect on Early and Mid-Game Progression

For early-game players, skipping favor accelerates access to training methods like Tithe Farm or the Arceuus Library’s Magic experience. Mid-game players benefit too—Shayzien’s organized crime, once locked behind 40% favor, now offers combat XP without delay. However, some argue this reduces Kourend’s unique identity as a region requiring effort to master.

Community Reactions to Kourend Favor Removal

Positive Responses

Many players celebrated the change. A Reddit thread titled “Thank god it’s gone” captured the relief of those who found favor mind-numbing. On X, posts highlighted how it saves time for Ironmen and casuals alike. The consensus? Less tedium means more fun, aligning with OSRS’s grind-heavy but rewarding ethos.

Criticism and Nostalgia

Not everyone rejoiced. Some veterans mourned the loss of a system that forced exploration of Kourend’s nooks. A Reddit post, “Removing Kourend Favor makes me irrationally sad,” argued it added depth to the region. Others worried Jagex might over-simplify other grinds, like Mining or MTA, diluting OSRS’s core appeal.

Reaction Type Key Sentiment Example Feedback
Positive Relief from tedium “Finally, no more ploughing for hours!”
Negative Loss of flavor “Favor made Kourend feel alive.”
Mixed Appreciation but concern “Good change, but don’t gut the game’s soul.”

The Future of Great Kourend Post-Favor

Potential New Content

With favor gone, Jagex has an opportunity to revitalize Kourend. Suggestions from players like He Box Jonge include one-off “favors” for small XP lamps, akin to the Stronghold of Security. This could reintroduce early-game tasks without the old system’s slog. The Varlamore update, launched in 2024, adds skilling activities nearby, but Kourend risks being overshadowed unless refreshed.

Balancing Accessibility and Challenge

OSRS thrives on balancing accessibility with its grindy charm. Removing favor leans toward the former, but Jagex must ensure Kourend doesn’t become a ghost town. Expanding quests—like “A Kingdom Divided”—or adding mini-activities could maintain engagement. The challenge lies in keeping Kourend relevant without reverting to outdated mechanics.

Pros of Removal:

  • Faster content access
  • Less repetitive grinding
  • New player-friendly

Cons of Removal:

  • Loss of regional identity
  • Potential for empty areas
  • Less incentive to explore

SEO Keywords and Final Thoughts

For players searching “OSRS Kourend Favor removal,” “Kourend changes 2024,” or “Great Kourend updates,” this shift marks a pivotal moment. It’s a win for accessibility but a challenge for Kourend’s future vibrancy. As Varlamore shines, Jagex should weave Kourend into the narrative with fresh content—perhaps new quests or lore-driven tasks—to honor its legacy. What do you think? Did favor’s removal enhance your OSRS experience, or do you miss the old grind? Share your thoughts below!