OSRS New Skill 2024 Sailing Everything You Need to Know
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is set to introduce its first new skill in over a decade: Sailing. Announced as the 24th skill after extensive community feedback and polling, Sailing promises to transform the way players explore Gielinor’s seas. This blog post dives into the details of the Sailing skill, its development journey, gameplay mechanics, and what to expect when it launches in autumn 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a new player, here’s everything you need to know about this game-changing update.
The introduction of Sailing as OSRS’s newest skill is a testament to Jagex’s commitment to player-driven development. Unlike previous skill proposals, Sailing was crafted through a collaborative process with the community, ensuring it aligns with the nostalgic yet evolving spirit of Old School RuneScape.
Origins at Winter Summit 2022
The idea of a new skill was first floated at the Winter Summit 2022, where Jagex proposed adding a 24th skill to OSRS. This marked a significant moment, as the game had not seen a new skill since Hunter in 2006. The proposal passed a community poll, sparking excitement and debate about what the skill would be.
Community Feedback and Skill Pitches
In early 2023, Jagex pitched three potential skills: Sailing, Taming, and Shamanism. Sailing emerged as the frontrunner, securing 36.4% of votes in the initial poll, followed closely by Shamanism at 33.4%. By August 2023, Sailing passed the final poll with 71.9% in favor, locking it in as the new skill. This process involved extensive community input through the New Skill Player Council Discord and modcast livestreams.
Development Milestones
Jagex has been transparent about Sailing’s development, releasing regular updates via developer blogs and modcasts. A technical prototype demo in May 2023 showcased navigation mechanics, followed by a Closed Tech Alpha in 2024. The first Open Tech Alpha ran from March 20 to 26, 2025, giving players a taste of Sailing’s core features. The full release is slated for autumn 2025, with a public beta expected beforehand.
What is the Sailing Skill
Sailing allows players to captain their own ships, explore uncharted waters, and engage in a variety of seafaring activities. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly with existing OSRS content while introducing fresh gameplay mechanics that expand the game’s open-world feel.
Core Mechanics
Players begin their Sailing journey by speaking to Rob, Ned’s son, in Port Sarim to start the Maiden Voyage quest. From there, they can own and upgrade ships, ranging from basic vessels to advanced ships equipped with cannons and ballistae. Sailing involves navigating Gielinor’s oceans, engaging in activities like port tasks, salvaging, and combat, all while earning experience points (XP) to level up the skill.
Active vs. Passive Gameplay
Sailing offers both active and passive training methods to cater to different playstyles:
- Active Gameplay: Includes tasks like navigating treacherous waters, engaging in ship combat, and completing port tasks. These yield higher XP rates.
- Passive Gameplay: Involves activities like sailing between ports or fishing from the ship, offering lower XP but allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Potential activities include coral farming, bounties, and uncovering hidden treasures, making Sailing a dynamic skill with diverse training options.
Integration with Existing Content
Sailing is designed to complement OSRS’s existing skills, quests, and locations without disrupting the game’s balance. Jagex has taken care to ensure it enhances rather than overshadows current content.
Quest Integration
Sailing will tie into existing quests like Dragon Slayer I, but it won’t bypass requirements. For example, players may have the option to sail their own ship to Crandor instead of fixing the Lady Lumbridge, adding a new layer to the quest without trivializing it.
Synergy with Other Skills
Sailing will interact with skills like Woodcutting, Crafting, and Smithing for shipbuilding and upgrades. For instance, players might need to gather specific materials to construct or enhance their vessels. This integration breathes new life into underutilized skills and creates economic opportunities.
Economic Impact
The introduction of Sailing is expected to influence OSRS’s economy by increasing demand for materials used in shipbuilding and maintenance. Additionally, rewards from Sailing activities, such as unique items or resources, could introduce new trade opportunities, making it a potential money-making method for players.
Why Sailing Stands Out
Sailing is more than just a new skill; it’s a transformative addition that expands OSRS’s world and gameplay. Here’s why it’s generating so much buzz among players.
Exploration and Adventure
Sailing opens up Gielinor’s seas, making the game world feel larger and more immersive. Players can discover new islands, engage in naval battles, and uncover lore-rich content, such as potential underwater raids. This sense of adventure aligns perfectly with OSRS’s core appeal.
Community Support
Unlike previous skill proposals like Artisan or Warding, Sailing has garnered strong community support due to its unique concept and thorough refinement process. Players appreciate Jagex’s iterative approach, which incorporates feedback at every stage.
Long-Term Potential
Sailing lays the groundwork for future content, such as new quests, bosses, and PvP modes like fleet battles. Its versatility ensures it won’t be a one-dimensional skill, offering sustained engagement for years to come.
What to Expect in 2025
As Sailing’s full release approaches, here’s a breakdown of what players can anticipate, including key dates, features, and how to prepare.
Release Timeline
The following table outlines the major milestones for Sailing’s rollout:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 20-26, 2025 | Open Tech Alpha |
| Summer 2025 | Public Beta |
| Autumn 2025 | Full Release |
The Open Tech Alpha provided valuable feedback, and Jagex is using it to polish the skill for the upcoming beta.
Preparing for Sailing
To get ready for Sailing, players should focus on:
- Leveling Relevant Skills: Train Woodcutting, Crafting, and Smithing to prepare for shipbuilding.
- Saving Gold: Ships and upgrades may require significant investment.
- Following Updates: Stay informed via Jagex’s developer blogs, modcasts, and the OSRS Wiki for the latest refinements.
Engaging with the New Skill Player Council Discord can also provide insights into upcoming features and community discussions.
Potential Challenges
While Sailing has strong support, some players worry about its complexity or potential to disrupt the game’s meta. Jagex has addressed these concerns by ensuring Sailing remains optional and balanced, with no mandatory grind for non-Sailing content. The skill’s overworld integration (not instanced) also maintains OSRS’s open-world feel.
Conclusion
The Sailing skill is poised to be one of the most significant updates in OSRS history, offering a fresh way to explore Gielinor while staying true to the game’s roots. With its community-driven development, diverse gameplay, and long-term potential, Sailing is set to captivate both new and veteran players. As we approach the 2025 release, now is the perfect time to prepare for this seafaring adventure. Will you captain your ship to glory? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates!