OSRS Quests by Release Date: A Comprehensive Guide to Old School RuneScape Adventures
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a treasure trove of nostalgia and adventure, with its quests being a cornerstone of the gameplay experience. Since its launch in February 2013, OSRS has built upon the 2007 RuneScape archive, adding both classic and exclusive quests over the years. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of OSRS quests by their release dates, diving into key milestones, notable additions, and how they’ve shaped the game. Whether you’re a seasoned quester aiming for the Quest Cape or a newcomer curious about Gielinor’s stories, this guide will walk you through the evolution of OSRS quests.
When OSRS debuted, it inherited a robust set of quests from the August 2007 RuneScape backup. These “vanilla” quests formed the foundation of the game’s narrative and mechanics, offering players a mix of free-to-play (F2P) and members-only adventures.
Cook’s Assistant: The First Quest (February 22, 2013)
The journey began with Cook’s Assistant, widely regarded as the first quest developed for RuneScape and carried over to OSRS. Released with the game’s launch on February 22, 2013, this simple F2P quest tasks players with gathering ingredients for a birthday cake. It’s a novice-level introduction to questing, requiring no skill levels and rewarding 1 Quest Point (QP).
Iconic Vanilla Quests
The initial batch included several iconic quests that remain fan favorites:
- Dragon Slayer – A classic F2P quest culminating in a battle with Elvarg, unlocking the right to wear Rune Platebodies.
- Monkey Madness – A members-only grandmaster quest known for its complexity and the reward of a Dragon Scimitar.
- Desert Treasure – A challenging quest introducing Ancient Magicks, a staple for PvP and PvM players.
By the time OSRS launched, there were 113 vanilla quests, totaling 214 QP, setting the stage for future expansions.
The Post-Launch Era: Exclusive OSRS Quests
After its release, OSRS began to diverge from its 2007 roots by introducing quests exclusive to the Old School version. These additions kept the game fresh while honoring its nostalgic charm.
A Taste of Hope (May 24, 2018)
One of the first major OSRS-exclusive quests, A Taste of Hope, arrived on May 24, 2018. Part of the Myreque series, it expanded the vampyre storyline with a gripping narrative and introduced the Ivandis Flail upgrade. This quest marked a shift toward new content tailored for the OSRS community.
Song of the Elves (July 25, 2019)
A monumental release, Song of the Elves (July 25, 2019) concluded the Elf quest series and unlocked Prifddinas, the elven city. As a grandmaster quest, it demanded high skill requirements and rewarded players with access to a high-level hub, cementing its status as a pinnacle of OSRS questing.
Backported Quests: Bringing RuneScape Classics to OSRS
In addition to exclusive content, Jagex began backporting quests from RuneScape’s post-2007 era, adapting them for OSRS with tweaks to fit the Old School vibe.
Land of the Goblins (November 13, 2018)
Land of the Goblins, released on November 13, 2018, was the first significant backport. Originally a RuneScape quest from 2007, it was reintroduced to OSRS as part of the Goblin series. This intermediate quest brought players to the goblin underworld, offering a blend of humor and lore.
While Guthix Sleeps (Summer 2024)
A highly anticipated backport, While Guthix Sleeps, arrived in Summer 2024. First released in RuneScape in 2008, this grandmaster quest was adapted for OSRS with updated mechanics. It’s a cornerstone of the Mahjarrat storyline, rewarding players with significant experience and the Tormented Demon encounter.
Modern Expansions: Varlamore and Beyond
Recent years have seen OSRS quests tied to major area expansions, like Varlamore, enriching the game with fresh narratives and challenges.
Children of the Sun (March 20, 2024)
Children of the Sun, released on March 20, 2024, kicked off the Varlamore trilogy. This novice-level quest introduced players to the Shining Kingdom, requiring minimal skills and serving as an entry point to the region’s lore.
Varlamore: The Final Dawn (Winter 2024)
The trilogy concluded with Varlamore: The Final Dawn in Winter 2024. This master-level quest wrapped up the Varlamore storyline, featuring new bosses and a Slayer dungeon. It’s a testament to OSRS’s ongoing commitment to expansive, community-driven content.
Quest Milestones and Stats
As of April 9, 2025, OSRS boasts 170 quests—22 F2P and 148 members-only—offering a total of 321 QP. Below is a table highlighting key quests by release year:
| Quest | Release Date | Quest Points | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook’s Assistant | February 22, 2013 | 1 | Novice |
| Monkey Madness | February 22, 2013 | 3 | Grandmaster |
| A Taste of Hope | May 24, 2018 | 2 | Experienced |
| Song of the Elves | July 25, 2019 | 4 | Grandmaster |
| Children of the Sun | March 20, 2024 | 1 | Novice |
Total Quest Growth Over Time
- 2013: 113 quests (214 QP)
- 2019: 138 quests (254 QP)
- 2025: 170 quests (321 QP)
This steady growth reflects Jagex’s dedication to expanding OSRS while balancing nostalgia with innovation.
Upcoming Quests in 2025
Looking ahead, 2025 promises more excitement with the full release of the Sailing skill in Autumn, accompanied by related quests. The Blood Moon Rises, a grandmaster quest concluding the Myreque series, is slated for early 2026 but may see preliminary tie-ins in late 2025.
Conclusion: From the humble beginnings of Cook’s Assistant to the epic tales of Varlamore, OSRS quests by release date tell a story of evolution and community passion. Whether you’re chasing the Quest Cape or simply exploring Gielinor’s lore, these quests offer something for everyone. Which quest is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more OSRS adventures!