OSRS Quests in Order of Release: A Complete Chronological Guide

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is renowned for its rich storytelling and engaging quests, offering players a chance to dive into the lore of Gielinor. Since its launch in 2013, OSRS has carried over quests from the original RuneScape backup of August 2007 while adding new ones over the years. For players looking to experience these adventures as they unfolded historically, completing OSRS quests in order of release is a rewarding journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every OSRS quest in chronological release order, highlighting key details, rewards, and why this approach appeals to lore enthusiasts and completionists alike.

Playing OSRS quests in order of release offers a unique way to experience the game’s evolution. Unlike the optimal quest guide, which prioritizes efficiency, this method immerses you in the historical progression of Gielinor’s stories and mechanics. You’ll witness how Jagex refined quest design over time, from simple fetch quests to complex narratives with challenging bosses. It’s also a nostalgic trip for veterans and a structured path for newcomers wanting to appreciate the game’s roots.

The Appeal for Lore Lovers

For those invested in OSRS lore, release order reveals how storylines like the Mahjarrat, Elf, and Myreque series developed incrementally. It’s like reading a book series as it was published—each quest builds on what came before, even if the in-game timeline isn’t strictly linear.

A Challenge for Completionists

Completionists might enjoy the added difficulty of tackling quests with escalating requirements as they were released. Early quests like Cook’s Assistant have no prerequisites, while later ones like Song of the Elves demand high skill levels and prior quest completions, testing your dedication.

The Full List of OSRS Quests in Release Order

Below is the complete list of OSRS quests in order of their release dates, starting with the “vanilla” quests available at OSRS’s launch in February 2013 (inherited from the 2007 RuneScape archive) and followed by new quests added post-launch. As of April 10, 2025, there are 170 quests, with 321 total quest points available.

Pre-2013 Quests: The Vanilla Era (2001–2007)

These quests were part of the original RuneScape when OSRS launched, released between 2001 and 2007. They form the backbone of the game’s early narrative and mechanics.

• Cook’s Assistant – January 4, 2001 (1 QP) – A beginner-friendly quest to bake a cake for the Duke of Lumbridge.
• Demon Slayer – January 4, 2001 (3 QP) – Stop Delrith from destroying Varrock with the legendary Silverlight.
• The Restless Ghost – February 1, 2001 (1 QP) – Help a ghost find peace in Lumbridge.
• – February 1, 2001 (5 QP) – A classic tale of star-crossed lovers (removed in RS3 but intact in OSRS).
• Shield of Arrav – April 4, 2001 (1 QP) – Team up to recover a stolen shield, requiring cooperation with another player.

Note: The list continues with quests like Dragon Slayer (September 23, 2001) and progresses to Monkey Madness I (December 6, 2004), culminating with Dream Mentor (May 15, 2007), the last vanilla quest before OSRS’s cutoff.

Post-2013 Quests: OSRS Originals (2013–2025)

After OSRS launched, Jagex began adding new quests, expanding the game beyond its 2007 roots. Here are some highlights:

• The Grand Tree – February 22, 2013 (retroactively available) – Protect the gnomes from a human threat.
• Monkey Madness II – May 6, 2016 (4 QP) – The first major new quest, featuring brutal bosses like Kruk.
• Dragon Slayer II – January 4, 2018 (5 QP) – A grandmaster quest with epic dragon battles.
• Song of the Elves – July 25, 2019 (4 QP) – Unlocks Prifddinas, requiring extensive prerequisites.
• The Curse of Arrav – November 6, 2024 (latest as of late 2024) – Continues the Mahjarrat saga.

For a full chronological list, refer to the OSRS Wiki’s “List of Quest Release Dates,” which tracks every quest up to the current date, April 10, 2025.

Key Milestones in OSRS Quest History

Certain quests mark pivotal moments in OSRS’s development, either for their innovation or impact on the game world. Let’s explore a few.

Cook’s Assistant: The First Quest

Released on January 4, 2001, Cook’s Assistant is the simplest quest in OSRS, requiring just a bucket of milk, flour, and an egg. It’s a gentle introduction to questing and a nostalgic starting point for release-order players.

Dragon Slayer: The F2P Finale

Launched September 23, 2001, Dragon Slayer was the last free-to-play quest before membership became the norm for new content. Defeating Elvarg remains a rite of passage for F2P players.

Monkey Madness II: A New Era

May 6, 2016, saw Monkey Madness II as OSRS’s first major original quest, blending tough combat with intricate puzzles. It set the tone for grandmaster-level challenges in the post-2013 era.

Challenges of Questing by Release Order

While rewarding, this approach isn’t without hurdles. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.

Skill Requirements Ramp Up Quickly

Early quests are accessible, but by the time you hit Heroes’ Quest (March 24, 2002), you’ll need 53 Cooking, 53 Fishing, and 25 Herblore. Later quests like Sins of the Father (June 4, 2020) demand 62 Woodcutting and 60 Attack, making training essential.

Quest Prerequisites

Many quests require completing earlier ones. For example, Song of the Elves needs Mourning’s End Part II (October 19, 2004) and others, meaning you can’t skip ahead even if you meet skill requirements.

Quest	Release Date	Prerequisites	Quest Points
Cook’s Assistant	January 4, 2001	None	1
Heroes’ Quest	March 24, 2002	Shield of Arrav, Lost City, Merlin’s Crystal	1
Song of the Elves	July 25, 2019	Mourning’s End Part II, Making History	4

Combat Difficulty

Boss fights escalate over time. Early foes like Delrith are manageable, but later ones like Glough in Monkey Madness II require solid gear and strategy, pushing your combat skills to the limit.

Tips for Completing OSRS Quests in Release Order

To succeed, you’ll need a plan. Here are practical tips to keep you on track.

Prioritize Early Skill Training

Train key skills like Attack, Strength, and Prayer early to handle combat-heavy quests. For example, 40 Attack and Strength make Dragon Slayer smoother, while Prayer helps with protection prayers in tougher fights.

Use Quest Rewards Strategically

Quests like The Knight’s Sword (July 6, 2001) grant 12,725 Smithing XP, boosting you from level 1 to 29. Plan your training around these rewards to minimize grinding.

Leverage Community Resources

Check the OSRS Wiki or YouTube guides (e.g., J1mmy’s “By Release” series) for walkthroughs. These can clarify obscure steps, especially in older quests with less intuitive design.

Enjoy the Journey

Don’t rush—savor the dialogue and world-building. Quests like The Fremennik Trials (November 2, 2004) offer cultural depth, while While Guthix Sleeps (July 24, 2024) ties into grand lore arcs.

Embarking on OSRS quests in release order is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll start with humble tasks in Lumbridge and end with epic showdowns across Gielinor, earning the coveted Quest Cape along the way. Whether you’re a lore hound or a completionist, this chronological adventure offers a fresh perspective on a classic MMORPG. So, grab your adventurer’s hat, stock up on supplies, and dive into the history of Old School RuneScape—one quest at a time.