OSRS: When Is Sailing Coming Out? Release Date and Updates

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sailing, the game’s first new skill in over a decade. Since its announcement, Sailing has sparked excitement and speculation across the community. But the big question remains: when is Sailing coming out in OSRS? In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything we know so far—release timelines, development updates, alpha testing, and what to expect from this groundbreaking addition to Gielinor. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, here’s your guide to the Sailing skill release date and beyond.

Sailing didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s the result of years of community feedback and careful planning by Jagex, the developers behind OSRS. Let’s take a look at how this skill came to be and why it’s such a big deal.

Origins of Sailing in OSRS

The idea of Sailing as a skill has floated around the RuneScape community for years, even appearing as an April Fools’ joke in 2014. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that Jagex seriously pitched it as a potential new skill. On March 27, 2023, Sailing was proposed alongside two other skills—Taming and Shamanism—in a community poll. With 36.4% of the votes, Sailing emerged as the frontrunner, beating Shamanism (33.4%) and Taming (17.7%).

Community Approval and Lock-In

After refining the concept based on player input, Jagex held a lock-in poll on August 25, 2023. The result? A resounding 71.9% voted “yes” to adding Sailing as OSRS’s 24th skill. This marked a historic moment—the first new skill since the game’s launch in 2013. From there, development kicked into high gear, with Jagex promising a collaborative process to ensure Sailing fits the “Old School” vibe while introducing fresh content.

Sailing Release Timeline: When Can We Expect It?

While Jagex hasn’t pinned down an exact release date, they’ve shared enough updates to give us a solid timeline. As of April 6, 2025, here’s what we know about when Sailing might hit the live servers.

Alpha Testing: March 2025

The first major milestone came with the March 2025 Sailing Alpha, which ran from March 20 to March 26, 2025. This public alpha allowed all OSRS members to test the skill up to level 30. It featured an introductory quest (Pandemonium), boat customization, and activities like port tasks, shipwreck salvaging, and sea charting. The alpha was a critical step, giving Jagex real-world feedback to refine the skill before its full release.

Full Release: Autumn 2025

Jagex has consistently pointed to Autumn 2025 as the target for Sailing’s full release. This was confirmed in their official update roadmap as of March 2025. While “autumn” spans September to November, many speculate a late September or early October launch to align with Jagex’s typical update schedule. However, the team has emphasized flexibility, noting that additional betas could push this date if more polish is needed.

Factors That Could Affect the Release

Several variables could influence the final release date:

• Player Feedback: The alpha’s reception and subsequent beta tests will shape the skill’s final form.
• Development Challenges: Technical hurdles, like perfecting ship navigation, have already required extensive engine work.
• Community Polls: Jagex may hold additional polls for major features, potentially delaying implementation.

Given Jagex’s commitment to quality, don’t be surprised if Sailing slips into late 2025 or even early 2026 if significant tweaks are required.

What Will Sailing Bring to OSRS?

Sailing isn’t just a new skill—it’s a game-changer that expands the world of Gielinor. Here’s a breakdown of what players can expect when it launches.

Core Gameplay and Features

Sailing is designed as an open-world utility skill focused on exploration and adventure. Key features include:

• Ship Ownership: Players can build and customize ships, from small rafts to colossal vessels, with upgrades like cannons and cargo holds.
• Navigation: Use a ship’s wheel to enter Navigation Mode, clicking sea tiles to steer your vessel across shallow, open, and deep waters.
• Activities: Engage in port tasks, salvaging, sea charting, and Barracuda Trials for XP and rewards.

New Content and Rewards

Sailing will introduce a wealth of new content:

• Islands: Explore uncharted lands like The Great Conch, home to the Tortugans and new Slayer monsters like Gryphons.
• Resources: Gather coral for potions and armor, or trawl for exotic fish like Blue Tang and Sunfish.
• Ship Combat: PvE battles are confirmed, with PvP planned for later updates.

These additions promise to integrate Sailing with existing skills like Farming, Fishing, and Slayer, enriching the overall gameplay experience.

Development Updates: Where Are We Now?

As of April 6, 2025, Sailing is in active development, with Jagex providing regular behind-the-scenes updates. Let’s catch up on the latest progress.

Post-Alpha Refinement

The March 2025 alpha was a success, but it wasn’t the final product. Jagex used player feedback to tweak navigation mechanics, balance XP rates, and enhance ship customization. A second open beta, dubbed the “Sailing Demo,” is planned closer to launch, likely in mid-2025, to test additional features like combat and new islands.

Team Expansion and Milestones

Two dedicated teams are now working on Sailing:

Team	Focus
Vanguard	Primary gameplay, navigation, and core mechanics
Island Development	Islands, points of interest, and rewards

The Vanguard team hit Milestone 1 in early 2024, laying the technical foundation, while the Island team joined later to flesh out the world. Jagex has outlined nine milestones total, with the alpha marking a significant step forward.

Community Involvement

Jagex continues to involve players through surveys, Discord modcasts, and playtests. Competitions to design the Sailing icon and skill cape have kept the community engaged, ensuring the skill reflects what fans want.

Why Sailing Matters for OSRS

Sailing isn’t just another skill—it’s a bold step forward for OSRS. Here’s why its release is a pivotal moment for the game.

Expanding Gielinor’s Horizons

For years, the blue edges of the OSRS map have teased untapped potential. Sailing replaces those blank spaces with a dynamic ocean, opening up new areas to explore. This expansion could pave the way for future content, from sea-based quests to oceanic bosses.

A Fresh Challenge for Veterans and Newbies

With no new skills since 2013, Sailing offers veterans a reason to grind again while giving newcomers a unique entry point. Its mix of skilling, combat, and utility ensures broad appeal, whether you’re a completionist or a casual player.

Keeping OSRS Alive and Thriving

Adding Sailing shows Jagex’s commitment to evolving OSRS without losing its nostalgic charm. A successful launch could boost player counts, attract returning fans, and solidify OSRS as a living, breathing MMO in 2025 and beyond.

Final Thoughts: So, when is Sailing coming out in OSRS? While Autumn 2025 is the current target, the exact date hinges on testing and refinement. Based on Jagex’s updates, we’re likely looking at a September or October release, with a slim chance of a delay into late 2025. Either way, Sailing promises to be worth the wait, bringing a tidal wave of new adventures to Gielinor. Keep an eye on Jagex’s official channels for the latest news, and get ready to set sail!