The OSRS 10-Year Cape: A Milestone Worth Celebrating in Old School RuneScape
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game steeped in nostalgia, community, and dedication. For players who’ve journeyed through Gielinor for a decade or more, the idea of an OSRS 10-year cape represents a badge of honor—a testament to their loyalty and love for this iconic MMORPG. While the 10-year cape isn’t currently an official item in OSRS as it is in RuneScape 3 (RS3), its potential introduction has sparked discussions among players. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what the OSRS 10-year cape could mean, its history in the broader RuneScape universe, why it matters to the community, and how it could enhance the game. Whether you’re a veteran adventurer or a newcomer, this exploration of the 10-year cape will shed light on its significance.
The concept of a 10-year cape stems from RuneScape’s “Capes of Distinction,” a series of cosmetic items introduced in RS3 to celebrate major player milestones. In RS3, the Veteran Cape (10 Year) is available to accounts created at least a decade ago, purchasable from Hans in Lumbridge Castle for 100,000 coins. It’s a symbol of longevity, adorned with a unique design that reflects a player’s enduring commitment to the game.
The Difference Between OSRS and RS3 Capes
While RS3 has embraced veteran capes for 5, 10, 15, and even 20 years, OSRS has yet to implement a similar system. OSRS, launched in 2013 as a nostalgic rollback to the 2007 version of RuneScape, prioritizes community-driven updates through polls. As of April 08, 2025, OSRS has been live for over 12 years, meaning many players who started at its inception—or carried over from the original RuneScape days—could qualify for a 10-year cape if it existed. The absence of this item in OSRS has left some veterans wondering why their dedication hasn’t been formally recognized in the same way.
Why Isn’t There a 10-Year Cape in OSRS Yet?
One reason might be the game’s polling system. Any new content, including cosmetic items like a 10-year cape, must pass a community vote with at least 70% approval. Discussions on platforms like Reddit suggest mixed feelings—some players love the idea of a loyalty reward, while others argue it could alienate newer players or feel out of place in OSRS’s skill-based reward structure. Additionally, Jagex might be waiting for the right moment, perhaps aligning it with a major anniversary event.
The History of Veteran Capes in RuneScape
To understand the potential for an OSRS 10-year cape, it’s worth looking at how veteran capes evolved in RuneScape’s mainline version. These capes have a rich history tied to the game’s legacy and its passionate player base.
Introduction of Capes of Distinction
RS3 introduced the Capes of Distinction on May 3, 2011, with the Veteran Cape (5 Year) as one of the first. The 10-year version followed on July 17, 2012, celebrating players who’d been around since 2002 or earlier. Each cape came with a unique emote, adding flair to the milestone. The 10-year cape, with its striking red-and-gold design, became a coveted status symbol.
Evolution to 15 and 20-Year Capes
As RuneScape aged, so did its players. The 15-year cape debuted in 2017, followed by the 20-year cape in 2022, each with escalating costs (150,000 and 200,000 coins, respectively) and increasingly ornate designs. These updates kept the veteran cape system relevant, rewarding long-term players as the game hit new milestones like its 20th anniversary.
Why the OSRS Community Wants a 10-Year Cape
The OSRS community is a unique blend of old-school purists, returning veterans, and fresh faces drawn by mobile releases and Twitch streams. A 10-year cape could resonate deeply with many of these players, especially those who’ve stuck with OSRS since its 2013 launch or carried over from the pre-OSRS era.
A Reward for Loyalty
For players who’ve spent countless hours slaying dragons, chopping yews, or fishing lobsters, a 10-year cape would be a tangible acknowledgment of their dedication. Unlike skill capes, which require grinding to 99, a veteran cape celebrates time—a resource that can’t be bought or rushed.
A Nostalgic Connection
OSRS thrives on nostalgia, and a 10-year cape could tie into that sentiment. Imagine a cape styled after the game’s 2007 logo or iconic early items like the party hat. It’d be a wearable piece of history, linking players to the roots of RuneScape’s golden age.
Community Recognition
Seeing a player in a 10-year cape could spark conversations at the Grand Exchange or Lumbridge bank. It’d mark someone as an “OG”—an original gangster of Gielinor—fostering a sense of camaraderie among veterans and curiosity among newer players.
How a 10-Year Cape Could Fit Into OSRS
Integrating a 10-year cape into OSRS would require careful design and community approval. Here’s how it could work, from acquisition to aesthetics.
Acquisition Method
Following RS3’s model, the cape could be sold by an NPC like Diango in Draynor Village, a familiar face for holiday item reclaims. A price tag of 100,000 GP would keep it accessible yet meaningful. Eligibility could be based on account creation date, either from OSRS’s 2013 launch or tied to original RuneScape accounts for pre-2013 veterans.
Design Ideas
The cape’s look should reflect OSRS’s retro vibe. Here are some potential designs:
- Classic Red Banner: Mimicking the “Old School” logo with a red base and yellow trim.
- Rune-Inspired: A metallic grey cape with rune symbols, nodding to the game’s crafting heritage.
- Party Hat Motif: A subtle crown pattern, paying homage to OSRS’s most iconic item.
Emote and Features
A unique emote could accompany the cape—perhaps a salute to the old days, like wielding a bronze sword or raising a pint of Asgarnian ale. Adding a minor perk, like a 1% XP boost for 10 minutes daily, could sweeten the deal without breaking game balance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | 100,000 GP |
| Location | Diango in Draynor Village |
| Eligibility | Accounts 10+ years old |
| Emote | Retro-inspired animation |
Pros and Cons of Adding the OSRS 10-Year Cape
Like any proposed update, the 10-year cape has its supporters and detractors. Let’s weigh the arguments to see where it stands.
Pros of the 10-Year Cape
- Rewards Loyalty: Honors players who’ve stuck with OSRS through thick and thin.
- Low Impact: As a cosmetic item, it wouldn’t disrupt game balance or PvP.
- Community Boost: Could re-engage lapsed players eager to flaunt their tenure.
Cons of the 10-Year Cape
- Exclusivity Concerns: Newer players might feel left out, unable to earn it through skill alone.
- Polling Hurdles: Might struggle to hit the 70% approval threshold if seen as “unfair.”
- Design Debate: Agreement on aesthetics could delay implementation.
The Community Verdict
Posts on Reddit and the OSRS forums show a split opinion. A 2018 thread suggested adding 5, 10, and 15-year capes, with some players loving the idea and others worried about “unobtainable” items. A poll today might hinge on how Jagex frames it—emphasizing nostalgia and inclusivity could tip the scales.
In conclusion, the OSRS 10-year cape is more than just a cosmetic item—it’s a potential celebration of a community that’s kept this game alive for over a decade. Whether it’s introduced at the 15-year mark in 2028 or sooner, it’d be a fitting tribute to Gielinor’s most dedicated adventurers. What do you think—should OSRS honor its veterans with a 10-year cape? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation going!