The Ultimate OSRS Questing Guide: Your Path to Optimal Questing in Old School RuneScape

Why Questing in OSRS is Your Ticket to Adventure

If you’ve ever logged into Old School RuneScape (OSRS) and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of quests—183 at the time of writing, to be exact—you’re not alone. Quests are the heart and soul of OSRS, weaving rich stories, unlocking new areas, and granting rewards that make your skilling, combat, and exploration journeys so much smoother. But here’s the kicker: not all quests are created equal, and tackling them in a random order can leave you grinding for hours longer than necessary. That’s where an optimal quest guide for OSRS comes in, and I’m here to walk you through it like a friend who’s been questing since the days of RuneScape Classic.

Whether you’re a newbie in Lumbridge or a seasoned player chasing that coveted Quest Cape, this OSRS quests guide will help you navigate the game’s sprawling questlines with efficiency and a bit of fun. We’ll cover the best order to tackle quests, must-have tips for smooth questing, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to conquer Gielinor’s quests without breaking a sweat. Ready to dive in? Let’s get questing!

Why Follow an Optimal Questing Order in OSRS?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why an optimal quest guide for OSRS matters. Quests in OSRS aren’t just about chasing XP or unlocking new areas (though those are awesome perks). They’re about efficiency. Completing quests in a strategic order saves you time, reduces grinding, and unlocks rewards that make future quests easier. For example, finishing early quests like Waterfall Quest can skyrocket your Attack and Strength levels, making combat-heavy quests a breeze later on.

Here’s what an optimized questing approach offers:

Time Savings: Completing quests in the right order minimizes backtracking and unnecessary skilling.
XP Boosts: Many quests grant experience that can skip hours of training.
Unlocks: Access to new areas, teleports, and items that streamline gameplay.
Story Immersion: Following a logical quest order enhances the narrative flow, especially for quest series like the Myreque or Desert storylines.

In short, an OSRS questing strategy is like planning a road trip: you could wing it, but a good map makes the journey way more enjoyable. Let’s break down how to approach this.

Understanding OSRS Quests: The Basics

Old School RuneScape quests range from short, beginner-friendly tasks like Cook’s Assistant to epic, multi-part sagas like Song of the Elves. They’re categorized by difficulty (Novice, Intermediate, Experienced, Master, and Grandmaster) and type (free-to-play or members-only). As of June 2025, there are 24 free-to-play quests and 159 members-only quests, each offering unique rewards like experience, items, or access to new content.

The key to mastering OSRS quests is understanding their requirements and rewards. Some quests, like Dragon Slayer, have high skill requirements, while others, like The Knight’s Sword, offer massive XP with minimal effort. By prioritizing low-requirement, high-reward quests early, you set yourself up for success.

The Optimal OSRS Quest Order: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s the meat of our optimal quest guide for OSRS: a recommended quest order designed to maximize efficiency. This guide prioritizes quests that unlock key rewards, have low requirements, or set you up for future questlines. I’ve broken it into tiers based on difficulty and progression, with tips for each stage. If you’re a beginner in the USA, UK, or Australia, this guide is tailored to help you navigate Gielinor’s challenges, no matter where you’re playing from.

Tier 1: Beginner Quests (Free-to-Play and Low Requirements)

Start with these quests to build a solid foundation. They’re quick, have low or no skill requirements, and offer great rewards for early-game players.

Cook’s Assistant
- Why: No requirements, quick to complete, and grants 300 Cooking XP.
- Tip: Grab the flour and egg from Lumbridge’s chickens and mill to speed through this one.
- Time: ~10 minutes.
The Restless Ghost
- Why: 1,125 Prayer XP, a huge boost for early-game Prayer training.
- Tip: Bring a few bones to bury for extra Prayer XP while you’re in the graveyard.
- Time: ~15 minutes.
X Marks the Spot
- Why: Easy treasure hunt with 300 XP and access to a clue scroll.
- Tip: Follow the map closely to avoid getting lost in Lumbridge.
- Time: ~10 minutes.
Waterfall Quest
- Why: No skill requirements, grants 13,750 Attack and Strength XP—insane for early levels.
- Tip: Watch out for the level 84 Moss Giants; bring food if your combat is low.
- Time: ~30 minutes.
The Knight’s Sword
- Why: 12,725 Smithing XP with only 10 Mining required.
- Tip: Partner with a friend to gather blurite ore faster in the icy dungeon.
- Time: ~40 minutes.

Pro Tip: These quests are perfect for free-to-play players or new members. If you’re in the US and playing on a lunch break, or in Australia grinding after work, you can knock these out in a single session. For more details on quest requirements, check the OSRS Quests Wiki.

Tier 2: Early Members’ Quests for Big Rewards

Once you’ve tackled the beginner quests, move to these members-only quests to unlock key areas and XP rewards. These require slightly higher skills but are still manageable for newer players.

Druidic Ritual
- Why: Unlocks Herblore, a crucial skill for quests and skilling.
- Tip: Gather the raw meat ahead of time to save a trip.
- Time: ~15 minutes.
Witch’s House
- Why: 6,325 Hitpoints XP and access to the Witch’s House for future skilling.
- Tip: Bring a few pieces of cheese to distract the mouse—saves time!
- Time: ~20 minutes.
Merlin’s Crystal
- Why: Unlocks Camelot teleport and 6 Quest Points.
- Tip: Watch a quick guide for the Excalibur puzzle to avoid frustration.
- Time: ~45 minutes.
Lost City
- Why: Access to Zanaris and the Dragon Dagger/Longsword.
- Tip: Bring a knife to cut the tree and teleports to save time.
- Time: ~30 minutes.

Anecdote: I remember my first time doing Lost City in the UK, back when I was juggling uni classes. I was so excited to wield a Dragon Dagger that I forgot to bring a knife and spent 20 minutes running back to Lumbridge. Don’t make my mistake—prep your inventory!

Tier 3: Intermediate Quests for Progression

Now that you’ve got some levels and unlocks, it’s time to tackle quests that build toward major questlines and rewards. These require moderate skills (20–40 in various stats) but pay off big.

Fairy Tale I – Growing Pains
- Why: Unlocks Fairy Rings, one of the best teleports in OSRS.
- Tip: Complete Lost City first for Zanaris access.
- Time: ~1 hour.
The Grand Tree
- Why: 7,900 Agility XP and access to the Gnome Stronghold.
- Tip: Stock up on food for the final fight against the Black Demon.
- Time: ~1 hour.
Tree Gnome Village
- Why: 11,450 Attack XP and access to Spirit Trees.
- Tip: The maze can be tricky; follow a guide to avoid getting lost.
- Time: ~30 minutes.
Fight Arena
- Why: 12,175 Attack XP and 2,175 Thieving XP.
- Tip: Bring good armor for the boss fights to avoid dying.
- Time: ~40 minutes.

Pro Tip: Fairy Rings and Spirit Trees are game-changers for getting around Gielinor. Whether you’re in the USA grinding on a weekend or in Australia playing late-night, these teleports will save you hours.

Tier 4: Advanced Quests and Questlines

This tier focuses on questlines and high-reward quests that require 40+ skills and multiple Quest Points. These unlock major content and set you up for endgame quests.

Monkey Madness I
- Why: Access to Ape Atoll and the Dragon Scimitar.
- Tip: Train combat to at least 60 before attempting the final fight.
- Time: ~2 hours.
Desert Treasure
- Why: Unlocks Ancient Magicks, a powerful spellbook.
- Tip: Stock up on high-level food and potions for the tough boss fights.
- Time: ~3 hours.
Recipe for Disaster
- Why: Unlocks Barrows Gloves, the best gloves in OSRS.
- Tip: Break this quest into sub-quests to make it more manageable.
- Time: ~5–6 hours (spread across sessions).

Story Time: When I tackled Desert Treasure in my early OSRS days, I was playing from a small apartment in Sydney, Australia. The Diamond in the Rough boss had me raging after three deaths, but the thrill of unlocking Ancient Magicks made it all worth it. Prep well, and you’ll avoid my pain!

Tier 5: Master and Grandmaster Quests

These are the pinnacle of OSRS questing, requiring high skills, preparation, and patience. They’re for players chasing the Quest Cape or major unlocks.

Song of the Elves
- Why: Unlocks Prifddinas, the endgame city with amazing skilling and combat content.
- Tip: Complete all Elf-related quests (Mourning’s End Part II, etc.) first.
- Time: ~4–5 hours.
Sins of the Father
- Why: Access to Darkmeyer and the Drakan’s Medallion.
- Tip: Train Slayer to 70+ for easier boss fights.
- Time: ~3 hours.
Dragon Slayer II
- Why: Unlocks the Myths’ Guild and Dragonfire protection.
- Tip: Bring your best gear and plenty of restores for the brutal bosses.
- Time: ~4 hours.

Pro Tip: These quests are tough but rewarding. If you’re in the US and balancing work, set aside a weekend to focus on one at a time. The OSRS Quests Wiki has detailed guides for each.

Tips for Efficient OSRS Questing

To make your OSRS quests guide journey smoother, here are some practical tips I’ve learned from years of questing:

Plan Your Inventory: Always check quest requirements on the OSRS Wiki and bring all items upfront to avoid backtracking.
Use Teleports: Invest in teleports like the Amulet of Glory, Ring of Dueling, or Fairy Rings to save time.
Train Smart: Use quest XP rewards to skip tedious training. For example, Waterfall Quest can boost you from 1 to 30 Attack in one go.
Watch Guides: YouTube walkthroughs or the OSRS Wiki can clarify tricky puzzles, like those in Elemental Workshop.
Join a Clan: Playing with friends or a clan (common in the UK and Australia OSRS communities) makes combat quests easier and more fun.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in OSRS Questing

Even seasoned players make mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

Skipping Requirements: Always check skill and quest prerequisites to avoid getting stuck.
Underpreparing for Bosses: Stock up on food, potions, and gear for combat-heavy quests like Dragon Slayer II.
Ignoring Quest Series: Complete questlines (e.g., Myreque or Elf series) in order to avoid confusion and extra grinding.

Why Questing is Worth It in OSRS

Questing in OSRS isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about immersing yourself in Gielinor’s world. From helping a chef in Lumbridge to saving the elves in Prifddinas, quests tell stories that make the game feel alive. Plus, the rewards—like Barrows Gloves, Fairy Rings, or the Quest Cape—are game-changers for skilling, PvM, and exploration.

For players in the USA, UK, or Australia, questing fits any schedule. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick quest before work or grinding a questline on a rainy weekend, the sense of accomplishment is universal. So grab your adventurer’s hat, follow this optimal quest guide for OSRS, and start your journey today!

FAQ: Your OSRS Questing Questions Answered

What is the best order to do quests in OSRS?

The best order starts with low-requirement, high-reward quests like Waterfall Quest and The Knight’s Sword, then progresses to quests that unlock teleports (Fairy Tale I) and major content (Monkey Madness I). Follow our tiered guide above for a detailed roadmap.

How many quests are in OSRS?

As of June 2025, OSRS has 183 quests: 24 free-to-play and 159 members-only, ranging from Novice to Grandmaster difficulty.

What are the best quests for XP in OSRS?

Warerfall Quest (13,750 Attack/Strength XP), The Knight’s Sword (12,725 Smithing XP), and Fight Arena (12,175 Attack XP) are great for early XP boosts.

How do I get the Quest Cape in Old School RuneScape?

Complete all 183 quests to earn the Quest Cape. Follow an optimal quest guide for OSRS to streamline the process and meet skill/quest requirements efficiently.

Are OSRS quests worth doing?

Absolutely! Quests offer XP, unlock new areas, and provide items like Barrows Gloves or Fairy Rings, making them essential for efficient gameplay.

Call to Action

What’s your favorite OSRS quest, and why? Drop a comment below and let us know! If you’re hungry for more tips, check out our OSRS Skilling Guide or dive into the OSRS Quests Wiki for detailed walkthroughs. Happy questing, adventurers!