Old School RuneScape (OSRS) History: From 2013 to 2025 – The Evolution of a Timeless MMORPG

Introduction: What is Old School RuneScape?

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a legendary MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) developed and published by Jagex. It was officially launched on February 22, 2013, as a response to the RuneScape community’s demand to bring back the 2007 version of the game. What started as a niche re-release quickly transformed into one of the most played and respected online games, known for its nostalgic gameplay, dedicated community, and unique player-driven content updates via polls.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the journey of OSRS — from its humble beginnings in 2013 to its current state in 2025 — covering major updates, community milestones, gameplay evolutions, and how its economy and money-making methods have changed over time.

2013: The Rebirth of a Classic

In early 2013, Jagex conducted a community poll asking whether players wanted the return of the 2007 version of RuneScape. The response was overwhelming, and as a result, Old School RuneScape (OSRS) was launched.

Key Highlights:

• Original graphics and interfaces from 2007
• Separate servers from modern RuneScape (RS3)
• A poll system allowing players to vote on future content
• No Grand Exchange (initially)

This version provided the nostalgic feel that many players missed. It was raw, community-driven, and very grind-heavy.

2014–2015: Growth and Game Stabilization

As OSRS gained popularity, Jagex started introducing new content through polls while maintaining the old-school feel.

Major Updates:

• God Wars Dungeon released (2014)
• Slayer bosses like Kraken, Smoke Devil introduced
• Quality of Life (QoL) improvements
• Implementation of Grand Exchange (2015) after player approval

The introduction of the Grand Exchange was a massive shift in the game’s economy, making trading easier and giving rise to a new era of merching and flipping.

2016–2017: High-Level PvM and Early Raids

By now, OSRS had cemented its place as a major MMORPG with a dedicated fan base.

Key Content Releases:

• Zulrah – A new solo boss known for high GP/hr
• Cerberus, Abyssal Sire added to Slayer
• Raids 1: Chambers of Xeric (2017)
• Introduction of new gear like Twisted Bow

Raids brought a new level of PvM complexity and group coordination. High-end gear drops became the new gold standard for money-making.

2018–2019: Mobile and Expanding Horizons

In 2018, Jagex released OSRS Mobile, making the game accessible to a wider audience. This move brought a huge surge in active players.

Additional Notable Updates:

• Theatre of Blood (Raids 2)
• Inferno – Most challenging PvM content
• Achievement Diary expansions
• QoL updates to skilling and bossing

The mobile version was a game-changer for both casual and hardcore players, enabling gold farming on the go and increasing global accessibility.

2020–2022: Community Leagues, Group Ironman, and Meta Shifts

These years were a blend of experimentation, community events, and expanding game modes.

Highlights:

• Leagues Mode – Time-limited game modes with custom rules
• Group Ironman – Team-based Ironman Mode
• Nightmare of Ashihama
• Extensive bot bans and anti-cheating measures
• Continued balancing updates

The focus was on keeping the game fresh while not compromising its core identity. Events like Leagues allowed players to try new metas and compete in leaderboards.

2023–2024: The New Generation of Bossing and Skilling

The past two years brought some of the most ambitious content updates OSRS has seen.

Key Additions:

• Tombs of Amascut (ToA) – Third Raid with unique mechanics and RNG
• Desert Treasure II – A sequel to the iconic quest, introducing:
  • Duke Sucellus
  • The Whisperer
  • Vardorvis
  • The Leviathan
• Forestry Part I & II – Major update to the Woodcutting skill
• New prayers and spellbooks (beta stage)

The PvM landscape was massively overhauled. Players now had access to a variety of end-game bosses with diverse drop tables and mechanics.

2025: Sailing Ahead and the Future of OSRS

As of 2025, the game is preparing for (or has launched, based on current polling results) its first-ever new skill – Sailing. This skill represents a historic step in OSRS development, breaking traditional norms while still being guided by the community.

What’s happening in 2025?

• Sailing skill development/poll
• More updates to Combat Achievements
• Boss Instance Expansion
• Continued improvements to Mobile UI
• Player Suggestions integrated more rapidly

The game is more refined than ever, yet it maintains its old-school soul. OSRS continues to grow due to its unique blend of nostalgia, transparency, and community engagement.

The Evolution of OSRS Economy and Money Making

One of the most fascinating aspects of OSRS is how its economy has transformed over the years.

Early Years (2013–2015):

• Sharks, Yews, Rune crafting nature runes
• Flipping items manually, no GE initially
• Green dragons, rune drops

Mid Era (2016–2020):

• Zulrah and Vorkath dominance
• Bossing as a primary income
• Skilling started to decline in profit
• Gold price in real-world trading remained high

Modern Era (2021–2025):

• ToA, DT2 Bosses, and Slayer tasks now dominate
• Forestry makes woodcutting profitable again
• Mining, Runecrafting revived with Guardians of the Rift
• Skilling & PvM balance improved
• Real-world value of GP has declined, but demand remains

Community and Content Creators: The Real Lifeline of OSRS

OSRS wouldn’t be where it is without its massive online presence. Creators like Settled (Swampletics), Torvesta, Framed, and WillMissIt have kept the game alive for new generations.

Twitch streams, YouTube challenges, Ironman series, and Reddit debates are all part of the game’s lifeblood. Jagex’s regular Q&A sessions further bridge the gap between devs and players.

Why OSRS is Still Thriving in 2025

• Community-driven content keeps players engaged
• Low system requirements + mobile support
• Balanced mix of nostalgia and innovation
• Diverse money-making options for every type of player
• Constant updates without losing its core feel

Final Thoughts

Old School RuneScape is not just a game; it’s a living history of online gaming, shaped by its players. Whether you’re a PvMer, skiller, merchant, or casual mobile player, OSRS offers a home. And in 2025, it’s stronger than ever.

Ready to make some GP in the modern world of OSRS? 👉 Check out our latest guides here: 2025 OSRS Money Making Guides