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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsChoose Old School RuneScape (OSRS) if you want its old-school presentation and a game whose proposed content is decided through community polls. Choose RuneScape—often called RS3—if you want the continuing version’s more ability-based combat and modern game systems. Neither is a straight upgrade of the other: they are separate games with independent character progress, so the best fit depends on what you want from RuneScape.
OSRS vs. RS3 at a glance
| What matters | Old School RuneScape (OSRS) | RuneScape (often called RS3) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Jagex describes OSRS as a 2007 backup version that launched in 2013 and has since grown into a distinct game. | Jagex describes RuneScape as the continuing version, where a returning player may find their previous profile and items. |
| Character progress | Separate character profile; progress does not transfer from RuneScape. | Separate character profile; progress does not transfer from OSRS. |
| Combat | Old-school style and a challenging leveling experience. | Evolution of Combat (EoC) offers abilities and Revolution; Legacy mode uses regular auto-attacks and weapon special attacks. |
| How updates are decided | Jagex says proposed content is polled, and a proposal needs 75% or more to pass. | The cited Jagex materials do not establish a comparable player-voting threshold for RuneScape. |
| Free play and membership | Free play is available; membership unlocks additional content. | Free play is available; membership adds content such as map access, skills, and quests. Jagex says membership applies to both versions for the selected character. |
Should you play OSRS or RS3?
Choose OSRS if you want the old-school experience
OSRS is the closer fit if you want its distinctive old-school presentation, gradual leveling, and a more explicit community role in deciding proposed updates. Jagex’s OSRS page lists 23 skills, hundreds of quests, and raids and bosses. That gives new players plenty to pursue without implying that OSRS is mechanically identical to the original 2007 game.
Its polling model is a concrete difference: Jagex says, “If something gets 75% or higher then it passes, and that content will be added to Old School RuneScape.” That is a policy threshold for proposed content, not a measure of player satisfaction or game quality. Jagex’s OSRS page
Choose RuneScape if you want adjustable, ability-based combat
RuneScape is the better fit if you want the continuing version and are interested in combat built around abilities. EoC includes abilities and Revolution, while Legacy mode uses regular auto-attacks and weapon special attacks. You can also choose the interface and combat mode separately: Jagex explains that “These two modes are comprised of two parts – the interface and the combat. You can mix and match the interfaces and combat modes to your own tastes!” Jagex Support’s guide to Legacy and EoC modes
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- Grab your capes and party hats, because we’re going to Gielinor!
- Inspired by the record-breaking online universe that’s captured the imagination of millions worldwide, RuneScape Kingdoms: Shadow of Elvarg is the official cooperative board game for 1-5 players.
Pick by preference, not by a universal ranking
Both games share the RuneScape setting, but they are independent games rather than two graphics or combat settings attached to one character. The choice is primarily about the style of game you want to play: OSRS’s old-school approach and formal polling, or RuneScape’s evolving systems and combat options. The official descriptions support those distinctions; they do not establish that one game is objectively better or more popular.
Is OSRS the same as RuneScape?
No. Jagex says OSRS began as a backup version of RuneScape from 2007, launched in 2013, and has developed into a distinct game. RuneScape is the continuing version. The shared setting and franchise do not mean the games share character progress. Jagex Support’s comparison of RuneScape and Old School
Rank #2
- Immerse yourself in a thrilling tabletop adventure filled with strategy, storytelling, and dynamic character interactions designed to challenge every decision.
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Can you use your RuneScape account on OSRS?
You can try both versions under the same Jagex account, but you do not carry a character’s stats, items, or other progress from one game into the other. A returning player’s old profile is associated with RuneScape; playing OSRS requires a separate, fresh character. Jagex states: “Profile progress is completely independent, meaning that character information, stats, and items do not transfer between the two games.” Jagex Support
How free play and membership work
Both versions offer free play, with membership opening additional content. Jagex says a membership purchase applies to both game versions for the selected character. Account support also explains that purchases are attached at the character level, so check that you have selected the character you intend to play before buying. RuneScape free-play page · RuneScape membership page
Rank #3
- Deep in the dangerous wasteland to the north east — the place they call the Wilderness — lies the lair of the King Black Dragon. A fearsome, three-headed beast infamous for dealing burning, freezing, electrifying, poisonous death to unfortunate adventurers. But lucky for you, Bob the Cat is here to lend a helping paw! Still, you may want to say a prayer before taking this quest on…
- The King Black Dragon expansion grows your RuneScape Kingdoms universe with an infamous new boss to face, Bob the Cat to meet, Prayer skill to master, Wilderness location to explore, and a whole new campaign, A Cat’s Tale of Triple Trouble, that will test your dragon-slaying mettle!
- It’s packed with new side quests, vault cards, and events, plus new items to discover, craft, and equip on your path to victory.
- Please note, you’ll need a copy of RuneScape Kingdoms: Shadow of Elvarg to use this expansion.
Membership terms changed in 2026: Premier Membership became a 12-month package in March, daily Treasure Hunter Keys were removed in January, and several former Premier benefits were retired or changed. Since package details and prices can vary or change, check the live membership page and checkout for your region rather than relying on an old price or benefits list. Jagex Support’s membership changes
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How many skills does RuneScape have?
Jagex’s current pages do not give a consistent RuneScape skill total. Its membership page refers to 12 exclusive skills; its free-play page says 28 skills overall, with 10 additional skills for members; and its game-info page lists 29 skills. Because those official figures conflict, it is more accurate not to present one total as definitive. Membership page · Free-play page · Game-info page
Quick Recap
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- WORLD DOMINATION: Can you acquire the most armies, play them most effectively and conquer the most territories?
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- ALL THE RIGHT MOVES: Players control their army and attempt to capture territories from other players. A miss-step and you're wiped out. Make the right moves and you'll conquer the world
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