Old School RuneScape is the 2013 fork of a 2007 backup of RuneScape, and it is not a mode inside RuneScape 3. Separate servers, separate accounts, separate membership, separate high scores. Steam app 1343370 is Jagex's official client for it rather than a distinct game, and the client is free while membership is not. Jagex polls new content to paying members and needs 70 percent yes to pass, a bar lowered from 75 percent at the end of 2022, which is why the game still plays like 2007 with two decades of member approved additions layered on.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melee training | A | Balanced | Abyssal whip | Yes |
| Ranged training | A | Balanced | Toxic blowpipe | Yes |
| Magic training | A | Balanced | Twisted bow | Yes |
| Pure and skiller builds | A | Balanced | Scythe of Vitur | Yes |
| Ironman and Group Ironman | A | Balanced | Trident of the swamp | Yes |
New player? Start with Ranged training. See our beginner's guide for why.
Melee training
Melee training is a strong option in Old School RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Abyssal whip |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Twenty four skills, every one capped at 99 |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Abyssal whip
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Lumbridge to learn Melee training-specific mechanics
- Focus on Twenty four skills, every one capped at 99. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Abyssal whip as your first major upgrade
- See our full Melee training build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ranged training
Ranged training is a strong option in Old School RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Toxic blowpipe |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Content polls needing 70 percent yes |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Toxic blowpipe
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Lumbridge to learn Ranged training-specific mechanics
- Focus on Content polls needing 70 percent yes. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Toxic blowpipe as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ranged training build guide for the optimal gear progression
Magic training
Magic training is a strong option in Old School RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Twisted bow |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Tick based combat on a 0.6 second tick |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Twisted bow
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Lumbridge to learn Magic training-specific mechanics
- Focus on Tick based combat on a 0.6 second tick. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Twisted bow as your first major upgrade
- See our full Magic training build guide for the optimal gear progression
Pure and skiller builds
Pure and skiller builds is a strong option in Old School RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Scythe of Vitur |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Grand Exchange trading and bonds |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Scythe of Vitur
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Lumbridge to learn Pure and skiller builds-specific mechanics
- Focus on Grand Exchange trading and bonds. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Scythe of Vitur as your first major upgrade
- See our full Pure and skiller builds build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ironman and Group Ironman
Ironman and Group Ironman is a strong option in Old School RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Trident of the swamp |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Account modes including Ironman and Group Ironman |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Trident of the swamp
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Lumbridge to learn Ironman and Group Ironman-specific mechanics
- Focus on Account modes including Ironman and Group Ironman. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Trident of the swamp as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ironman and Group Ironman build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Ranged training is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Melee training is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Abyssal whip for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Ironman and Group Ironman offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Pure and skiller builds shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Old School RuneScape Guides
- Old School RuneScape Old School RuneScape Overview
- Old School RuneScape Best Builds
- Old School RuneScape Tier List
- Old School RuneScape Walkthrough
- Old School RuneScape Beginner's Guide
- Old School RuneScape Tips & Tricks
- Old School RuneScape Weapons Guide
- Old School RuneScape Combat Guide
- Old School RuneScape Boss Guide
- Old School RuneScape Maps & Locations
- Old School RuneScape Crafting Guide
Similar Games
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- New World: Aeternum Classes Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
- Lost Ark Classes Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
- The Elder Scrolls Online Classes Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
