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.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary equipment | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your build's key combinations |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary equipment | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Lumbridge
Key resources: Early quests, basic gear and the free to play skill introduction Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Toxic blowpipe upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Varrock
Key resources: Grand Exchange access, mid tier quests and the closest thing to a free to play hub Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Toxic blowpipe upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Great Kourend
Key resources: Chambers of Xeric drops, Wintertodt for early Firemaking, Woodcutting Guild and the favour rewards Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Toxic blowpipe upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Varlamore
Key resources: Hueycoatl and Amoxliatl drops, new agility and thieving content, and the region's quest line Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for Abyssal whip max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
The Wilderness
Key resources: High value resource spots, wilderness bosses and the only PvP loot in the game Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for Abyssal whip max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Lumbridge to Varrock)
- Upgrade your starting equipment to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials, since you'll need them later
- Focus on Toxic blowpipe once accessible
Mid Game (Great Kourend)
- Push Toxic blowpipe to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for Abyssal whip
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Varlamore to The Wilderness)
- Max out Abyssal whip. This is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary equipment for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple equipment: Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials: Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear: Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Great Kourend farming: This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early: Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- Do not follow RuneScape 3 guides. Old School has no Evolution of Combat, no Invention, no Necromancy and no level 120 skills. RS3 gear names, ability bars and training methods do not exist here, and applying them will waste days.
- Farm Great Kourend during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build. Some classes farm faster in certain areas
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 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Old School RuneScape, check out these related guides:
- New World: Aeternum Crafting Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
- Lost Ark Crafting Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
- The Elder Scrolls Online Crafting Guide: mmo game with similar mechanics
