This app is RuneScape 3, the modern client, not Old School RuneScape. Jagex runs 29 skills here, and the newest of them, Necromancy, arrived on 7 August 2023 as a fourth combat style that sits outside the melee, ranged and magic triangle. Necromancy, Invention and Archaeology all climb to level 120 instead of stopping at 99.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Necromancer | A | Balanced | Death guard | Yes |
| Melee | A | Balanced | Omni guard | Yes |
| Ranged | A | Balanced | Fractured Staff of Armadyl | Yes |
| Magic | A | Balanced | Bow of the Last Guardian | Yes |
| Skiller | A | Balanced | Zaros godsword | Yes |
New player? Start with Melee. See our beginner's guide for why.
Necromancer
Necromancer is a strong option in RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Death guard |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Necromancy as a fourth combat style |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Death guard
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in City of Um to learn Necromancer-specific mechanics
- Focus on Necromancy as a fourth combat style. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Death guard as your first major upgrade
- See our full Necromancer build guide for the optimal gear progression
Melee
Melee is a strong option in RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Omni guard |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Revolution and Full Manual ability bars |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Omni guard
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in City of Um to learn Melee-specific mechanics
- Focus on Revolution and Full Manual ability bars. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Omni guard as your first major upgrade
- See our full Melee build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ranged
Ranged is a strong option in RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Fractured Staff of Armadyl |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Conjures, Necrosis and Residual Souls |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Fractured Staff of Armadyl
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in City of Um to learn Ranged-specific mechanics
- Focus on Conjures, Necrosis and Residual Souls. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Fractured Staff of Armadyl as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ranged build guide for the optimal gear progression
Magic
Magic is a strong option in RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Bow of the Last Guardian |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Invention gizmos and augmented gear |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Bow of the Last Guardian
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in City of Um to learn Magic-specific mechanics
- Focus on Invention gizmos and augmented gear. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Bow of the Last Guardian as your first major upgrade
- See our full Magic build guide for the optimal gear progression
Skiller
Skiller is a strong option in RuneScape.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Zaros godsword |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Kili's Knowledge upgrades at the Um Smithy |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Zaros godsword
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in City of Um to learn Skiller-specific mechanics
- Focus on Kili's Knowledge upgrades at the Um Smithy. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Zaros godsword as your first major upgrade
- See our full Skiller build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Melee 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
Necromancer is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Death guard for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Skiller 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
Magic shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More RuneScape Guides
- RuneScape RuneScape Overview
- RuneScape Best Builds
- RuneScape Tier List
- RuneScape Walkthrough
- RuneScape Beginner's Guide
- RuneScape Tips & Tricks
- RuneScape Weapons Guide
- RuneScape Combat Guide
- RuneScape Boss Guide
- RuneScape Maps & Locations
- 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
