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If you want the classic RuneScape feel you remember, start with Old School RuneScape (OSRS). If you would rather explore the modern game’s larger world, broader skill options and flexible combat interfaces, try RuneScape. The choice is about which experience appeals to you—not which game is objectively better.
What separates the two games?
OSRS and RuneScape are separate games, not two graphics modes for the same character. Jagex says OSRS launched in 2013 from a 2007 backup and requires players to start a character from scratch. As Jagex Support explains, the backup has since evolved into a distinct game. Your old RuneScape character and its progress do not carry over to OSRS.
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OSRS keeps a classic presentation, but it is not a frozen version of 2007. Jagex describes it as continuing to evolve, with major changes subject to player voting. RuneScape is the modern version of the game; players often call it RuneScape 3.
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Which game fits the way you want to play?
| What matters to you | Old School RuneScape | RuneScape |
|---|---|---|
| Overall feel | Classic presentation and a continuation of the 2007-era ruleset, shaped by ongoing community input. | The modern game, presented by Jagex as having a larger world and more skills. |
| Combat interface | Consider it if you want to revisit the older RuneScape style. The official pages cited here do not give a full side-by-side combat specification. | Jagex’s join page offers a choice between modern and old-style combat interfaces. |
| Content signposts | Official pages highlight skills, quests, raids and bosses. The OSRS join page lists 23 skills and hundreds of quests; those counts may change. | Jagex’s returning-player page emphasizes the larger world and additional skills; membership offers access to all skills. |
| Good reason to try it first | You want nostalgia for the classic ruleset, with new content continuing to arrive. | You want to see the modern game’s scale, accumulated skills and interface options. |
These descriptions draw on Jagex’s franchise overview, OSRS join page, OSRS membership page, RuneScape returning-player page, and RuneScape join page.
#1 Best Overall
RuneScape Kingdoms: Shadow of Elvarg
- 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.
How to choose without overcommitting
- Pick the game whose feel sounds more appealing. Start with OSRS for the classic experience and community-shaped evolution; start with RuneScape for the modern world and interface choice.
- Try its free entry point. Jagex’s OSRS welcome-back page and RuneScape join page are starting points. Check their current terms before signing up.
- Decide about membership after playing. Jagex describes membership as adding content in both games. Check the relevant OSRS membership or RuneScape membership page for current details before paying.
The official information cited here does not establish exact current membership prices or whether one subscription arrangement works identically across both games. Compare the terms shown for the game you intend to play rather than assuming progress or membership works the same way in each.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Best Value
Risk The 1980's Edition, Strategy Board Game, by Winning Moves Games USA
- WORLD DOMINATION: Can you acquire the most armies, play them most effectively and conquer the most territories?
- FAN FAVORITE: Everything from the 80's is hot again. This charming edition of Risk features the wonderful graphics from the best-selling 1980's editions
- 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
- THE GOAL: The goal of the game is to occupy every territory on the board and in doing so, eliminate the other players and rule the world
- HIGH QUALITY: This edition features a thick oversized board, injection-molded Roman numeral-style army pieces, 3 translucent red dice and 2 white dice, thick cards and an oversized 12 page rules booklet
Rank #4
WS Game Company Sorry! Vintage Bookshelf Edition Board Game with Wood Pawns
- SLIDE, BUMP, AND WIN — Experience the classic game of sweet revenge reimagined with authentic 1958 vintage styling. Designed for 2 to 4 players ages 6 and up, this strategy favorite challenges players to slide, bump, and sabotage their way to home base for competitive family game nights and friendly gatherings.
- PREMIUM VINTAGE COMPONENTS — Featuring retro graphics inspired by the 1958 original, this set includes a full-sized folding game board, a deck of vintage-style cards, and 16 solid wooden pawns. Everything packs away neatly into the integrated internal storage tray for fast setup and effortless organization.
- BEAUTIFUL ON DISPLAY, FUN TO COLLECT — Designed to resemble an elegant hardcover volume, this game doubles as sophisticated decor for your bookshelf, mantel, or coffee table. It's part of an expansive collection of over 20 unique Vintage Bookshelf Edition game titles—allowing you to collect your favorite classic games and line them up together to create a cohesive, custom library aesthetic.
- THE PERFECT GIFT — Solves the challenge of finding a memorable present for friends and family. Gifting one or a few titles starts an elegant personal game library and offers them meaningful, screen-free experiences. Future occasions like birthdays and holidays become effortless as you add new titles to their collection with each passing milestone.
- COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY DESIGN — The fabric book case measures 10.6 x 8.4 x 2.6 inches for convenient, upright shelf display. Weighing under 2 pounds, the full-size board unfolds to 18.5 x 18.2 inches for play and packs away compactly, making it as easy to take on vacations and weekend trips as it is to display at home.
Rank #3
Sale
RuneScape Kingdoms: King Black Dragon Expansion
- 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.
Rank #2
Steamforged Games, RuneScape Kingdoms The Board Game Bundle: King Black Dragon, Kalphite Queen, TzKal-Zuk, Culinaromancer, and RuneScape Expansion (5 Items)
- Immerse yourself in a thrilling tabletop adventure filled with strategy, storytelling, and dynamic character interactions designed to challenge every decision.
- Experience high replayability through immersive roleplay, unpredictable encounters, and evolving tactical choices that keep every session intense and fresh.
- Master your destiny with customizable heroes, intricate quests, and deep world-building that fuel creative expression and competitive gameplay.
- Perfect for RPG enthusiasts seeking complex mechanics, cooperative missions, and richly detailed scenarios that spark imagination and rivalry.
- Premium components, atmospheric artwork, and narrative depth make this board game a must-have centerpiece for any tabletop gaming collection.
What returning players should not assume
- Your old character transfers to OSRS: it does not; OSRS requires a new character.
- OSRS is unchanged since 2007: it began from a 2007 backup, but has continued to evolve.
- One game is a direct upgrade to the other: they offer different experiences, so preference is the useful deciding factor.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
