Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has been around for over a decade, and with every passing year, new updates, rebalances, and quality-of-life changes shape the way we play. Whether you are brand new to Gielinor, a returning adventurer, or a seasoned veteran, there are countless little details that can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Having plenty of RuneScape gold can also make the journey more enjoyable.

 

Here are 10 things every OSRS player should know in 2025—a mix of game mechanics, money-saving advice, and tricks that even long-time players may have overlooked.

 

1. The 2025 Run Energy Overhaul

 

Run energy used to be one of the most frustrating mechanics in OSRS. Before 2025, stamina potions, the Graceful outfit, and the Ring of Endurance were essential to avoid walking everywhere. But with the first update of 2025, your Agility level now directly affects both drain rate and regeneration, even without Graceful.

 

This change makes early-game accounts much less dependent on stamina potions and unlocks smoother gameplay overall. Graceful, staminas, and the Ring of Endurance still have value, but they’re no longer mandatory. For returning players, this update alone changes the pace of nearly every activity in the game.

 

2. Alternative Sources for Important Items

 

Over the years, Jagex has added multiple ways to obtain key items, making the game more flexible. For example:

 

Amylase crystals – Once locked to the Rogues’ Den, now obtainable through termite trading in the Wilderness Agility Course.

 

Imbuements – Originally tied only to Nightmare Zone, you can now use Soul Wars zeal or PVP Arena reward scrolls.

 

Skilling outfits – Angler and Lumberjack sets now have multiple acquisition methods, including Forestry tokens and Aerial Fishing.

 

Rune Pouch and Herb Sack – Both can be bought outside of Slayer points through LMS or Tithe Farm, saving resources for bigger unlocks.

 

Knowing these alternatives helps tailor the grind to your playstyle.

 

3. Massive Price Drops on Iconic Items

 

If you’ve been away for a while, prepare for some sticker shock. Items once considered unreachable are now far more affordable:

 

Dexterous and Arcane Prayer Scrolls have plummeted in price, making Rigour and Augury accessible to mid-level players.

 

Dragon Warhammer dropped from 60m+ to around 20m due to drop rate buffs and competition from the Elder Maul.

 

Ghrazi Rapier and Everlight Defender Hilt also fell dramatically in value.

 

For returning players, this is the best time in years to gear up without breaking the bank.

 

4. Levels Beat Gear (Most of the Time)

 

While gear upgrades are powerful, your skill levels often make the bigger difference. Stronger stats improve accuracy, survivability, and access to prayers or potions. For example, a mid-tier account with full Void and potions can kill bosses like Zulrah almost as effectively as someone with max gear.

 

Prioritize training over flashy equipment, especially in the early and mid-game.

 

5. Profit from Jagex Blog Posts

 

Here’s an advanced trick: follow the official Jagex blog posts. Whenever an update or proposed change is announced, related items spike or crash in price within hours.

 

For instance, when new best-in-slot boots were teased, Primordial and Eternal Boots skyrocketed. Conversely, the Ring of Endurance tanked after the 2025 run energy update. Being quick to read blogs and react on the Grand Exchange can mean easy profits—or at least protection from losses.

 

6. Rare Drop Table Misconceptions

 

Many players joke about rare drop table (RDT) loot, but here’s the truth: getting a Dragon Spear or Shield Left Half from a boss doesn’t mean you “missed the pet.” The RDT is a separate roll entirely. These items were valuable once, but today they’re mostly memes. Still, understanding how the table works saves confusion—and keeps the jokes alive.

 

7. Hybrid Training Methods

 

Efficiency in OSRS often comes from training multiple skills at once. Some examples:

 

Barbarian Fishing – Fishing, Strength, and Agility XP all at once.

 

Drift Net Fishing – A combo of Fishing and Hunter.

 

Lunar and Arceuus spells – Spells like Spin Flax or Superglass Make provide Crafting XP alongside Magic.

 

These aren’t always the fastest methods, but they help cut down the grind while giving passive progress across skills.

 

8. Managing Bank Space

 

Bank clutter is a universal struggle. Fortunately, OSRS offers solutions:

 

The Wise Old Man can flag useless quest items.

 

Bank space upgrades are purchasable from bankers (up to +900 spaces).

 

The Player-Owned House costume room stores outfits, clue gear, and holiday items.

 

STASH units let you permanently store clue step gear across the map.

 

These tools free up precious space and make your account easier to manage.

 

9. Slayer Task Optimization

 

If you want better odds at desirable Slayer tasks, pay attention to task weighting. Each monster type has a weight value that determines its chance of being assigned. By blocking or skipping other high-weight tasks, you improve your chances of rolling the ones you want, like TzHaar, Abyssal Demons, or Smoke Devils.

 

This system saves points and ensures more engaging Slayer grinds.

 

10. Don’t Fear Bonds (in Moderation)

 

Finally, let’s address bonds. Many players try to sustain membership with in-game OSRS GP, but for newer or mid-level accounts, grinding 50m+ every two weeks can feel like a second job. If you’re able, investing in a couple of bonds with real money early on can ease pressure and give you breathing room to enjoy the game.

 

Buying a few bonds doesn’t ruin the OSRS experience—it accelerates it. And at the end of the day, supporting Jagex also keeps the servers running.

 

Final Thoughts

 

OSRS is a game of discovery, but with so many mechanics and updates, it’s easy to miss important details. From the 2025 run energy overhaul to cheaper gear, hybrid training, and bank management, knowing these tips can save you both time and frustration.

 

Every player’s journey is unique, but being armed with knowledge makes the grind far more enjoyable. Whether you’re chasing a quest cape, your first Fire Cape, or maxing your account, these insights will help you along the way.