5 ways to get back into RuneScape in 2026

RuneScape is 25 years old, and its developer, Jagex, is celebrating this milestone in various ways across 2026. You may have heard the name in passing, but if you went to school in the early 2000’s, there’s a good chance you played the RPG in between lessons and at weekends. Arguably one of the first MMORPGs, players can roam about in a medieval setting, building up skills and trading items with others.

Released as a game within a web browser, RuneScape is available on almost every platform, with super-low requirements. Now in its third major update, and with Jagex planning to celebrate 25 years of the MMORPG, we’re laying out five ways to start RuneScape again, or as a new player.

It’s an easy affair to play RuneScape. Thanks to the small 80MB download size, you can play RuneScape on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It’s free to play, but there is a membership program that grants access to a version of the game, offering three payment options.

Once you’ve created an account, here are a few ways to make the most of both versions.

Jagex made a smart move by keeping the original version of RuneScape intact. At an 11MB download, Old School RuneScape lets players rediscover the MMORPG on their 2026 devices, just as they remember it. It’s a great reintroduction for players, old as well as new, to get familiar with RuneScape’s user interface, gameplay mechanics, and more.

There’s no need to grind in RuneScape. You can roam the lands and defeat monsters without feeling the need to level up, with the added benefit of playing it on Android and iOS devices. Short sessions of playing the game on a commute are a perfect way to get to grips with RuneScape, and with it featuring cross-progression, you can carry on your adventure on another device once you’re home.

Minigames are a perfect way of getting used to the mechanics in RuneScape. Available in both versions via a menu or on the world map, you can play dozens of games such as Barrows, Deathmatch, Clan Wars, and many more. They all offer different ways to practice and improve your skills before taking on some of the difficult enemies, all without the stress.

RuneScape doesn’t require you to pay for it. Developer Jagex has kept to this mantra since the game’s 2001 debut, letting players explore the world map and complete quests without spending a cent. Despite the membership offering a larger map, exclusive outfits, and other benefits, playing the free version lets you explore RuneScape at your own pace, before deciding if it’s worth paying for.

If you used to play RuneScape with friends back in the day, doing the same in 2026 is one of the best ways to get back into the game. The game works at its peak when played with a group you know to complete quests, defeat bosses, and more. Yes, you can chat through apps like Discord and WhatsApp in 2026, but we recommend chatting through the text bar in RuneScape to maintain that 2001 nostalgia, if you’re returning to it.

RuneScape and esports have never gained traction, despite developer Jagex trying to bring the two together through events like Deadman: All Stars. Season 2 of this tournament took place in mid-2025, with Deadman Solo Snakes winning the trophy. Although it’s unlikely that RuneScape will ever reach the esports heights of others like League of Legends and DOTA, it still feels like there’s an untapped market for it somewhere.

RuneScape is absolutely worth playing in 2026. Jagex has managed to keep the game going for 25 years, maintaining two versions and releasing a spinoff in 2025 called RuneScape: Dragonwilds, an online survival-crafting title. Its main appeal is nostalgia — there’s a certain charm in its graphics and gameplay that gives it a breath of fresh air compared to other MMOs. It’s why the best Runescape version is relative to every player — you can start with Oldschool RuneScape or go into RuneScape 3, there’s no pressure.

With RuneScape featuring cross-progression as well as not being required to pay after you reach a certain point, the game is accessible to almost anyone. It’s no surprise that, according to stats tracker Misplaced Items, there’s a daily playerbase of 250,000. With plans by Jagex to celebrate the game throughout 2026, it seems like the perfect time to play the game for the first time or as a returnee.

Jagex is celebrating RuneScape in a big way for its 25th anniversary, and it makes total sense as to why. From a steady intake of players to planned improvements to both games, now is a perfect time to return to RuneScape all over again.

As mentioned above, playing the game is easier than ever, thanks to the ability to play on Android and iOS devices and access the vast number of minigames. RuneScape works at your pace and doesn’t pressure you to sign up for its membership. If you’ve faintly heard of the game in recent years, there’s no harm in trying it out to see how it fits for you.