Old School RuneScape is a game about freedom and discovery. There's no single "correct" path-only the goals you choose to RuneScape gold chase. Whether you're grinding skills, exploring quests, or casually skilling while watching TV, every step brings progress.

So when you ask, "What do I do in OSRS?" the real answer is simple: whatever you want.

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has stood the test of time since the early 2000s, and even today, it continues to attract new players. At its peak, the game recently reached over 700,000 active players, and with the release of OSRS Mobile, even more adventurers have joined the world of Gielinor.

If you're brand new, you might feel overwhelmed after finishing Tutorial Island and landing in Lumbridge. What should you do first? How do you make money? Should you buy a membership right away? Don't worry-we've got you covered. This OSRS beginner's guide will walk you through the essentials, from quests and skilling to the Grand Exchange and membership options.

Starting Out in Lumbridge

Once Tutorial Island is complete, you'll find yourself in Lumbridge, the starting hub for new players. It's easy to feel lost, but your best move is to begin with beginner-friendly quests.

Some great starting quests include:

Cook's Assistant - Helps you learn about NPC interactions and rewards you with cooking experience.

The Restless Ghost - A simple combat-oriented quest that boosts your Prayer skill.

Imp Catcher - Picked up at the Wizard's Tower, this introduces you to the idea of collecting items for progression.

Your long-term quest goal should be Dragon Slayer I, the iconic early-game challenge. Completing it not only unlocks the ability to wear rune platebodies but also gives you bragging rights as a true adventurer.

If quests aren't your style, you can try the Adventure Path by telling the Gielinor Guide you're new. This gives you structured tasks-either on a Combat Path or a Gatherer Path-to guide your early progress.

The Grand Exchange Explained

One of the most important systems in OSRS is the Grand Exchange (GE). Think of it as a global marketplace where players buy and sell items. Whether you're selling logs from Woodcutting or buying gear for combat, the GE makes trading easy.

New accounts can't use the Grand Exchange immediately-it requires 24 hours of in-game time or completion of specific quests. Once unlocked, you can use it to:

Sell raw materials like ores, fish, and logs for quick gold.

Buy weapons, armor, or supplies you don't want to grind for.

Experiment with buy OSRS gold "flipping"-buying items low and selling them high (more advanced, but profitable).