Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is witnessing a resurgence in popularity, captivating both new and returning players alike. Over the weekend of July 20, the beloved MMORPG hit an astonishing milestone of over 200,000 concurrent players on a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon/evening.
This surge in player count prompted an immediate response from the development team at Jagex, who swiftly issued a patch to stabilize servers overwhelmed by the influx of players. The continuous rise of Old School RuneScape is more than just a passing trend; it’s a phenomenon that has been reverberating throughout the gaming community this summer.
Old School RuneScape Continues to Rise in Player Count
In the past few months, OSRS has enjoyed a steady growth trajectory, and this wave of new players is certainly noteworthy. The excitement is building with the upcoming launch of the Varlamore Part 3: The Final Dawn update, set to bring a wealth of content. However, the recent uptick in players can largely be attributed to an unusual source: the exodus from the World of Warcraft (WoW) community.
Longtime WoW streamers such as Sodapoppin have voiced their frustrations with the MMO, leading them to explore alternatives. These popular figures have gravitated towards Old School RuneScape, finding joy and fascination in its nostalgic gameplay. Not only have they embraced OSRS, but they’ve also brought their audiences along for the ride, fostering a wave of interest that has sent player counts soaring.
For many streamers, diving into a new game like OSRS has become a refreshing change. The beauty and depth of Old School RuneScape have kept them engaged for hours on end, leading to entertaining content that resonates with viewers. Praise has poured in for Jagex, the game’s developers; Sodapoppin even remarked, “Why can’t Blizzard devs be like this?” while reviewing the upcoming update material.
While the burgeoning numbers of players from the WoW community are undoubtedly contributing to OSRS’s growth, the long-standing passion of its existing player base is equally crucial. For over two decades, this devoted community has sustained the game through thick and thin, ensuring that newcomers feel welcomed and invested in their new adventures.
What’s in Store for Old School RuneScape in 2025?
If you’ve recently joined the ranks of OSRS players, you’re probably curious about what lies ahead in this expansive world of Gielinor.
Among the exciting developments is the imminent launch of the Varlamore Part 3: The Final Dawn update slated for July 23. Although much of the new content is tailored for mid-game to endgame players, beginners will find ample opportunities to explore and grow. For those eager to glean insights about the update, Jagex has prepared an informative video detailing its major features.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. This year is also set to witness the introduction of OSRS’s first-ever new skill: Sailing. Although this addition has sparked some debate among veteran players, it holds the potential to entice new adventurers and expand their gameplay options.
For all newcomers diving into the world of Old School RuneScape, welcome! You’ve embarked on an adventure in one of the hottest MMORPGs available. For the seasoned players, what a thrilling time to witness your beloved game thrive and capture the attention it so rightfully deserves!
