Can You Have 2 OSRS Accounts on One Email? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, you can effectively have multiple Old School RuneScape (OSRS) accounts associated with a single email address. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of how Jagex, the game’s developer, manages accounts and email addresses to ensure you’re playing within the rules and maximizing your experience. This article will delve into the details, explaining how this works and addressing common concerns and related questions.
Understanding Email Aliases
The key to managing multiple OSRS accounts with one email lies in using email aliases, especially if you utilize Gmail. Gmail allows you to create aliases by adding a “+” symbol followed by any text to your primary email address. For example, if your email is yourname@gmail.com, you could create aliases such as yourname+osrs1@gmail.com, yourname+osrs2@gmail.com, and so on. All emails sent to these aliases will still arrive in your main yourname@gmail.com inbox. This is extremely useful for organizing and managing multiple game accounts while keeping all communications in one place.
How Email Aliases Function with OSRS
When creating new OSRS accounts, you can use these aliases as the login email. Although you’re using different login emails, all RuneScape emails will still come to your main Gmail account. This keeps your account information organized and accessible. It is important to note that the game’s system recognizes the email aliases as separate login credentials and treats them as unique user accounts.
Managing Multiple Accounts with Jagex Accounts
The Jagex Account System
Jagex has introduced a Jagex account system, which adds a layer of security and organization to your gaming experience. With a Jagex account, you can link up to 20 RuneScape characters (including both OSRS and RuneScape 3 accounts) under a single login. This means you can manage multiple game accounts under one umbrella of security and ease.
Adding Accounts to the Jagex Launcher
Using the Jagex launcher, you can add up to 10 accounts. To add an account, navigate to ‘Manage accounts’ and select ‘Add an account’ then follow the prompts. This streamlined process makes managing multiple accounts significantly easier. While you can add up to 10 accounts directly into the launcher, note that up to 20 characters can be linked with a Jagex account. This setup allows you to switch between characters conveniently without completely logging out and in repeatedly. You can also run multiple OSRS characters at the same time, provided your system resources allow it.
Important Note: Launcher Account Limitations
It is crucial to note that you can only log in to the Launcher with one Jagex account at a time. If you have multiple Jagex accounts, you will need to log out of one and into another. However, once logged in with a Jagex account, you can launch multiple instances of the OSRS game, allowing you to play on multiple characters simultaneously.
Rules Regarding Multiple Accounts
Jagex allows you to have as many game accounts as you like, but there are critical rules. Each account should only be used by the person who created it. Account sharing is strictly prohibited and is a bannable offense. Jagex may detect account sharing by monitoring changes in login locations and IP addresses. They consider all game accounts to be their property, granting players limited permission to use them. Selling or buying accounts is also a direct violation of their terms.
Account Creation and Deletion
You can create a new RuneScape account at any time. You can also reuse an email address that was previously associated with a deleted account. However, deleting your login also deletes BOTH the associated RS3 and OSRS games. Be cautious when deleting your account and remember that Jagex does not delete accounts due to inactivity. Further, once an account has finished the tutorial, there is no option to reset it or change its type, e.g. from normal to ironman.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use the same password for all my OSRS accounts associated with one email?
Yes, you can use the same password, but it’s strongly discouraged for security reasons. Using different passwords for each account reduces the risk of all your accounts being compromised if one is hacked.
2. If I use email aliases, will the game emails go to separate folders in Gmail?
No, all emails will go to the same inbox of your main email address but they will have the aliases in the ‘To:’ field, helping you quickly identify which account they relate to.
3. Can I use this method with email providers other than Gmail?
While this method is easiest with Gmail due to the “+” alias feature, some other email providers offer similar functionality (e.g., by using periods in Gmail or custom email alias options from other providers.) Check your specific provider’s help documentation.
4. What happens if I forget the email alias I used for a particular OSRS account?
You will still have the email arrive in your inbox, which will show what alias was used. You can also add the password to a password manager in case you forget.
5. Can I be banned for having multiple OSRS accounts?
No, having multiple accounts is permitted, but each account must be used only by the person who created it. Account sharing and botting can result in bans.
6. Is it possible to transfer items between my OSRS accounts?
Yes, you can transfer items by trading between your accounts, but this must be done manually. Be aware that trading patterns between accounts may sometimes trigger flags, so it’s advisable to make sure there is nothing in violation of the rules.
7. Does RuneScape membership apply to all my accounts?
Yes, membership bought through your account is applied across all characters that login using the same login credentials.
8. How many Jagex accounts can I have?
You can have multiple Jagex accounts, but you can only be logged in to one Jagex Account in the launcher at any given time.
9. Can I play OSRS on mobile with multiple accounts?
Yes, you can. You can log in with your Jagex account then change characters to your other accounts through the lobby, however, you would need multiple devices for playing multiple accounts at the same time.
10. Can Jagex ban my IP address?
Jagex can block IP addresses if they detect misuse such as heavy botting activity. Using proxies might help if this occurs but these need to be done properly to prevent your IP being blocked again.
11. Can I get banned for buying OSRS gold?
Yes, buying OSRS gold is against the rules, but Jagex focuses on banning sellers more than buyers, though it’s still risky.
12. How does Jagex detect account sharing?
Jagex looks for abnormal patterns such as fast switches between different locations or IP addresses.
13. What is the difference between a RuneScape account and a Jagex account?
A Jagex account provides a more secure login method and allows you to manage multiple RuneScape characters under one login.
14. What is multi-logging in OSRS?
Multi-logging is when you play multiple accounts at the same time, which is allowed in the rules, but using it for activities such as botting is prohibited.
15. Are there many players that have maxed OSRS accounts?
Yes, as of November 2023, there are over 41,000 players who have achieved the maximum skill level of 99 in all skills in OSRS.
Conclusion
Effectively managing multiple OSRS accounts with a single email is achievable by using email aliases and the Jagex account system. By following these guidelines and playing within the rules, you can enjoy the game with multiple characters while keeping your accounts organized and secure. Remember, account security and fair play are crucial for a positive gaming experience.