How Long Does It Really Take to Max a Character in RuneScape?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of “How long does it take to max in RuneScape?” is a classic one, often pondered by both aspiring adventurers and seasoned veterans of Gielinor. The answer, however, isn’t a simple number, but rather a complex calculation dependent on several factors. In short, achieving max level in RuneScape (reaching level 99 in all skills) is a significant time investment, potentially taking anywhere from thousands of hours to well over 10,000 hours, depending on your approach.
Let’s break down the variables and provide a more detailed perspective on this monumental undertaking.
The Time Commitment: Understanding the Grind
The journey to maxing in RuneScape is not a sprint; it’s a marathon of skill training. Each skill has its own experience curve, with higher levels requiring exponentially more experience than lower ones. The time required for a single skill to reach level 99 can range from 30-50 hours for easier skills, using highly efficient methods, to hundreds of hours for more challenging or slower skills.
Factors Affecting Your Maxing Timeline
Several factors contribute to how quickly or slowly you will achieve max level:
- Skill Choice: Some skills, like Thieving in RuneScape 3 (RS3) or Fletching in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) with specific methods, are notoriously fast to train. Others, such as Runecrafting or Construction, are widely regarded as some of the slowest and most tedious to level. The mix of skills you prioritize significantly impacts your overall time to max.
- Training Methods: Utilizing the most efficient methods for each skill is crucial. Actively seeking out guides and communities that offer optimal strategies for specific skills will dramatically reduce your training time.
- Game Version: RuneScape 3 and Old School RuneScape differ significantly in terms of experience rates and training methods. Generally, RS3 allows for faster leveling with some skills due to mechanics like Treasure Hunter and skill-specific updates, although some OSRS skills can be leveled very quickly with optimal methods.
- Playstyle: Are you a hyper-efficient power-leveler who meticulously plans every training session? Or do you prefer a more relaxed approach? Your playstyle will heavily dictate the pace of your progress.
- Resource Availability: The resources you have, such as gold and access to certain gear, significantly impact how fast you level skills. The ability to afford expensive, high-experience methods can cut down training time.
- Consistency: Regularly playing and maintaining a training schedule will get you to your goal much faster than infrequent bursts of activity.
- Game Updates: Jagex frequently updates the game, which can lead to changes in experience rates, new training methods, or balance changes.
Breaking Down the Maxing Journey: Combat vs. Non-Combat
- Combat Skills: Training melee, ranged, and magic skills to level 99 will take a considerable amount of time, typically around 150 hours per combat skill if using efficient methods in OSRS. However, your training rate is heavily influenced by your gear, level, and the monsters you are fighting.
- Non-Combat Skills: These range wildly in terms of time investment. Skills like Thieving in RS3, which can provide hundreds of thousands of experience per hour, or Fletching in OSRS which can reach 99 in only 10 hours using darts can be extremely fast. Other non-combat skills like Construction and Runecrafting, are known to take a very long time. Expect to spend anywhere between dozens to hundreds of hours per skill depending on the specific methods you employ.
The 200 Million Experience Grind
Reaching 200 million experience in every skill, often called “200m all,” is a completely different level of dedication. This feat will easily take 13,500 hours of playing using the best methods available. This is the absolute endgame grind that only a tiny fraction of players will ever achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the max overall level in RuneScape?
The current maximum total level for members is 3,018, while the maximum for free-to-play (F2P) players is 1,790. Total level is calculated by summing the levels of all a player’s skills.
2. How many hours does it take to get 99 in a single skill?
It varies dramatically depending on the skill and methods used. Some skills can be maxed in 30-50 hours using the best methods, while others can take hundreds of hours. For example, Fletching with darts in OSRS can take only around 10 hours, while skills like Runecrafting can take hundreds.
3. Is 92 halfway to 99 in RuneScape?
While 92 is about halfway to 99 in terms of experience points, the experience curve means that the final levels take much more time to reach than earlier levels. The experience needed to go from 92 to 99 is roughly the same as the experience needed from 1 to 92.
4. What are the fastest skills to get to 99?
In RS3, some of the fastest skills are Thieving, Prayer, and Construction. In OSRS, Fletching, some combat skills, and certain methods of Cooking and Fishing can be relatively quick.
5. What are the hardest skills to get to 99?
Generally, the hardest skills to max are Construction, Runecrafting, and Agility in OSRS. In RS3, skills like Divination and Mining can be time-consuming.
6. What is considered high level in RuneScape?
Typically, levels 71-99 are considered high-level. At this point, the game world opens up with many more training options.
7. How long does it take to get 99 in all combat skills in OSRS?
Expect to spend approximately 150 hours per combat skill if using efficient methods, totaling around 450 hours for Melee, Ranged and Magic. This, of course, assumes efficient training methods and can take much longer if less optimal methods are used.
8. What is considered low level in RuneScape?
Levels 1-40 are generally considered low level. These levels can be gained relatively quickly compared to higher levels.
9. Is RuneScape too grindy?
RuneScape is a game with a heavy emphasis on grinding. If you are not a fan of grinding, this may not be the game for you.
10. Does RuneScape kick you out after 6 hours?
Yes, the game will log you out after 6 hours of continuous play to remind you to take a break.
11. Is it safe to buy RuneScape accounts?
Buying RuneScape accounts is against the game’s terms of service and is not recommended. The seller may take the account back from you at any time and your account security may be compromised.
12. Is RuneScape still thriving?
Yes, RuneScape is one of the longest-running MMORPGs, and it still has a large player base and active community, with both veterans and new players alike.
13. How do I get to level 99 in every skill on RuneScape (F2P)?
You can level up all free-to-play skills to 99, however it can be more difficult and slow than on a members account. Methods and speeds of training also differ, so it’s always recommended to research optimal methods.
14. What is the fastest way to get combat XP in OSRS?
Bossing at higher levels is one of the fastest ways to gain combat experience, as well as specific training locations like the Nightmare Zone.
15. How long does it take to get 200m all in OSRS?
Reaching 200 million experience in all skills can take at least 13,500 hours, using the most optimal methods and with a high degree of efficiency.
Conclusion
Maxing a character in RuneScape is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication, planning, and a willingness to embrace the grind. The time commitment varies wildly based on your choices, playstyle, and game version. Understanding the different variables and utilizing the best training methods for each skill is key to achieving your maxing goals. Good luck on your journey, adventurer!