Is OSRS in the 5th Age? Exploring the Timeline of Old School RuneScape
Yes, Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is currently set in the Fifth Age. This is a crucial point for understanding the game’s lore and context. The Fifth Age is characterized by human dominance in Gielinor, following the significant events of the previous ages. This era is a backdrop for the many quests, challenges, and storylines that OSRS players experience. Let’s delve deeper into what this means and explore some related aspects of the game.
Understanding the Ages of Gielinor
The timeline of RuneScape is divided into distinct ages, each marked by significant events and shifts in power. These ages aren’t just arbitrary labels; they fundamentally shape the world, its inhabitants, and the ongoing narrative. Understanding which age OSRS exists in is essential to fully appreciating the game’s history and its place within the broader RuneScape universe.
The Fifth Age and Human Dominance
The Fifth Age is an era of relative peace and rebuilding after the chaotic events of the previous ages. Humans, having survived major upheavals, have risen to become the dominant race in Gielinor. This doesn’t mean the world is without conflict, but the large-scale wars and cataclysms of earlier ages are less frequent. This age provides a solid foundation for the adventures within OSRS, as players explore a world where human settlements are prevalent and the various factions are jockeying for power and influence.
Contrasting with the Sixth Age
It’s important to distinguish the Fifth Age in OSRS from the events occurring in modern RuneScape 3. RuneScape 3 is currently set within the Sixth Age, also known as the Divine Age. This period is marked by significant shifts, including the return of powerful gods and substantial changes to the world’s balance of power. While OSRS is set in a time before these cataclysmic events, the lore between the two games often crosses paths, creating a richer understanding of the RuneScape universe as a whole.
Why the Age Matters in OSRS
The setting of the Fifth Age shapes numerous aspects of OSRS gameplay. Quests are often steeped in the history and political landscape of this era. The challenges that players face, the characters they meet, and the items they collect are all influenced by the state of the world during the Fifth Age. The very quests that the players embark on are rooted in the narratives and struggles of this epoch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about OSRS and its Lore
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will further clarify the understanding of OSRS’s setting and history:
1. What is the Fourth Age in RuneScape?
The Fourth Age, also called The Age of Mortals, was a time when surviving races began to rebuild and flourish after a period of great upheaval. It was an age of mortal heroes and advancements, and its legacy can still be felt in the Fifth Age of OSRS, with remnants scattered throughout the world. Notable figures like Arrav and Camorra hail from this age.
2. When was RuneScape originally released?
The first public version of RuneScape was released in beta form in January 2001. This was the foundation for what would become the game known as RuneScape Classic. Jagex, the company behind RuneScape, was formed later that year.
3. When did OSRS mobile launch?
Old School RuneScape Mobile was announced on July 17, 2017, and officially released on October 30, 2018. This mobile version allowed players to enjoy the full OSRS experience on Android and iOS devices.
4. Is OSRS free to play?
Yes, OSRS is a free-to-play game. Many players enjoy the game for free, and those who choose can subscribe to gain additional benefits and access to members’ content.
5. What is the oldest MMORPG?
The first commercial MMORPG was Island of Kesmai, designed by Kelton Flinn and John Taylor in the mid-1980s, though what is considered “massive” at that time is different than modern standards.
6. Is RuneScape safe for younger players?
Yes, players must be 13 years old to play and chat in-game, and the game offers features like character names to protect real-world identity, a profanity filter, and an ignore list for unwanted interactions. These measures are intended to help create a safer environment for younger players.
7. Is it too late to start playing RuneScape?
It is never too late to play RuneScape. The game is designed to be accessible to new and returning players, allowing them to jump back in and enjoy the experience at their own pace, regardless of how long they have been away.
8. When did RuneScape reach its peak player count?
The RuneScape franchise achieved its highest-ever player membership peak in 2019, with both RuneScape 3 and OSRS attracting over 1.1 million paying subscribers.
9. What is the rule 14 in RuneScape?
Rule 14 in RuneScape concerns the misuse of official forums. It mandates that forum use be respectful and considerate.
10. What does level 99 mean in RuneScape?
Level 99 is achieved by reaching 13,034,431 experience in a skill (except Invention which requires 36,073,511 experience), and it represents the maximum level in most skills. It is a symbol of mastery and dedication within the game.
11. Does OSRS have a 10-year cape?
Yes, a 10th birthday cape is available during anniversary events. This was first obtainable from the 2023 birthday event, and is a status symbol for the players.
12. Is it possible to reach level 120 in OSRS?
While skill levels cap at 99, players can achieve a virtual level 120 by continuing to earn experience in a skill after reaching 99. This is mainly done to show that a player has reached a much higher experience level than other players in the game.
13. What is considered the hardest level 99 to achieve in OSRS?
Some of the hardest 99s to achieve include Construction, Fishing, Runecrafting, Agility, and Mining. These skills require substantial time, dedication, and often resources to reach the maximum level.
14. Is RuneScape considered “grindy”?
Yes, RuneScape is known for its grind-based gameplay. Reaching high levels and acquiring rare items often requires a significant time investment and a degree of luck. The nature of the game is, indeed, grindy.
15. Do more people play OSRS or RuneScape 3?
OSRS typically manages a larger active player base, usually between 70,000 and 130,000, while RuneScape 3 usually hovers around 20,000 to 50,000 active players. OSRS’s popularity speaks to the draw of its classic gameplay.
Conclusion
The Fifth Age is not just a setting for Old School RuneScape; it’s a foundation upon which the entire game is built. Understanding the significance of this era provides a deeper connection to the lore, characters, and events that players experience. From the rise of human dominance to the adventures awaiting within, OSRS’s Fifth Age setting is integral to the unique gaming experience it offers. The differences between it and the Sixth Age of RuneScape 3 further highlight the diverse and expansive lore of the broader RuneScape universe, making it a fascinating topic for players old and new. By understanding the lore of the game, players will be able to enjoy the experience much more.