RuneScape’s New Horizon: The Arrival of Necromancy and Beyond

The year 2023 marks a significant milestone for RuneScape, particularly for RuneScape 3 (RS3), with the introduction of a brand-new combat skill: Necromancy. This isn’t just a minor addition; it’s a standalone combat style, the first of its kind in 22 years, effectively behaving like a new class in other MMORPGs. Unlike other recent updates, Necromancy is a completely new skill, rather than an expansion on an existing one. It’s also the 29th skill to be released in RuneScape 3, arriving three years after Archaeology. This makes Necromancy a cornerstone of RuneScape’s 2023 content, and a pivotal change for the combat system.

Necromancy: A Deep Dive

Necromancy debuted on August 7, 2023, and is free to players up to level 20, making it accessible for everyone to try. This new skill is not part of the traditional combat triangle (Melee, Ranged, and Magic), positioning it as a distinct combat approach. Rather than relying on the traditional gear of other styles, Necromancy utilises its own set of unique weapons, armour, and spells, based on the manipulation of life energy and the undead.

Key Features of Necromancy

• New Combat Style: It operates outside the existing combat triangle, offering a fresh approach to combat.
• First Combat Skill in 22 Years: A highly anticipated addition after a long wait.
• Level 120 Skill: Necromancy is the first combat skill to extend to level 120, marking a true skill mastery milestone for those who commit to its training. This sets it apart from most of the other skills in game, which max out at level 99.
• Free-to-Play Access: Players can train Necromancy up to level 20 for free.
• Unique Gear and Abilities: Necromancy comes with its own set of unique equipment and spells, creating a fresh and engaging combat experience.
• Not an Elite Skill: Despite community speculation, Necromancy is not an elite skill like Invention, which means that any player can progress with it.
• EOC Integration: It’s seamlessly integrated with RuneScape 3’s Evolution of Combat (EOC) system, making sure it fits in without creating issues with existing systems.

The introduction of Necromancy demonstrates RuneScape’s willingness to evolve and offer its players novel gameplay experiences. The skill is designed to appeal to both veteran players and newcomers, offering both a deep combat system, and also an initial low-level trial for free.

RuneScape in 2023: Is It Worth Playing?

Beyond Necromancy, RuneScape 3 continues to be a thriving MMORPG in 2023. The game has seen significant updates, improvements and expansions, reinforcing its position in the genre. While Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has a larger active player base, RS3 boasts more modern graphics, a deeper quest system, and the Evolution of Combat mechanics, along with this newest combat skill.

Other notable features of RuneScape 3 in 2023 include:

• Improved Graphics: Visual updates continue to enhance the overall gaming experience.
• Extensive Questlines: RS3 features a large number of high-quality quests, considered by many to be a key attraction.
• The option to toggle PvP in the Wilderness: Allows players to enjoy different experiences in that area.
• Regular Updates: The game developers are constantly adding new content, events, and improvements.
• Diverse Skill System: The wide range of skills offers players many options for progression.

RuneScape 3, therefore, remains a compelling game for those who seek a modern MMORPG experience with deep gameplay and continuous updates, and especially for those looking to try the brand new Necromancy combat style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Necromancy available in Old School RuneScape (OSRS)?

No, Necromancy is exclusive to RuneScape 3. OSRS does not use the Evolution of Combat (EOC) system, making it incompatible with a skill like Necromancy.

2. What is the most important skill for making money in RuneScape 3?

Slayer is often cited as the best skill for making Gold Pieces (GP), although it is very dependent on player level and assigned tasks. Even at lower levels, it is possible to make money training Slayer.

3. What is the fastest skill to level to 99 in RuneScape 3?

Thieving is considered the fastest skill to get to level 99, thanks to methods like safecracking in the Thieves’ Guild. This allows for very high experience rates, with no required purchases, and even making a small profit.

4. Why is necromancy considered immoral in some cultures?

Necromancy, the manipulation of the dead, is often viewed as immoral because it’s believed to violate the natural order of life and death, and can disrupt the sanctity of the spirit world.

5. How does Necromancy differ from other combat styles?

Necromancy is a standalone combat style that doesn’t fall into the usual melee, ranged, or magic triangle. It uses unique weapons, armor and abilities related to the manipulation of life energy and the undead.

6. What is the maximum combat level in RuneScape 3 with Necromancy?

With level 120 Necromancy, 99 Defence, 99 Constitution, 99 Summoning, and 99 Prayer, the maximum combat level is 152.

7. How does RuneScape 3 compare to Old School RuneScape in player counts?

OSRS typically has a much higher player base, between 70,000 to 130,000 active players on average, while RS3 has around 20,000 to 50,000.

8. Which RuneScape game is better, RS3 or OSRS?

It depends on player preference. RS3 offers modern graphics and deeper combat, while OSRS provides a more traditional, grindy experience.

9. What is the hardest boss fight in RuneScape 3?

Telos (High Enrage) is widely considered the hardest boss fight in the game.

10. What is the fastest way to train Smithing in RuneScape?

Smelting Gold Bars at the Blast Furnace is the fastest way to gain Smithing experience, reaching upwards of 300,000 XP per hour.

11. How long does it take to get to level 99 in a skill in OSRS?

It can take between 30 to 50 hours to reach level 99, depending on the method used. Some, such as Fletching with darts, can take even less time.

12. Can you become a god in RuneScape?

Yes, mortals can ascend to godhood through the use of Elder Artefacts, often by defeating a god and absorbing their power.

13. Does every skill in RuneScape 3 go to level 120?

No, most skills max out at level 99. Dungeoneering, Invention, Slayer, Herblore, Farming, Archaeology and Necromancy are the only skills that extend to level 120.

14. Is RuneScape still popular?

Yes, RuneScape remains a popular MMORPG, attracting both veterans and a more modest number of new players each year.

15. Is RuneScape 3 combat harder than OSRS?

OSRS combat is often perceived as “harder” due to its simplistic mechanics and longer, more arduous grinds. RS3 is technically more complex, but may be perceived as more forgiving due to its various combat abilities.

In conclusion, the introduction of Necromancy is a significant step for RuneScape, and makes it an especially interesting game for 2023. The game’s continued development and commitment to offering fresh content solidifies its position as a major player in the MMO space.