How do I get started?

Getting started in RuneScape is a quick and easy process. Within a few minutes you can create an account and start playing the game!

Creating an Account

The first thing you'll need is a new character to play on! You can create yourself a new account by clicking here. Once you've done that, you can come back here to continue the guide.

Playing for the first time You play the game by clicking the "Play RuneScape" link from the RuneScape main page. This will take you to a screen which gives you the option to play in high or low detail. We recommend you try the high detail mode first. If you have problems with the high detail mode, try the low detail version by going back to the front page and selecting "Play RuneScape" again. This will take you to our world select screen. All of the game worlds are identical, but you will meet different players on each one. The easiest option is to choose the large button that says "Choose best free world for me". This will try and choose the least busiest world near you. The button on the right selects the best members-only world for you. There are far more features of the game available on the members' worlds; if you find you're enjoying RuneScape and you'd like to take the game experience further, you can subscribe and start playing on those worlds.

The initial download process will then start. During the download a grey security box will pop up. You will be asked 'Do you want to install and run RuneScape?' You should check the box that appears next to 'Always trust content from Jagex Ltd' and then click 'Yes'. When the game has loaded you will be presented with the title screen. Enter the username and password you chose when you created your account and click 'Login'.

You will then be presented with a character design page, as shown on the left: You should use the arrows on the screen to change each option until you are happy with your character's appearance. There are features in the game that will allow you to re-design your character, although you will have to pay some RuneScape currency to make any changes! Once you have finished you should click the 'Accept' button which will launch your character into our Tutorial Island, where the friendly citizens of RuneScape are looking forward to greeting you.

Tutorial Island Tutorial Island is the place in RuneScape where your character will begin its life. Here you will be introduced to the basics of playing RuneScape. You will be taken through a variety of skills by the instructors, including casting spells, fishing, mining, combat and much more. This should only take about 20 minutes to complete. When you've finished, your character will be transported to the rustic town of Lumbridge where your RuneScape adventures will truly begin!