After years of waiting, Old School RuneScape players are finally getting something once believed impossible: a brand-new Skill. The OSRS Sailing Skill launches on November 19, marking the first time in OSRS history that the game expands its Skill roster beyond the classic 23.

 

But Sailing isn’t the only Skill that’s been considered over the years. Several other concepts have been prototyped, discussed, and even polled, yet never made it to the game. Some were rejected outright; others were popular enough that they might resurface in the future.

 

If you want to know every OSRS Skill that almost happened — and the ones that could still return — this guide has everything you need. And once you're done, make sure to check out our store. We’ve got OSRS items for sale, so you don’t have to grind for hours while preparing for the new Sailing era.

 

How Jagex Decides Which New Skills Get Added

 

With Sailing now confirmed, many players are wondering: How does Jagex choose what Skill to add next?

 

Historically, new Skills undergo a multi-step process:

 

1. Community or developers propose the Skill.

2. Jagex designs early concepts and determines whether the Skill fits OSRS.

3. The Skill is revealed publicly—sometimes in livestreams or at RuneFest.

4. The community votes in a poll (usually requiring 70% approval).

5. If approved, the Skill enters Alpha or full development.

 

Sailing passed this process, but it’s important to note:

 

We are not likely to get another Skill anytime soon. Jagex has openly stated that adding a Skill takes years, so Sailing will likely stand alone for a long while. Still, several Skill ideas remain in OSRS history—and the community hasn’t forgotten them.

 

All Unreleased OSRS Skills (And Why They Failed or Might Return)

 

Below is every major Skill concept Jagex has presented since OSRS launched, complete with their history, themes, and what happened to them.

 

Artisan

First Proposed: 2014

Polled: July 17 & August 21, 2014

Concept: A non-combat version of Slayer.

Players would receive crafting-related tasks—such as creating armor, fletching items, or gathering resources—for experience.

Outcome: Rejected.

 

However, parts of the concept later appeared in the game, including:

· Redwood Trees

·If approved, the Skill enters Alpha or full development. Aerial Fishing (and wieldable fishing rods)

 

Artisan was the first truly serious attempt to introduce a new OSRS Skill, and community feedback shaped how Jagex approached later concepts.

 

Warding

First Announced: RuneFest 2018

Polled: July 19, 2019

Concept: A magical crafting Skill focused on fabrics, vis, and creating new robes.

Outcome: Rejected during polling.

 

Although Warding is no longer being considered, developers have said its ideas influenced later Skill design principles—especially the push for “magic crafting” niches.

 

Shamanism

First Announced: March 2023

Polled: April 4, 2023 (Sailing vs. Shamanism vs. Taming)

Concept: A gathering-plus-production Skill where players create totems, relics, and shamanistic items.

Would have introduced the Spirit Realm, a new parallel dimension.

Outcome: Came second, losing to Sailing.

 

Developers stated it was popular enough to revisit in the future.

Of all unreleased Skills, Shamanism is the most likely to return someday.

 

Taming

First Announced: March 2023

Polled: April 4, 2023

Concept: Capture and raise creatures that assist with skilling, exploration, and traversal.

Outcome: Received the fewest votes and was fully scrapped.

 

While companion-based Skills remain a community fantasy, the original concept is unlikely to come back.

 

Why Players Are So Excited for the New Sailing Skill

 

A new Skill alone is big news—but Sailing isn’t just a Skill. It’s an entire gameplay system, complete with new training loops, new content, and new worldbuilding. Here’s a full breakdown of everything coming with Sailing.

 

All Sailing Features Coming to OSRS on November 19

 

Ship-Building & Upgrades

· Own up to five boats (raft, small boat, large boat).

· Improve ships with stronger parts and onboard facilities.

· Facilities can be built with Construction or through a hired Shipwright.

 

Crew & Multiplayer Sailing

 

· Recruit from 10 unique NPCs found across Gielinor.

· Invite up to five friends to sail together.

· Crewmates maintain ship facilities and boost efficiency.

 

Ship Combat

 

· Fight sea monsters and enemy ships.

· Build Cannon facilities for ranged combat.

· Use Repair Kits at a Workbench after battle.

 

Core Sailing Gameplay

 

· Earn XP by interacting with onboard facilities (e.g., trimming sails).

· Four main training loops + a hybrid Sailing/Fishing method.

· AFK-friendly but with deep progression.

 

Port Tasks

 

Two types:

 

· Courier Tasks – deliver cargo.

· Bounty Tasks – defeat sea threats.

 

You can store up to five at a time.

 

Shipwreck Salvaging

 

· Relaxed, AFK-style method using Salvaging Hooks.

· Gather Salvage and sort it into usable materials at Ports.

 

Sea Charting

 

· Chart uncharted waters using the Captain’s Log.

· Grants one-time XP rewards and powerful upgrades.

· Encourages exploration + discovery.

 

Barracuda Trials

 

Time-trial minigames:

 

· Tempor Tantrum

· Jubbly Jive

· Gwenith Glide

 

Rewards include XP, cosmetics, and items.

 

Deep Sea Trawling

 

· Access rare deep-water fish with a Trawling Net facility.

· Grants Sailing + Fishing XP.

· Fish can be used for food and Herblore ingredients.

 

Sailing Quests

 

· Pandemonium — intro quest teaching core mechanics.

· Troubled Tortugans — meets a new race (Tortugans) battling Gryphons.

· The Red Reef — sequel planned for future updates.

 

New Areas

 

· Over 30 new islands, some containing dungeons.

· Focus on exploration and environmental storytelling.

 

New Resources

 

Includes:

 

· New logs, ores, rocks

· New fish

· Seeds

· Fabrics

· Other Sailing-exclusive items

 

Bank space increases with the update.

 

New Training Methods

 

Unlocking islands grants entirely new ways to train existing Skills:

 

· Crab Hunting

· Lantern Fishing

· Blowpipe Fletching

· Pirate Thieving

 

These fill existing gaps in OSRS skilling progression.

 

Unique Items & Rewards

 

Highlights include:

· Belle’s Folly (formerly the Gleaming Rapier): a 5-tick stab weapon alternative to the Zamorakian Hasta

· Horn of Plenty: boosts gathering Skills and increases Hunter level

· Teleport Me to Boat spell

· Extensive boat customization and cosmetics

 

More rewards will be revealed throughout the update cycle.

 

Will OSRS Get More New Skills After Sailing?

 

Players definitely want more Skills—and Sailing proves it can be done. But realistically, it will be years before the next one is announced.

The most likely candidate for a comeback is Shamanism, followed by a reimagined concept of Warding or Taming. Artisan, however, is unlikely to return.

 

Jagex has made it clear that player polls will remain essential. So, if you want more Skills, make sure your voice is heard in future surveys.

 

Prepare for Sailing — And Stock Up Now

 

The launch of Sailing will introduce new materials, quests, equipment, resources, and islands to explore. Whether you're planning to reach Level 99 fast or simply enjoy the new content, it never hurts to be prepared.

 

If you're getting ready for the November 19 update, check out our OSRS gold for sale so you can upgrade your gear, buy supplies, and hit the seas fully equipped.

 

RSorder Team