Hello everyone, welcome to the OSRS retrospective! I compiled the top 10 updates of 2024. These updates range from minor quality-of-life tweaks to game-changing content releases shaping our play.

10. Mobile Overhaul

In November, Jagex transformed OSRS Mobile, making it more seamless and competitive with its desktop counterpart. Key features included:

    • Customizable Hotkeys: Replacing F-keys, make accessing tools for skilling and PvM effortless.

    • Menu Entry Swapper: Customize tap interactions, like setting "Bank" as the default for bankers.

    • NPC Indicators: Highlighting NPCs and monsters for easier interaction.

    • Improved Tools: Enhanced puzzle solvers, ground markers, and item indicators.

These updates cater to mobile enthusiasts and those grinding XP on the go.

9. Quality-of-Life Buffs

Some smaller updates impacted large segments of the community:

    • Farming Improvements: Barbarian training now smashes plant pots automatically.

    • Combat Gear Adjustments:

        • Scythe Buff: Charges are no longer consumed on zero damage hits, and costs are reduced.

        • Fang Nerf: Its double accuracy roll now applies only to stab attacks, shifting meta balance.

    • Forestry Simplification: Unnecessary event-trigger items were removed, streamlining gameplay.

These tweaks, though small, enhanced convenience and efficiency for players.

8. Minigame Revamps

Several minigames were modernized:

    • Guardians of the Rift: Dynamic scaling adjusts the difficulty based on active players. The Colossal Pouch became accessible at level 56 crafting, scaling to pouch tiers.

    • Mage Training Arena: Faster guardian movement, fewer delays, and enhanced rewards made it more appealing.

    • Wintertodt: A new warmth meter reduced food dependency, and loot is now accessible outside the tent.

These changes breathed new life into beloved activities.

7. Skuo the Rat King

This low-level PvM boss introduced mechanics like prayer switches, positioning, and tick timing, helping players learn early-game combat skills. Fighting Skuo is more engaging than training at traditional spots like the Nightmare Zone. Additionally, groups gain increased XP multipliers, incentivizing cooperative gameplay.

6. Return of While Guthix Sleeps

OSRS introduced the iconic While Guthix Sleeps, marking the return of grandmaster storytelling. The quest itself was a hit, but the post-quest rewards stole the show:

    • Bone Claws: A budget Dragon Claws alternative.

    • Tormented Sinews and Emberlight: Non-degradable demonbane gear ideal for PvM activities.

    • Scorching Bow: Dominates Grotesque Guardians.

While nostalgic, the lack of additional rewards left some wanting more.

5. Alamor Part 2

This expansion brought new content and items:

    • Way Colle: A group boss offering Dragon Hunter Wands and AA seeds for crafting essential potions.

    • Mastering Mixology: Improved Herblore XP rates through unfinished potions.

    • Colossal Worm Agility Course: Added new ways to train agility and collect Amylase Crystals.

While it didn’t surpass Part 1’s grandeur, the update offered substantial variety.

4. Project Combat Rebalance

Jagex tackled OSRS combat balancing, giving new life to older gear and styles:

    • Melee: Buffs to the Elder Maul, Inquisitor’s Mace, and synergy with the Inquisitor set.

    • Ranged: New ammo types and enhanced diversity in ranged-focused combat.

    • Magic: Elemental weaknesses for monsters and scaling max hits for elemental spells made this the standout change.

These updates sparked renewed interest in combat diversity and meta shifts.

3. Slayer Boss: Arur

August’s new Slayer boss, Arur, introduced a challenging fight with lucrative rewards. Featuring high skill requirements and unique mechanics, Arur catered to endgame players, providing a refreshing alternative to existing Slayer bosses.

2. Wilderness Revitalization

Wilderness updates were a major highlight this year:

    • Boss Reworks: Improved mechanics and rewards for classic bosses like Vet'ion and Callisto.

    • New PvP Features: Enhanced bounty systems and loot tables encouraged more participation in PvP.

These changes made the Wilderness feel alive again.

1. Valmore Part 1

The most significant update of the year was undoubtedly Valmore Part 1. This expansion reshaped OSRS by introducing:

    • New Regions: Vast areas filled with lore-rich quests and dungeons.

    • Powerful Gear: Items like the Bladed Hide armor and the Aether Bow dominated PvM content.

    • Improved Training Methods: Enhanced skilling activities made progression smoother.

Valmore set a new benchmark for future expansions, delivering content for both casual and hardcore players.

Honorable Mentions

    • Ironman Improvements: Quality-of-life tweaks for resource gathering and item sharing.

    • Holiday Events: Creative rewards, like the Winterfest Squirrel pet, delighted the community.

Conclusion

2024 was a stellar year for OSRS, with updates that catered to various playstyles and preferences. Whether you’re a skiller, PvMer, or PvP enthusiast, there was something for everyone.

RSorder Team