While much of Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is reserved for members, some of the game’s most iconic quests are available to everyone, free-to-play (F2P) included. For many veteran players, these quests were their first taste of the adventure, lore, and challenges that define the RuneScape experience.

Questing as a free-to-play newbie was often the most memorable part of early RuneScape gameplay. Since OSRS launched in February 2013, four new quests have been added to non-members' worlds, complementing the 18 original F2P quests. With nearly 13 years between quest 18 (2004) and quest 19 (2017), many players remember their first journey through these adventures with nostalgia. Some of us even create new accounts just to relive those early quests.

If you haven't revisited these quests yet, now is the perfect time. Free quests are not only easy to get into but also don't require high skill levels, making them ideal for new or returning players. So, which free quests truly stand out? This ranking evaluates all 22 free quests based on difficulty, nostalgia, and storyline, with the first part covering ranks 22-12, where nostalgia and storyline are weighted twice as heavily as difficulty.

22. The Corsair Curse

Difficulty: 4/10 | Nostalgia: 1/10 | Storyline: 3/10 | Overall: 2.4/10

Combat-heavy yet surprisingly low on the list, The Corsair Curse struggles to fit into classic OSRS. Dialogue and backtracking feel tedious, and the traitor is obvious well before the climactic battle. Low-level players will find the fight challenging but ultimately straightforward. The quest doesn’t leave a lasting impression beyond the combat.

21. X Marks the Spot

Difficulty: 1/10 | Nostalgia: 2/10 | Storyline: 4/10 | Overall: 2.8/10

X Marks the Spot is a speedrunning favorite due to its quick completion time. Outside of speedrun contexts, it’s a simple treasure hunt: follow clues to find Veos’ hidden treasure. While it introduces players to Kourend content, it’s largely optional and doesn’t leave a lasting impression beyond a small confidence boost for beginners.

20. Below Ice Mountain

Difficulty: 3/10 | Nostalgia: 2/10 | Storyline: 4/10 | Overall: 3.0/10

The newest F2P quest, Below Ice Mountain, features a nice plot twist but suffers from long cutscenes and minimal player interaction. While it sets up lore that resonates in later member content, the quest itself is less memorable compared to older classics.

19. Doric’s Quest

Difficulty: 1/10 | Nostalgia: 6/10 | Storyline: 1/10 | Overall: 3.0/10

This simple ore-fetching quest is valued mainly for its Mining XP reward. Doric’s anvil is rarely used, yet the nostalgia factor is high because this quest is a genuine Old School relic, no longer present in RuneScape 3. A quick, rewarding introduction to F2P questing.

18. Witch’s Potion

Difficulty: 1/10 | Nostalgia: 6/10 | Storyline: 2/10 | Overall: 3.4/10

Witch’s Potion improves slightly on Doric’s Quest with a minor twist: one ingredient can’t be bought and requires some combat to obtain. Its Magic XP reward makes it a solid early quest, and its location in Rimmington adds relevance to future adventures.

17. Imp Catcher

Difficulty: 1/10 | Nostalgia: 6/10 | Storyline: 3/10 | Overall: 3.8/10

Imp Catcher may stump beginners who struggle to find imps, but it’s quick and rewarding. Magic experience gained here can jumpstart early training. The quest’s simplicity and charm make it a memorable step in your F2P journey.

16. Sheep Shearer

Difficulty: 1/10 | Nostalgia: 7/10 | Storyline: 2/10 | Overall: 3.8/10

Sheep Shearer stands out for its unique simplicity: shear and spin wool to complete the task. Crafting XP is a nice bonus, and its location near Lumbridge ensures it’s often one of the first quests a player completes. A short but satisfying experience for new adventurers.

15. Rune Mysteries

Difficulty: 1/10 | Nostalgia: 6/10 | Storyline: 4/10 | Overall: 4.2/10

A more involved beginner quest, Rune Mysteries, unlocks the rune essence mine, laying the foundation for Runecrafting. While Runecrafting is mostly member-focused, the quest provides significant access for free-to-play players and involves more travel than typical low-level quests.

14. Goblin Diplomacy

Difficulty: 1/10 | Nostalgia: 8/10 | Storyline: 4/10 | Overall: 5.0/10

One of the most humorous F2P quests, Goblin Diplomacy tasks players with resolving a dispute over goblin armor colors. It’s quick, comedic, and grants five quest points, making it ideal for new players aiming to hit the 10 quest point requirement alongside Romeo & Juliet.

13. Cook’s Assistant

Difficulty: 1/10 | Nostalgia: 9/10 | Storyline: 5/10 | Overall: 5.8/10

Cook’s Assistant is often the first quest new players encounter, serving as an extension of Tutorial Island. Helping the cook bake a Cake introduces players to questing mechanics while setting the stage for the legendary Recipe for Disaster. High nostalgia and beginner-friendly design make it a must-do.

12. The Restless Ghost

Difficulty: 2/10 | Nostalgia: 7/10 | Storyline: 7/10 | Overall: 6.0/10

A classic from the original six RuneScape quests, The Restless Ghost remains iconic. Retrieving the ghost’s skull teaches players about quest objectives and rewards Prayer XP, crucial for early combat success. Its enduring presence in OSRS cements its legacy as a free-to-play staple.

This concludes Part I, covering ranks 22 through 12. In Part II, we’ll reveal the top 11 F2P quests, where nostalgia, story, and gameplay truly shine in Old School RuneScape.

To make the game more enjoyable, RSorder offers carefully prepared services for every player, including OSRS gold, item purchases, and boosting.