Is RuneScape 3 (RS3) Worth Playing in 2025?

Image Credits: Jagex, RuneScape 3 (RS3)

RuneScape 3 has been around for over two decades, and it's still going strong. But is it worth your time in 2025? Let’s dive into it.

The Good: Why You Should Try RuneScape 3

• Massive Amount of Content:

  • RuneScape 3 has over 20 years of updates, quests, and areas to explore.

  • Even the free-to-play version offers dozens of quests and hours of gameplay. Membership unlocks even more content, including high-level bosses, new skills, and expansive regions.

• Unique Questing System:

  • Unlike other MMOs that focus on simple fetch or kill quests, RuneScape's quests are story-rich and filled with puzzles and unique mechanics (not just kill X or fetch X).

  • Whether it’s solving mysteries or battling epic bosses, the questing system is one of the best in the MMO world.

• Flexibility in Playstyle:

  • RuneScape lets you choose how to play. Whether you enjoy skilling, bossing, questing, or even just exploring, there’s no set path to follow.

  • You can progress at your own pace, making the game feel personal and rewarding.

• Combat Options and PvM:

  • RuneScape 3 has three combat styles: Full Manual, Revolution, and Legacy along with Ranged, Melee, Magic, and now Necromancy combat styles.

  • You can pick the one that suits your playstyle, whether it’s a laid-back experience or a more hands-on challenge.

  • There are loads of bosses and slayer monsterswith a lot of mechanics to take on.

• Frequent Updates:

  • Jagex regularly adds new content on a regular basis, from quests to PvM to QOL and holiday events.

The Challenges: What Might Hold You Back

• Microtransactions (MTX):

  • The Treasure Hunter system lets players buy XP boosts and items, which can feel like a "pay-to-win" element.

  • While it doesn’t ruin the game, it can cheapen the sense of progression, especially in the early game.

• Clunky Interface:

  • The interface can be overwhelming, with lots of menus and action bars. New players might find it tricky to navigate at first, but it gets easier with time.

  • FIX THE INTERFACE ITS TOO CONFUSING! Once you get past it though you’re good to go.

• Daily Tasks:

  • Mid to late-game players often deal with numerous daily tasks which can feel like a chore. For casual players, this can lead to burnout, but obviously you don’t have to do dailies and, quite frankly, we recommend that you don’t for a while just so you can experience the game the way you want to with no pressure.

• Lack of PvP

  • If you’re looking for a game with PvP, this is not it. You can duel players, and some minigames do have PvP, but minigames are relatively dead and the wilderness has opt-out options for PvP now with very little pking activity.

Player Base and Longevity

• RuneScape 3 averages around 20,000 active players at most times, which is healthy compared to many other MMOs.

• Despite its age, the game is not on the verge of dying. It has a very dedicated community and frequent updates suggest it will remain online for years to come.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Playing?

RuneScape 3 is worth playing if you’re looking for:

• A game with endless content to explore at your own pace, with plenty of “AFK” training options.

• Unique and detailed quests that stand out in the MMO genre.

• A chance to set and achieve your own goals, whether it’s maxing a skill, earning a prestigious cape, or defeating tough bosses.

• A very friendly community that welcomes casual players but has plenty to get into for hardcore players as well (namely PvM).

However, if you’re not a fan of microtransactions or if excessive dailies frustrate you, those aspects might be a dealbreaker.

RuneScape 3 has its flaws, but its strengths—rich content, amazing quests, and freedom of play—make it a great choice for new and returning players. If you’re tired of your current game or want a more relaxed MMO experience, give RuneScape 3 a try in 2025!