Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a game that continues to captivate players with its nostalgic charm and intricate mechanics. One of the most highly anticipated updates to the game is the introduction of the Sailing skill, which promises to add a new layer of adventure, exploration, and strategy to the vast world of Gielinor. While the skill is still in development, this guide will break down what we know about Sailing in OSRS, covering its mechanics, rewards, and how you can best prepare for its release.

 

What is the Sailing Skill?

Sailing is a new skill that is designed to introduce an exciting element of exploration and travel to Old School RuneScape. In essence, Sailing will allow players to build and captain their own ships to explore uncharted islands, navigate across the seas, and unlock hidden secrets within the game's expansive world.

 

The Sailing skill introduces the ability to craft and manage your own ships, embark on voyages, and discover new areas that were previously inaccessible. Players will have the chance to experience a more dynamic form of travel, unlike the teleportation or walking methods that have been the staple of OSRS for years.

 

Key Features of Sailing

Shipbuilding: You'll be able to craft different types of ships with varying capacities, speeds, and capabilities.

 

Voyaging and Exploration: You can set sail across the seas to visit new islands, each offering different rewards, challenges, and resources.

 

Crew Management: Some ships may require additional crew members, which could be NPCs or even other players.

 

Ship Combat and PVE: The oceans are not as peaceful as they may seem. Players will likely encounter other ships, sea creatures, and hostile NPCs during their voyages.

 

Ship Upgrades: As you progress in Sailing, you will be able to upgrade your ship with cheap OSRS gold, adding more features, durability, and customization.

 

The skill introduces an entirely new way to interact with the world of Gielinor, which will be explored in more detail as we break down how you can best prepare for the skill.

 

How to Train the Sailing Skill

Since Sailing is still in the development phase, exact details on how to train the skill may change upon release. However, based on current information from Jagex and community speculation, we can make educated guesses on how the skill will function and what you'll need to do to train it.

 

Step 1: Unlocking Sailing

Sailing will likely require players to reach a certain level in other skills, as is the case with many other OSRS skills. To begin your journey into sailing, you may need to complete specific quests or achieve certain requirements, such as reaching a minimum level in a related skill, like Construction or Crafting, to build your ship. Some have speculated that there will be a tutorial quest or a series of quests that will serve as an introduction to the new skill.

 

Once unlocked, you'll be able to interact with NPCs that teach you the basics of sailing and offer you initial tasks that will familiarize you with the gameplay mechanics.

 

Step 2: Crafting Your First Ship

A large part of training Sailing will revolve around shipbuilding. Players will need to gather resources and craft ships to use on their voyages. Resources required for building ships will likely include wood, metal, and perhaps other materials like cloth for sails or ropes for rigging.

 

You'll need to visit certain ports or shipyards to craft your first vessel, which could be a basic ship with limited functionality. As you level up your Sailing skill, you'll be able to build more advanced ships with better stats.

 

Step 3: Setting Sail on Your First Voyage

After crafting your first ship, it's time to set sail. At first, you'll probably start with smaller, slower ships that are good for short voyages, but as your Sailing skill improves, you'll gain access to larger ships capable of carrying more cargo, with faster travel times, and more durability in combat scenarios.

 

Your first voyages will likely involve exploration of nearby islands. These islands could offer rewards such as rare resources, treasure chests, new monsters, and even secret bosses. It's expected that these islands will have various levels of difficulty, with higher-level areas requiring more advanced ships and better crew.

 

Step 4: Upgrading and Managing Your Ship

As you progress in Sailing, you'll unlock the ability to upgrade and customize your ship. Ship upgrades could include:

 

Durability: Making your ship more resistant to damage from sea monsters or other players.

 

Speed: Upgrading the ship's engines or sails for faster travel.

 

Cargo Space: Increasing the amount of items your ship can carry.

 

Weaponry: Adding cannons, harpoons, or other weapons for ship combat.

 

You'll also likely be able to manage a crew, whether that's a group of NPCs or other players if multiplayer functionality is included. Your crew might have different roles such as navigators, healers, or fighters, which could add an extra layer of strategy to the game.

 

Step 5: Battling in Ship Combat

As part of the new feature, Old School RuneScape will likely introduce ship-to-ship combat. During voyages, you might come across hostile NPCs or other players looking to raid or sink your ship. To defend yourself or engage in combat, you will need to employ various strategies, such as firing cannons, boarding enemy ships, or using defensive maneuvers to avoid damage.

 

Step 6: Exploring New Islands

One of the biggest aspects of the Sailing skill is the ability to explore uncharted islands. These islands could have various biomes and environmental features, including:

 

Hidden Treasures: Some islands may contain rare items or OSRS gold.

 

New Quests: There could be new content related to these islands, such as NPCs to talk to or stories to uncover.

 

Unique Monsters: As you sail to more distant lands, expect to encounter dangerous sea creatures or island bosses that require strategy and skill to defeat.

 

Resource Gathering: Certain islands might provide unique resources that can be used for further ship upgrades or crafting.

 

The exploration aspect of Sailing promises to be a thrilling addition to the game, rewarding players with new experiences and challenges.

 

Step 7: Sailing and Player Interaction

While Sailing is primarily an individual skill, there is speculation that it may allow for player-versus-player (PvP) interaction. Some players may choose to engage in ship battles or even raid other players' ships. This introduces an exciting new dynamic to the game's economy and interaction.

 

You may also be able to work with other players to form pirate crews or trade resources found during voyages. This could lead to a whole new way to socialize and form alliances in OSRS.

 

Sailing Skill Rewards

As you level up in Sailing, you will unlock a variety of rewards, including new ship upgrades, customization options, and unique items. Additionally, players will likely gain access to new areas, quests, and bosses that were previously inaccessible. These rewards will provide both aesthetic and functional benefits to players, incentivizing them to continue progressing through the skill.

 

Potential Rewards:

Exclusive Gear: Special weapons, armor, or accessories related to the Sailing skill, including pirate hats, sailor outfits, or captain's coats.

 

Ship Customization: Aesthetic upgrades, such as different ship colors, figureheads, or sails.

 

Increased Access to Resources: Unlocking new islands with unique crafting materials or items that can only be obtained through Sailing.

 

Boosted Profits: Access to high-value trade routes or hidden treasure that can significantly boost a player's wealth.

 

Conclusion

The introduction of Sailing in Old School RuneScape promises to be one of the most exciting updates in the game's history. With the ability to craft and manage ships, explore uncharted islands, engage in ship combat, and discover new rewards, the skill will bring a new layer of depth to the game.

 

While the skill is still under development, the anticipation for Sailing continues to build, and players are eagerly awaiting its release. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player, now is the time to start preparing for this epic journey across the seas of Gielinor.