Old School Runescape has reached impressive heights, with the expansive world of Gielinor now featuring an entire continent and the recent addition of the Sailing update, which opens up the seas for exploration. The game offers an abundance of content and regions to discover. However, the limited-time Leagues mode introduces an intriguing twist by restricting access to certain areas, allowing players to unlock them progressively. The journey begins in Varlamore, OSRS’ latest landmass, where players can fully appreciate the richness of the region.
Leagues Mode: A New Adventure
Old School Runescape Leagues presents a turbocharged experience of Jagex’s beloved MMO, providing players with powerful Relics and an increasingly generous XP multiplier. This setup enables speedrunning through endgame content in a matter of weeks—or even days for those who might take a break from work. The sixth iteration, titled Demonic Pacts, has been active for nearly two weeks, and the pace at which players progress is remarkable; one player has already embarked on their second account.
As a relatively late starter, I have managed to unlock five out of eight Relic tiers—greetings to Larcenist. While I have gained access to my second region, Karamja, I find myself hesitant to leave Varlamore, which has proven to be exceptionally beneficial for my gaming pursuits. The first part of Varlamore was launched in March 2024, with its completion in July last year, making this the first Leagues where players can explore the entire region. Notably, this is also the first time Jagex has designated Varlamore as the starting zone, a decision that has certainly paid off.
Having returned to OSRS last year, I had already explored a fair amount on my main account. However, it is only now that I am truly appreciating the wonders of this region. Gielinor is filled with numerous locations for skill training and loot collection, which can lead to a sense of choice paralysis. Yet, by embracing the constraints of Leagues, I have discovered new ways to optimize my gameplay experience.
Take the Prayer skill, for instance. In the past, I would typically rely on the familiar method of using someone else’s Gilded Altar. Now, I find myself mining Blessed Bone Shards in Cam Torum before transporting them to the Libation Bowl at The Teomat—two points of interest I had never visited before. Similarly, while I would usually level cooking at the range in Hosidius to minimize the risk of burning my Sharks, I now make the trek between the Hunter’s Guild range and its nearby chest.
Speaking of Hunter, this skill has long been my least favorite to work on in OSRS. My previous approach involved sporadic birdhouse runs, but I recently enjoyed clearing rumors at the guild in exchange for the coveted Quetzal Whistle. This marks my first meaningful engagement with the Hunter skill, and I now feel more inclined to pursue it earnestly once this round of Leagues concludes in June.
For newcomers to OSRS or returning veterans, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Leagues a try. The restrictions have opened up new avenues for experiencing Gielinor, and I eagerly anticipate exploring the regions I choose to unlock for even more thrilling possibilities.
