Choose RuneScape if you want its newer skill systems and options such as ability-based combat; choose Old School RuneScape if its distinct classic presentation and community-poll-led development appeal more. You can try either game for free, but they are separate experiences: one Jagex account can access both, while characters, items, stats, and progress stay in the game where they were earned.
RuneScape and Old School RuneScape are separate games
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) began with a backup of RuneScape from 2007 and launched in 2013. It has continued to receive updates, so “Old School” describes a distinct game direction, not a permanently frozen version of the past. RuneScape is the newer, evolving version, and Jagex describes recent changes to its combat, interface, and other systems on its RuneScape Reignited page.
Jagex says one account gives access to both games, but each has its own character profile. As Jagex Support explains, progress is independent: character information, stats, and items do not transfer between versions. If you are returning, find the character you want to resume before deciding where to play.
How to choose between them
| What matters to you | RuneScape | Old School RuneScape |
|---|---|---|
| Combat options | Offers Evolution of Combat (EoC), abilities, and Revolution mode; Legacy mode uses regular auto-attacks and weapon special attacks. | A separate alternative with its characteristic classic presentation; the official sources here do not establish a precise one-to-one mechanics comparison. |
| Skills | The current skills guide includes Archaeology, Invention, and Necromancy. | Jagex’s 2026 overview lists 23 skills; the count may change as the game updates. |
| How content is shaped | Jagex’s RuneScape Reignited page describes recent system changes and a roadmap for 2027. | Jagex says proposed content is polled and needs 75% approval or higher to pass. Its 2026 overview reports more than 1,000 poll questions since the 2013 launch. |
| Character continuity | Your RuneScape profile and its progress remain here. | Uses a separate profile; RuneScape progress does not transfer. |
Pick RuneScape for newer skills and combat flexibility
If abilities and newer skill systems are the draw, start with RuneScape. Its official skills guide lists skills including Archaeology, Invention, and Necromancy. Combat is not a single all-or-nothing choice: EoC supports abilities and Revolution mode, while Legacy uses auto-attacks and weapon special attacks. Interface and combat modes can be configured separately, so players who prefer a more traditional combat setup can try Legacy rather than assuming every RuneScape player uses the same arrangement. See Jagex’s combat guide for details.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Pick Old School for its presentation and polling model
OSRS may suit you better if you want its distinctive classic presentation and prefer a game where proposed content is put to community polls. Jagex says proposals need at least 75% approval to pass, and its official Old School overview reported more than 1,000 poll questions since the 2013 launch as of 2026. Those figures describe Jagex’s stated process and cumulative poll count, not a guarantee that every proposal will be added.
Try both before committing to membership
Both games offer free play and optional membership. The member versions add substantial content, but their official pages describe benefits differently, so the lists below are not a feature-for-feature comparison.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Game | Examples of membership benefits listed by Jagex | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| RuneScape | Expanded world, 12 exclusive skills, 45 members-only bosses, player housing, and ports. | RuneScape membership |
| Old School RuneScape | Additional regions, quests, skills, bosses, player housing, bank capacity, and member worlds. | Old School membership |
Start with the free version that sounds most appealing, then check the official membership page for your region before paying. Prices and billing terms can vary, and the available information does not establish that either game is cheaper.
What carries over—and what does not
Your account access spans both games, but the characters and economies remain separate. In particular, an Old School Bond is an OSRS item that can be traded in Old School and redeemed for Old School membership. Jagex says it cannot be transferred into RuneScape for RuneCoins or Keys; see its Old School Bonds support page. Do not buy a Bond expecting it to move membership or value between versions.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What has recently changed in RuneScape
As described on Jagex’s RuneScape Reignited page accessed October 7, 2026, RuneScape removed Treasure Hunter and Hero Pass, officially supported plugins, and revised combat, the user interface, and other systems. Jagex also says major 2026 updates included Player Avatar and Construction and points to a 2027 roadmap. These are RuneScape-specific statements, not descriptions of OSRS. Roadmaps and live-game features can change, so consult the official page for the latest status.
There is no evidence here to rank the games by population, ease, or suitability for casual players. The useful choice is personal: consider which presentation, combat options, development model, and existing character you want, then sample the free game that fits best.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
