2022 is coming to an end, but it's not all bad! OSRS is bringing a new skill to the table.
The big question on everyone's mind is, what makes an OSRS skill so…OSRS? Well, hopefully, we can conclude together! But before we get into the nitty gritty details, ensure you're prepared for anything. Get OSRS gold at unbeatable prices with Chicks Gold; we're sure you won't regret it.
Now that we've prepared ourselves, let's get into the details of what's going on in OSRS. A new skill has passed the polls, but what could it be? Jagex has opened up to community suggestions, and they are flooding in! First, let's address what makes the current in-game skills so fitting for Old School.
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Where did it all start?
Jagex posted a poll asking its users, “should we add a new skill to OSRS?” And the response was overwhelming! Those answering yes were overshadowing those opposing the new skill considerably. That left only one thing to be decided; what would that skill be?
The three polling options are Artisan, Sailing, and Warding. Unfortunately, all three of these suggestions have yet to reach their 75% approval rate, with many players complaining they don't fit the mold of OSRS. Which begs the question, what makes a skill work well in OSRS? We must explore what makes the current skills fit so well to get further insight into the possible answer to this question.
Existing OSRS Skills
To make the breakdown easier, let's categorize our skills. We will group them into four categories, listing the individual skills that fit into these categories.
Gathering
- Mining
- Fishing
- Woodcutting
- Hunter
- Thieving
Generally speaking, these are the most specific skills in OSRS. Each involves collecting raw resources from the environment. So, logic tells us this is an excellent spot to introduce a new skill; this would require introducing new raw material, but it is plausible.
Production
- Runecraft
- Herblore
- Crafting
- Fletching
- Smithing
- Cooking
- Farming
Although farming consists of gathering crops, you are first tasked with collecting seeds to grow said crops. The skills in this category use the raw materials harvested in gathering and creating a new form.
Introducing another skill in the production category is too complicated. This is because you first have to introduce a gathering skill to acquire raw materials to reach this stage. The alternative is that OSRS would have to create new uses for existing raw materials.
Support
- Construction
- Agility
- Slayer
- Firemaking
Skills that fall into the support category are often standalone; if not, they use existing resources and convert them. This creates bonuses for your account.
Combat
- Attack
- Strength
- Defense
- Ranged
- Prayer
- Magic
- Hitpoints
Due to the delicate balance in the combat category, we need help to believe another skill would be added in this area. Plus, there is the fact that RuneScape 3 made a similar move with the introduction of Summoning. Something that did not go over well with players; hence the verdict we have reached.
Old School or Not Old School?
To determine what makes a skill suitable for OSRS, we must determine what needs to be added. So, what shouldn't we have as an Old School RuneScape skill?
First, let's look at some of the failures RS3 has faced when introducing skills. The introduction of Archeology was welcomed at first, offering gathering, production, and support skill elements. However, many thought that all three needed to meet expectations. When OSRS introduces a new skill, it is more focused and suited to the game.
It's speculated that this is one of the reasons Warding didn't pass the poll posted in 2018. The Warding skill was a combination of gathering and production, something we believe many users saw as a repeat of Archeology and stayed well away from. This is on top of the fact none of the OSRS skills cross into both or all territories.
What SHOULD the new skill be?
We have strongly considered three options, one of which is more so fitting to OSRS. So with that said, let's check out the possibilities!
Support
For our first suggestion, we have a support skill. Many OSRS users love Slayer and unlocking new passive equipment. First, however, there are a few questions to be asked about this suggestion.
Firstly, how would this skill be trained? It would require different uses for pre-existing gathering resources, which is fine. But what would it be? As this is a simple hurdle to overcome, a support skill is possible for the new OSRS skill.
The alternative is to introduce the skill as a standalone, though this instantly discredits the suggestion. However, as many users have stated, that isn't very old school.
Support and Gathering
A second possible scenario could be a double whammy. We're proposing here a support skill and a gathering skill be introduced. Should this possibility be considered, a new gathering skill could provide new resources for a support skill. These introductions could also offer smaller add-ons in other areas; for instance, new recipes, potions, etc.
However, because of the baseline of many players' interests reaching 99, some users may want to avoid adding skill to the list. This means choosing one of these would be better suited.
Production and Gathering
Despite our previous statement, we couldn't resist our final suggestion. However, this is the best way to implement the Production skill possibility; as we mentioned, production would require the introduction of a new gathering skill. This suggestion has some ups and downs, like with any other; first, let's focus on the upside. If implemented correctly, introducing a production skill could allow for interactions across already existing skills, opening up even more exciting doors for players.
On the other hand, you must strongly consider this skill's purpose. Production skills need to have a demand and good use. So, leaving us with another question, what would they be? Introducing a new product is certainly something to get excited about, but there is still a lot of thought to go into it.
What Skill Would You Choose?
With the information provided, have you made a decision? What would you go with? Hopefully, something exciting! Unfortunately, the waiting game must continue until the community can agree.
Until then, the new skill hangs in the balance! Cross your fingers for a new skill in 2024; until then, happy new year!