10 Best Games To Play If You Like Old School Runescape

If you love the grind, open-world freedom, and nostalgic charm of Old School Runescape, you’re definitely not alone. There’s something about leveling up skills, hunting for loot, and exploring a massive world at your own pace that hits just right. Whether you’re into PvP, PvE, or just chilling with some woodcutting, OSRS fans tend to look for games that offer similar depth and long-term satisfaction. In this article, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best games that capture the spirit of Old School Runescape in their own way—whether it’s through sandbox freedom, skill-based progression, or classic MMORPG vibes.

#10: Wurm Online

Wurm Online is one of the closest experiences you’ll find to the raw freedom of Old School Runescape. It’s a sandbox MMO where almost everything is player-driven—from crafting and building to terraforming the land itself. You can build entire villages, tame animals, forge weapons, or just live a peaceful life farming. It has a steep learning curve, but that’s part of the appeal for OSRS fans who enjoy long-term progression and meaningful effort. If you love the idea of creating your own world from the ground up, Wurm Online is definitely worth diving into.

#9: Elvor Idle

Elvor Idle blends the charm of old-school RPG mechanics with the satisfaction of idle progression. While it’s not a traditional MMO, it scratches the same itch as Old School Runescape by letting you grind skills like mining, smithing, fishing, and more—all at your own pace. The pixel art style gives it a nostalgic feel, and the skill trees, crafting, and item upgrades keep you coming back. If you’re someone who loves leveling up and watching numbers climb while multitasking, Elvor Idle delivers that OSRS-style satisfaction in a more laid-back, idle format.

#8: Tibia

Tibia is one of the oldest MMORPGs still alive today, and it definitely shares the hardcore vibe that Old School Runescape fans love. With its simple graphics, open-world PvP, and unforgiving death penalties, Tibia rewards knowledge and risk-taking just like OSRS. The game features a class system, skill training, dungeon crawling, and a huge world to explore. There’s no hand-holding here—just like in Runescape, you’ll have to learn the ropes through trial and error or community help. If you enjoy that old-school grind and community-driven gameplay, Tibia is a classic worth diving into.

#7: Ultima Online

Ultima Online is the blueprint for many MMORPGs that came after it, including Old School Runescape. It offers deep sandbox gameplay where nearly every item is player-crafted and every skill is leveled through actual use. Whether you want to be a blacksmith, a mage, a fisherman, or a thief, you’re free to play how you want—with no strict class system holding you back. The game’s risk-vs-reward design, player-run towns, and open PvP world make it feel raw and immersive. If you love the freedom and grind of OSRS, Ultima Online is a true old-school gem that still holds up for fans of classic MMORPGs.

#6: EVE Online

EVE Online might look completely different from Old School Runescape on the surface—set in space with massive ships and galaxies to explore—but at its core, it shares the same sandbox philosophy. Just like OSRS, EVE gives you total freedom to choose your path, whether that’s mining, trading, piracy, or large-scale faction warfare. The in-game economy is entirely player-driven, and every decision matters, especially with its famous “loss is real” system where dying means losing everything on your ship. If you enjoy high-stakes gameplay, complex systems, and the satisfaction of mastering a deep, player-focused world, EVE Online is a must-try.

#5: Black Desert Online

Black Desert Online is a visually stunning MMORPG that blends fast-paced combat with a deep sandbox experience, making it a great pick for Old School Runescape fans who want something more modern-looking. While the combat is action-based rather than click-to-attack, the game still offers tons of life skills like fishing, trading, gathering, farming, and more—just like OSRS. It’s all about grinding, min-maxing, and investing time into mastering your skills and building wealth. Whether you’re into PvP sieges or peaceful life skilling, BDO gives you the freedom to carve out your own path and progress at your own pace.

#4: Elder Scrolls Online

Elder Scrolls Online takes the deep lore and open-world exploration of the Elder Scrolls universe and mixes it with classic MMORPG mechanics. For Old School Runescape fans, the appeal lies in the freedom to play however you want—crafting, questing, exploring, or fighting other players in massive PvP zones. The progression system gives you full control over your build, and the world is packed with content for solo players and groups alike. If you enjoy OSRS for its open-ended gameplay and massive world, ESO offers a fresh, immersive take with richer visuals and voice-acted storylines.

#3: World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is one of the most iconic MMORPGs ever made, and it’s a natural step for Old School Runescape players looking for a more modern but still grind-heavy experience. Like OSRS, WoW offers deep progression systems, professions, dungeons, and player-vs-player content that reward time and effort. Whether you prefer raiding with a guild, farming gold through gathering professions, or exploring massive zones full of quests and secrets, WoW delivers it all. The community aspect is also strong, with plenty of social features that make teaming up easy and rewarding. If you’re into the long grind and character building of OSRS, WoW will feel like home.

#2: RuneScape 3

RuneScape 3 is the modern evolution of the same game OSRS players know and love, but with a fresh coat of paint and tons of quality-of-life upgrades. It features a more polished interface, faster-paced combat with its action bar system, and frequent new content updates. While the gameplay is different from Old School Runescape in many ways, the core elements—like skilling, quests, and open-ended exploration—are still there. If you enjoy the RuneScape universe but want better graphics, smoother controls, and new mechanics to dive into, RS3 is definitely worth trying.

#1: Albion Online

Albion Online is one of the closest modern games to Old School Runescape in terms of gameplay depth, economy-driven progression, and risk-vs-reward mechanics. Everything in Albion is player-driven—from crafting gear to controlling the economy—and it’s all tied to a full-loot PvP system that makes every fight matter. Like OSRS, you can gather, craft, farm, fight, or trade your way to success. Its classless system lets you define your playstyle based on the gear you equip, giving you complete freedom over how you develop your character. With its top-down view, grind-heavy gameplay, and player-focused world, Albion Online feels like a spiritual successor to Old School Runescape for modern MMORPG fans.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of Old School Runescape’s grind-heavy gameplay, player-driven economy, and open-ended progression, these ten games should feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for full-loot PvP like Albion Online, deep sandbox elements like Wurm Online, or the nostalgic charm of retro-inspired MMOs, there’s something on this list to scratch that OSRS itch. Each of these games captures a part of what makes OSRS special, while offering their own unique twist—perfect for players who love the freedom to play their own way.