Key Takeaways
- New Skill Unlocked: Sailing arrives in Old School RuneScape on November 19, 2025 — the first new skill in years.
- Explore New Frontiers: Players can now traverse Gielinor’s oceans, discovering islands, new ores, trees, and other resources.
- Beware the Depths: Sharks, orcas, frost dragons, and even mermaids await those who venture across the waves.
Old School RuneScape Charts a New Course with Sailing
Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the beloved MMORPG by Jagex, is setting sail into uncharted waters. On October 24, 2025, the studio announced that Sailing will be introduced as a brand-new skill — marking the first addition of its kind in years. This update doesn’t just add a skill; it opens up an entirely new dimension of gameplay, allowing adventurers to explore Gielinor’s vast and previously inaccessible oceans.
Players eager to set sail will be able to begin their nautical adventures starting November 19, 2025, by visiting The Pandemonium — the hub for all things maritime. From there, the race begins to master Sailing and earn the coveted Sailing Skill Cape, designed by community artist Gentle Tractor.
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Expanding Gielinor: New Ores, Trees, and Hidden Islands
The addition of Sailing transforms Old School RuneScape’s landscape — quite literally. For the first time, players can leave the familiar mainland behind and explore the high seas, discovering new locations, resources, and mysteries.
A new item, the spyglass, will serve as a key tool for exploration, helping players locate small islands and hidden destinations scattered across the ocean. These islands aren’t just for sightseeing — they’re rich with new ores, trees, and crafting materials, offering fresh opportunities for skilling and trade.
This expansion breathes life into OSRS’s long-standing sense of adventure, combining nostalgia with novelty. For veterans and newcomers alike, Sailing promises to redefine what it means to explore in a game rooted in classic design principles.
Danger Beneath the Waves: Sharks, Dragons, and Mermaids
But adventure on the open sea won’t come without peril. The developers have confirmed that the ocean will be teeming with life — and danger. Sailors can expect encounters with creatures such as sharks, orcas, and frost dragons, each bringing its own challenges to maritime combat and survival.
Interestingly, mermaids also make an appearance, adding a mythical twist to the seafaring experience. Whether these ocean dwellers will be friend or foe remains to be seen, but their presence hints at rich storytelling and lore waiting to be uncovered beneath the waves.
A Community Moment: The Race to Level 99
Perhaps most exciting for the OSRS community is the return of something fans haven’t seen in years — a global race to level 99 in a new skill. Jagex has embraced the competitive spirit of its player base, teasing that “the race to reach level 99 is back.”
Players who reach mastery first will not only secure bragging rights but also showcase the newly designed Sailing Skill Cape, a reward that symbolizes dedication, exploration, and community collaboration.
This event represents more than just a gameplay update; it’s a celebration of OSRS’s enduring community and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Charting the Future of Old School RuneScape
The introduction of Sailing is one of the most significant updates in Old School RuneScape’s modern history. By making the seas traversable, Jagex is expanding Gielinor’s world and deepening the player experience with exploration, resource gathering, and danger.
For a game defined by tradition and player-driven development, this update is a bold yet fitting evolution. As November 19 approaches, one thing is clear: the spirit of adventure in OSRS is far from fading — it’s just getting started on the open sea.
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