Why I Can’t Enjoy Old School RuneScape Despite Wanting To

Old School RuneScape is currently experiencing unprecedented popularity. This free-to-play MMORPG, which launched in 2013 to preserve RuneScape’s 2007 version, is thriving and enjoying its position at the forefront of the gaming scene. Recently, Old School RuneScape achieved a remarkable milestone with over 240,000 concurrent players online. Even some of my friends are engaged in the game right now. It’s incredible to witness a game that many of us cherished as children still thriving two decades later.

However, as someone who has vivid memories of RuneScape, I must admit my surprise and disappointment: I find it difficult to immerse myself in the game once again.

I’ve made attempts to return. A few months ago, nostalgia hit hard, prompting me to download Old School RuneScape anew. I even set up RuneLite with all the top plugins. RuneScape played a significant role in my childhood, and I was eager to relive those joyful moments.

Unfortunately, the magic seemed absent.

The realm of Gielinor remains just as enchanting as I recall. It’s quirky yet engaging, and I have an affinity for the medieval fantasy vibe. The music from Old School RuneScape continues to resonate as well. The atmosphere feels so warm (and I dislike using that term, but it absolutely fits here). The simplicity of Old School RuneScape is still genuinely welcoming today. It’s not hard to understand why players become enchanted by this game, even in 2025.

Yet, for me, the movement system is a significant deterrent.

I suppose click-to-move was acceptable when I was a young child playing on my family’s shared computer in a chilly basement. However, as an experienced gamer now, it presents a barrier I can’t overcome. I need to have the WASD movement option. My fingers instinctively reach for those keys every time I enter a game like Old School RuneScape; it’s a matter of muscle memory. Yet in Old School RuneScape, clicking is your only option. In fact, every action requires a click.

I’m aware that many players see this system as part of the game’s charm. It gives Old School RuneScape its unique feel. The game is crafted to be more passive, making it the ideal “second-monitor game.” You can level up your skills while watching videos on YouTube or even working on your primary screen. That laid-back nature is attractive, especially for individuals looking for a game that can fit into their daily lives without demanding their full attention.

However, that disconnection hinders my ability to stay engaged. When I indulge in MMOs, I desire to feel immersed in the world. The tactile feedback from WASD movement enhances my sense of presence. It transforms the game world into a space I inhabit rather than merely clicking through. Without that bond, playing Old School RuneScape feels more like a chore.

This realization saddens me.

I yearn to enjoy this game once more. I want to spend time with my friends, embarking on quests or leisurely fishing together. Reconnecting with my younger self who spent countless hours exploring Lumbridge would be wonderful. I desperately want to plunge back into the Old School RuneScape world.

Yet, each time I log in, I find myself logging out just as swiftly. The issue isn’t with Old School RuneScape; it’s with me.

I will forever respect and cherish Old School RuneScape for what it embodies — a distinctive and lasting MMO that has nurtured an enthusiastic community, evoked cherished memories, and continues to endure. Regrettably, I find myself cheering from the sidelines. Likely for eternity, considering that implementing WASD movement contradicts the game’s tile-based structure.