Old School RuneScape Sailing Update: New Skills, Resources, and Community Poll
The world of Gielinor is expanding once more with Old School RuneScape's upcoming Sailing update. This significant addition introduces a brand new skill, Sailing, alongside a plethora of new resources and activities that will impact various aspects of the game. A recent community poll has shaped the direction of this expansion, revealing players' preferences for new content and resource integration.
A Sea of New Content
The Sailing update isn't simply a new skill; it's a complete overhaul of how players interact with the game world. Similar to how Varlamore introduced new quests and skilling activities, the islands and oceans accessible through Sailing are brimming with fresh content. This includes new resources integral to the new skill, such as wood for hulls and sails, metals for keels and cannons, and fish and bait for long voyages. Players in Old School Runescape will find themselves needing these new materials to progress.
Interestingly, the developers have avoided reusing existing, underutilized resources like Arctic Pine or Redwood Logs. The reason? A commitment to realism. The team explained that hardwoods are more suitable for shipbuilding than softwoods, hence the introduction of new hardwood resources like Jatoba, Camphor, Ironwood, and Rosewood logs. These new resources will not only be essential for crafting ships but also add depth to existing skills like Woodcutting and Fletching.
Impact on Existing Skills
The impact of this update extends beyond the new skill itself. The introduction of new logs will directly affect Woodcutting and Firemaking. Jatoba logs, for example, are comparable to Maple logs in experience rate, while Camphor, Ironwood, and Rosewood logs offer progressively higher experience rates. However, the respawn rates on hardwood tree patch variants have been slowed to avoid excessive exploitation.
Mining will also receive an update with new ores, enriching the experience for those seeking precious metals. The Fishing skill gains Lantern Fishing and Deep Sea Trawling methods, adding new challenges and rewards. Hunter is enhanced with Crab Hunting Expeditions, and Farming introduces Coral Nurseries and new crops.
Crafting and Fletching see the addition of new fabrics and blowpipes. Herblore and Cooking gain new potions and foods, while Smithing and Construction will be integral to shipbuilding. Even Thieving is included, with the addition of Pirate Plunder and Merchant Stalls.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
The developers have emphasized the role of community feedback in shaping the Sailing update. The initial poll provided valuable insights, influencing decisions regarding the types of resources, rewards, and activities included. Further engagement with the community is expected as the update continues to develop, ensuring that the game evolves in a direction that is both engaging and authentic to the Old School RuneScape experience.
The Sailing update promises to be one of the most significant additions to Old School RuneScape in recent years. Its impact on various aspects of the game, coupled with the ongoing community involvement, ensures a compelling and evolving gameplay experience for both veteran and new players. Keep an eye out for further updates and announcements as the release date approaches.
