Player guide
What is an RSPS? A plain-English guide
An RSPS (RuneScape private server) is a game server run by fans, not by Jagex, that recreates RuneScape so you can play it with different rules: faster levelling, custom items, free cosmetics or a completely different economy.
How a private server works
Official RuneScape and Old School RuneScape (OSRS) run on Jagex's own servers. A private server is separate software, written or adapted by the community, that speaks the same protocol as a RuneScape game client. You download that server's own client (or, for some servers, play in the browser), create an account on their server and play in their world. Your official RuneScape account, items and progress are not connected to it in any way.
Servers are usually named after the game version they copy. "317", "474" or "667" are client revision numbers from different years of RuneScape; "OSRS" servers copy today's Old School game.
The main types of server
- Spawn servers let you spawn gear, food and stats with commands, so you can PvP or boss straight away.
- Economy (eco) servers make you earn items and trade with other players. Progress takes longer but is worth more.
- PvP servers focus on player-versus-player combat, often with quick setups and bounty or kill rewards.
- OSRS-style servers stay close to Old School content with boosted rates.
- Custom servers add content that never existed in RuneScape. See what is a custom RSPS?
- Ironman modes limit trading so you earn everything yourself.
Why people play them
Common reasons are time (reaching end-game content in days instead of months), nostalgia for an older version of the game, free access to content that is members-only in the official game, and small communities where staff know players by name.
What to know before you start
- Private servers are unofficial, and can shut down at any time and take your progress with them. Treat what you earn there as fun, not as an investment.
- Never reuse your official RuneScape password, or any password you use elsewhere. Read how to pick a safe RSPS before installing a client.
- Donations are usually non-refundable and only last as long as the server does.
How to find one
A toplist like ours ranks servers by player votes cast here this month. Ads never change that order; see how ranking works. Open a server's page to see its website status, uptime history and a description, then vote for it if you enjoy it.
Frequently asked questions
Is an RSPS the same as RuneScape?
No. It is an unofficial server run by fans. It is not connected to your Jagex account and progress does not transfer between them.
Do RSPS servers cost money?
Almost all are free to play. Many accept optional donations for in-game perks; those are usually non-refundable.
What does 317 mean in RSPS?
It is the RuneScape client revision the server is based on. 317 is a 2006-era version that many classic servers use.