Understanding the difference between economy and spawn servers
RSPS players often fall into two major playstyles: those who enjoy building wealth and progressing slowly over time, and those who want instant action without hours of grinding. The RSPS world reflects this perfectly through two major server types: economy servers and spawn servers. Both offer completely different experiences — and choosing the right one can define how much you enjoy the game.
This guide breaks down the core differences, strengths and weaknesses of each type so you can pick the one that actually fits your playstyle.
What are economy servers?
Economy servers are designed to mimic the long-term progression of traditional RuneScape. Players start with basic gear, train skills, complete bosses and earn items through gameplay. Money has real value, the marketplace matters, and every upgrade feels earned.
Key features of economy servers
- Progression-based gameplay — you work your way up through gear tiers and stats.
- Trading and merchanting — the player economy is a core part of the experience.
- Longer lifespan — players stay longer because of meaningful goals.
- PvM-focused — bosses, raids and grinding are central.
Who should play an economy server?
Economy servers are best for players who enjoy:
- earning their upgrades instead of spawning them,
- market manipulation and buying/selling,
- daily grinds and long-term rewards,
- PvM progression and bossing.
If you want your achievements to feel meaningful, an economy RSPS is almost always the right choice.
What are spawn servers?
Spawn servers remove progression entirely. Instead of grinding items, players can spawn most gear instantly and jump straight into combat. These servers are typically PvP-focused and reward fast, skill-based battles rather than long-term grinding.
Key features of spawn servers
- Instant max gear — no grinding, no farming, no merchanting.
- PvP-first experience — clans, hybrids, tribrids and tournaments.
- Small or no economy — wealth rarely matters.
- High skill ceiling — switching, combos and reaction time define success.
Who should play a spawn server?
Spawn servers are ideal for players who:
- want to get into PvP without hours of preparation,
- prefer skill-based fights over grinding gear,
- love fast-paced gameplay and competitive arenas,
- enjoy experimenting with setups instantly.
If you often skip grinding and just want action, a spawn RSPS will feel like home.
Which RSPS type is better?
Neither server type is “better” — they simply appeal to different players. Economy servers offer depth and longevity, while spawn servers provide instant excitement and competitive PvP.
If you’re unsure what fits you, browse servers on our Top RSPS List and try a few different types. You can also check the New RSPS page to see which fresh worlds have recently launched.
Mixed and hybrid servers
Some modern RSPS offer the best of both worlds. Hybrid servers may allow players to spawn some items but still require progression for the strongest gear. Others include economy game modes alongside spawn-based PvP arenas.
If you like both PvM progression and casual PvP, hybrid servers are often the sweet spot.
Final thoughts
Choosing between economy and spawn servers depends entirely on how you enjoy the game. If you want a long-term, grind-focused experience with meaningful rewards, economy servers shine. If you want instant PvP action and skill-based combat, spawn servers offer unbeatable pace and variety.
Whichever you prefer, always start with reputable servers to ensure a stable and safe experience. Explore our Top RSPS List to find servers that match your playstyle today.