Everything You Need to Know About RSPS

RuneScape Private Servers, usually shortened to RSPS, have grown from small hobby projects into a huge ecosystem of custom worlds. For many players RSPS are the way to relive old-school RuneScape, experiment with new content or simply enjoy faster progression without losing the core feel of the game. This page gives you a complete overview of what RSPS are, why people play them, and how to get started safely.

What is an RSPS?

An RSPS is a privately hosted version of RuneScape that runs on its own game engine and database. Instead of being controlled by the original game creator, each server is created and maintained by independent developers. They decide how fast you level, which items exist, how bosses behave and what kind of community they want to build.

Some servers try to be as close as possible to Old School RuneScape, while others go full custom with new gear, bosses and completely reworked progression systems. That variety is exactly what makes RSPS so interesting.

Why people still love RSPS

RSPS remain popular because they combine nostalgia, freedom and community. Players can revisit specific eras of the game, like pre-EOC or 2007-style combat, without being locked into the official updates. At the same time, developers can experiment with ideas that would never make it into the real game: custom raids, insane drop tables, new skills or even completely new worlds.

On top of that, RSPS communities are usually smaller and more personal than the official game. You see the same names, recognise staff members and get to know people in Discord. That social side is a big reason why players stay for years.

The main types of RSPS

Not every RSPS plays the same. When you browse servers you will often see labels like:

• Economy servers – slower progression, trading, skilling and a long-term market.
• PvP or spawn servers – instant access to gear, focused on pure PvP action.
• Custom servers – new models, bosses and mechanics you never saw in the original game.
• OSRS-style servers – built around Old School RuneScape stats, items and tick mechanics.

The best RSPS for you depends on whether you want to grind an economy, fight other players, chase unique items or just chill with some nostalgic PvM. It also depends on the device you'd like to play with; if you prefer mobile gameplay, you might want to have a look at the mobile RSPS list.

How to find RSPS to play

Because there are so many different servers, most players start on a community ranking site. Our own Top RSPS List shows active servers that are ranked by player votes and activity. This makes it easy to see which projects have real communities behind them and which ones are already fading away.

If you prefer fresh worlds with brand-new economies, you can keep an eye on the New RSPS page, where recently launched servers appear as they go live.

Getting started with your first RSPS

Playing an RSPS is simple once you know the basic steps:

1. Choose a server that fits your playstyle (economy, PvP, custom, OSRS, etc.).
2. Visit the server’s official website from a trusted listing such as our toplist.
3. Download the client from the real site – never from random reuploads.
4. Create a new account with a unique password that you don’t use anywhere else.
5. Launch the client, log in and follow any starter guides or tasks.

Most servers include beginner zones, starter gear and helpful commands so you can get into the game quickly.

Staying safe while playing RSPS

The majority of RSPS are run by honest developers, but you should still follow some basic safety rules:

• Never reuse your official RuneScape password or email.
• Only download clients from the server’s real website.
• Be careful with “doubling money” and other obvious in-game scams.
• Report suspicious behaviour to the staff team or in Discord.

Using common sense and playing on well-known servers listed on the RSPS rankings already removes most of the risk.

RSPS for server owners and developers

RSPS are not just interesting for players; they are also a playground for developers and server owners. Running a successful server means balancing combat, economy, content updates and community management. Voting systems, toplist exposure and long-term stability all play a role in whether a project becomes a small side-server or a large, active world.

Many of today’s established servers started as small experiments and grew over time as developers refined their code, fixed bugs and listened to feedback.

Where to go next

This page is meant as your starting point for understanding RSPS. If you want to dive deeper, scroll down to the “Learn more about RSPS” section where we’ve highlighted detailed guides on topics like how RSPS work behind the scenes, different server types, safety tips and how to choose the right server for you.

When you’re ready to try a server, browse the current favourites on our Top RSPS List or explore fresh worlds on the New RSPS page. From nostalgic OSRS-style servers to wildly custom creations, there is almost always a world that fits the way you like to play.