The RSPS scene has grown into a massive community with thousands of players and hundreds of servers, but its origins are surprisingly humble. What began as small hobby projects created by curious developers has evolved into an entire ecosystem with professional hosting, stable codebases and long-running worlds. In this article, we take a detailed look at where RSPS came from, how early source bases shaped the scene, and how modern servers became what they are today.
The earliest foundations: wL and the first experiments
The story begins with one of the earliest publicly known bases: wL. It was extremely basic, incomplete and often unstable, but it provided the foundation for everything that came after it. Developers used wL as a starting point to understand how private servers could communicate between a client and a custom server engine.
This period was defined by experimentation. Servers barely resembled RuneScape as we know it today. Basic walking, talking and simple combat interactions were considered milestones. Still, these early attempts sparked a new wave of interest—developers began to fork, rewrite and improve the original base.
The rise of WhiteScape, MythScape and CheezScape
In the years that followed, several new bases emerged that dramatically improved the quality of RSPS development. Notable projects included:
- MythScape – an early evolution focused on expanding server capabilities
- WhiteScape – one of the most influential early bases, spawning multiple versions
- CheezScape – a popular progression of the WhiteScape lineage with improved structure
These projects introduced better combat systems, stability improvements and new features that made servers feel closer to the real game. Many of today’s RSPS developers still recognise these names, as they mark the first true era of structured RSPS development.
Dodian, Devolution and Project 16: shaping the classic RSPS era
As more hobbyists joined the scene, additional bases emerged—each influencing the community in different ways. Some of the most iconic were:
- Dodian – known for its unique gameplay style and memorable community
- Devolution – a major step forward in stability and combat consistency
- Project 16 – released in multiple iterations (v3, v6) and widely used as a learning foundation
This era is where RSPS truly became accessible. Developers improved code organisation, introduced better training zones and added features like shops, basic skilling and improved PvP. Servers became more active, and early RSPS communities began to grow.
The Emulous and Shard era
Eventually, new bases like Emulous and Shard Revolution were released—both considered major milestones. These bases offered:
- cleaner code structure
- improved combat accuracy
- NPC behaviour that felt closer to the real game
- more consistent packet handling
Compared to earlier sources, Emulous in particular offered a more polished foundation, which made it extremely popular among PvP-focused servers. Many well-known servers from the late 2000s and early 2010s were built on Emulous or its descendants.
The shift toward modern technology
Over time, RSPS developers moved away from early bases and began creating more sophisticated engines. Open-source projects like Apollo, Hyperion, and later Elvarg brought:
- better performance
- modern coding standards
- event-driven systems
- more accurate OSRS mechanics
These modern engines mark the beginning of the current RSPS era. Many serious servers use customised versions of these frameworks, combined with their own content systems and lore.
How RSPS communities evolved
In the early days, forums were the heart of the RSPS world. Developers released source codes, players wrote tutorials and server owners shared updates. Over time, communities transitioned to social platforms such as Discord, which made communication faster but also more fragmented.
Despite this shift, the core of RSPS has remained the same: creativity, passion and community-led innovation.
The modern RSPS landscape
Today, RSPS are more polished and professional than ever. Most serious projects offer:
- dedicated servers with strong uptime
- advanced anti-cheat systems
- custom bosses and raids
- OSRS-style accuracy and pathing
- responsive client updates
Many servers now run for multiple years, building stable economies and loyal player bases. You can track the most active and reputable ones on our top RSPS list, or browse recently launched servers via the new RSPS list.
Why RSPS remain popular
Players continue to enjoy RSPS today for several reasons:
- Nostalgia – servers recreate favourite eras or offer custom twists
- Freedom – developers can create their own vision of the game
- Diversity – no two servers are the same
- Community – smaller player bases feel more personal and social
The RSPS scene is now bigger, more advanced and more diverse than ever before. With new projects launching frequently, players always have something fresh to explore.
Final thoughts
From wL to modern OSRS-based engines, RSPS have undergone an incredible transformation. What began as small experimental projects has grown into one of the most active private server communities in the world. Whether you’re a developer, a long-time player or someone rediscovering RuneScape, the RSPS world continues to evolve—and it’s still growing every month.
If you want to see how far RSPS have come, explore the current top servers on our live RSPS rankings or discover fresh new projects on the new RSPS list.