The long-awaited skill is just over the horizon, with the OSRS Sailing release date speculated to be in Autumn this year. However, for now, the Alpha launch will have to suffice. So, what’s to be expected?
The Sailing Alpha is an open-play test, brimming with adventure and an exciting feat for developers and their two-plus years of work, so let’s take a look.
Firstly, we have a new quest, “Pandemonium,” which teaches players how to sail, dock, and get acquainted with Sailing in OSRS. This quest will also see players navigate Pandemonium, an island designed as a home port, while they explore the seven seas.
The completion of this quest rewards players with a “Captain’s Log” that can be used to track Port Tasks and other aspects of sea life.
Following the introductory quest, players will command their own vessel, which in the early stages is simply a raft. At level 10, players are able to purchase a small boat, and as they progress through the levels, more will become available.
With the OSRS sailing skill, players will be able to buy, retrieve and customize their boats by conversing with a Shipwright, who can be found on many docks near the Salvaging Station.
Customizations will allow not only cosmetic upgrades but those that will make the vessel more hardy, thus allowing players to take on more treacherous journeys through the water. Most of these customizations are done by speaking to the Shipwright, while some materials can be found in the handy chest at the Port Sarim noticeboard.
Here are some available customizations for players to toy with in the testing stage:
- Bronze Salvaging Hiok
- Iron Salvaging Hook
- Wind Catcher
- Cargo Hold
- Oak Mast
- Anchor
There is also set to be a multiplayer aspect of this skill, though it is still in its early stages. As of now, players can enter each other's boats, sail together, and enjoy adventures, all provided that they have adequate sailing levels.
To accommodate this new skill, new areas of the map have additionally been introduced, repurposing blue tiles and creating Shallow, Open, and Deep waters to be explored. For now, these adaptations are purely cosmetic and will not hinder speed, ability, etc., though this is subject to change with the introduction of hazardous waters and the “Barracuda Trials.”
Port Tasks are another exciting upcoming aspect of the OSRS Sailing skill. These tasks are low-intensity training methods to allow players to travel from port to port, helping NPCs with their objectives. These tasks can be found on notice boards around most ports.
There is sure to be a substantial increase in content as the Sailing skill in OSRS takes hold, though for now, players will have to settle to get acquainted with the basics. If you need to buy OSRS gold to ease your transition, don’t forget to check out our services.
