Updates: changes that make something up-to-date. Updates often vary in size: there are tiny updates, things that can be seen as an add-on to already-existing content. There are also big updates, something which completely overhauls the current system. When we, the players of RuneScape, speak of big updates, a few things come to our minds: RS2 & RS HD to name the biggest ones. And now we have Jagex’s next biggest update: the Combat Rework (BETA).

Since it is a BETA, it started with limited access. Players that had been subscribed for the last 12 months were promised guaranteed access, but some people were unfortunately still not able to enter. Then again, it is a big undertaking to make sure that just a certain amount of accounts receive access, so it is understandable that some small things can go wrong.

For years, the combat system was roughly the same in RuneScape, especially since the launch of RS2. Sure, the animations changed a bit and the commonly used weapons changed too, but the core of the system remained the same. Some call this a blessing, some call it a curse. Some praise the system for its originality, while others consider the very same thing to be a disappointment. Anyway, you can now walk around with your maxed level 200 character and battle your foes in fast-paced battles!

Wait what?! Level 200?! Yes that is right, Jagex has also done a bit of rework on the combat level as part of the combat rework. The new formula for the combat level is as follows: highest combat skill level + defence level + 2. So this new formula completely ignores Summoning and Prayer. That doesn’t mean they can get far in PvP though, as your lifepoints receive a huge increase when wearing high-levelled armour. This kind of confused me too at first, as I suddenly faced my character, having literally over 9000 lifepoints! Something which will appeal to most people too is that your character finally has its equipment on his/her back. Something that will appeal to most people, too, is the fact that your character finally has his or her equipment on his/her back. After all of these years of having to carry their items around, your equipped weapons and shields can finally rest!



Just like in many other MMOs, you have a lot of choice in selection your equipment. While RuneScape has always had a wide range of weapons for the Melee and Ranged class. Admittedly, a lot of these weapons were probably never used, unless you considered whacking your foes with a mace to be fun. But, back to the topic, this wide range of variety has been expanded even more! You are now able to wear two weapons at once. This greatly increases your offensive abilities, because you are obviously attacking with twice as much power as usual. There is not that much freedom of choice for your off-hand weapon, but it is good enough. The previously mentioned mace cannot be used as your off-hand weapon, but common items such as a battle-axe, a dagger or a scimitar can be used! A special treatment is being given to the abyssal whip: its off-hand counterpart is the enhanced Excalibur due to technical difficulties.

And that’s not just all; Jagex has also introduced a few new items to fit in with the already-existing armour sets. New items such as the Bandos Helmet and the Mystic Shield will be a great addition for all players. And to make sure that players can test out the new combat system and fight each other / NPCs, Jagex placed some NPCs in the BETA that give out various armour pieces and supplies for combat. This varies from Rune Scimitars to Divine Shield and Overload potions. Mind you, you can only wear/use these items if you have the required levels. I personally discovered this when I tried to use a Super Prayer Potion when fighting the King Black Dragon, which led to me not being able to use the potion because my Herblore level was just level 90. A shame for me, but the fact that you can easily obtain supplies and use them to test out boss battles or regular npc battles in the new combat system is rather splendid!

In part 2 of this blog, we’ll cover the new ability system and more. Stay tuned!