Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is about to set sail on its most ambitious update yet — Sailing, the game’s first-ever new skill, launching November 19th at 10:00 UTC. This groundbreaking addition opens up the oceans of Gielinor, giving adventurers a chance to explore uncharted waters, command their own ships, and RuneScape gold uncover hidden treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with Sailing — from building your first ship to mastering the open seas.

What Is Sailing in Old School RuneScape?

Sailing is a non-combat gathering and exploration skill that introduces a brand-new form of gameplay — naval exploration. Instead of grinding on land, players will now navigate across the seas surrounding Gielinor, unlocking islands, gathering rare materials, and discovering new mini-games and training methods along the way.

At its core, Sailing is about building, managing, and upgrading your ship as you improve your captaincy. As you level up, you’ll gain access to new ship types, deeper waters, and advanced exploration content such as naval skirmishes, treasure hunting, and island expeditions.

Getting Started: Building Your First Ship

After the skill launches, players will be directed to a new coastal port hub — the starting point for every sailor. Here, you’ll meet shipwrights who help you build your first vessel.

Meet the Dockmaster: Begin by speaking with a Dockmaster NPC in Port Sarim or another major coastal town. They’ll introduce you to basic Sailing concepts and walk you through your first voyage.

Gather Materials: You’ll need simple resources like logs, planks, and nails to construct your beginner’s boat. These can be obtained through traditional gathering skills like Woodcutting or purchased from merchants.

Build a Small Sailboat: Your first ship will be modest — ideal for training and learning navigation. It won’t be fast or sturdy, but it will get you on the water.

Set Sail for the Tutorial Route: Once your ship is ready, you’ll complete a short tutorial voyage where you learn how to steer, catch wind, and avoid obstacles.

Sailing Mechanics: Navigation and Skill Training

Sailing combines real-time ship control with skill-based progression. Players will navigate the open sea using wind direction and speed mechanics, requiring attention and strategy rather than simple clicking.

Here are the main ways to train your Sailing skill:

Exploration: Charting new waters and discovering unmarked islands grants experience.

Salvaging: Recovering shipwrecks or ocean debris rewards resources and XP.

Fishing & Foraging: Gather materials from the ocean — coral, driftwood, and sea creatures — to trade or craft ship upgrades.

Cargo Runs: Take on delivery missions between ports for profit and XP.

Naval Combat: High-level sailors can face off against pirates or sea monsters, combining Sailing with Combat and Defence skills for unique rewards.

As your skill level increases, you’ll gain the ability to sail in rougher seas and craft more advanced ships — from swift schooners to massive galleons capable of carrying crews and cargo.

Ship Upgrades and Customization

Every sailor’s pride is their ship. You can customize your vessel with upgrades that affect both appearance and performance. Upgrades include:

Sails and Rudders: Improve maneuverability and speed.

Hull Reinforcements: Boost ship durability against damage.

Cabin and Storage Upgrades: Increase capacity for cargo, crew, or crafting stations.

Cosmetic Customization: Choose flags, colors, and decorations to make your ship stand out.

Ships are modular, meaning you can mix and match parts based on your preferred playstyle — whether you’re a treasure hunter, trader, or explorer.

Discovering the New World

Sailing introduces new islands and maritime zones, each with unique biomes, NPCs, and activities. Some islands are peaceful trade hubs, while others hide dangerous sea creatures or ancient ruins to explore.

Expect to encounter:

Treasure Islands: Great for loot hunting and resource gathering.

Pirate Outposts: Challenge for PvM fans, offering high-risk, high-reward battles.

Uncharted Isles: Require high Sailing levels and special maps to access.

Each discovery adds to your Exploration Log, a record of all locations visited — similar to a bestiary for sailors.

Tips for Efficient Sailing Progression

Upgrade Early: Invest in better sails and a reinforced hull as soon as possible to make travel safer and faster.

Balance Exploration and Trade: Cargo runs are great for passive XP, but exploration gives unique items and more adventure.

Join a Crew: Many Sailing activities benefit from cooperative play. Crews can share resources, navigate faster, and tackle harder challenges.

Watch the Wind: Learn how wind direction affects your ship’s movement to travel efficiently and avoid unnecessary slowdowns.

Explore Regularly: New events and islands will be added post-launch, making it worthwhile to revisit seas as the world expands.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

Sailing is just the beginning of OSRS’s oceanic expansion. Jagex plans to introduce seasonal content, new islands, and player-influenced development decisions throughout 2026. Future updates may include crew management, naval boss fights, underwater exploration, and even cross-skill integration with Construction, Fishing, and Smithing.

Final Thoughts

With Sailing, Old School RuneScape is charting new waters — literally. The skill promises freedom, creativity, and exploration on a scale the game has never seen before. Whether you’re upgrading ships, exploring lost islands, or battling sea monsters, Sailing offers countless new adventures while staying true to the spirit of OSRS.

So prepare your tools, stock your cargo, and cheap OSRS gold mark November 19th at 10:00 UTC on your calendar — your voyage across Gielinor’s seas is about to begin.