TFG essays: Why do I like this game so much?

Monday, 7th of July - 2025

I came up with the idea of having other types of posts within this blog: essays. 

Hope you like it :)

My visits to Reldo in Varrock who gives me the strange device to unlock clue scrolls! 

Day 5: Why do I like this game so much? 

The aesthetics of this game fit exactly what I look for when it comes to details. OSRS is known for its retro-looking visuals, and I absolutely love those simple graphics. From the natural environments—ponds, forests, deserts, snowy mountains—to interior spaces like castles, humble houses, smithing rooms, or banks, every part feels thoughtfully designed. The characters, too—both humans and monsters—are just so cool. And one of my favorite things is being able to explore different looks: armor, costumes, and outfits that let me personalize my character. Even as a free-to-play player, I can try many armor styles and combine them however I want.

Then there’s the soundscape. I didn’t always notice it consciously, but the background music makes a huge difference. It enhances the mood of whatever I’m doing—making areas feel more lively or dramatic. And beyond the music, I love the little sounds: the clicks and clinks of crafting, smithing, mining, fishing… those tiny audio cues are part of the rhythm of the game.

Of course, there are a few exceptions—some sounds become noise instead of comfort—but overall, I really enjoy the auditory experience of OSRS.

Another thing I cherish is the freedom. The freedom to choose my own pace. The freedom to decide how I look, whether I want to chat with others, which skill to train, which quest to follow—or even to combine all of those things however I wish. That feeling of personal freedom is amazing.

There’s no pressure to “keep up” or fear of missing out—unless it’s a seasonal event like Christmas or Halloween. But even then, nothing’s truly lost. You play on your own terms.

I also deeply appreciate that there’s a free-to-play option—and it’s not tiny at all. I still have so much to discover, and I’ve always been a free player. (Well, okay—technically not always. A kind Twitch streamer once gave me a bond, but... with much shame, I totally wasted it 😅). Still, the amount of content available to free players is truly generous. I’ve known about this game for almost two decades, though I didn’t play consistently for long periods until recently—and I’m still discovering simple things that bring me so much joy. For example, I only really got into clue scrolls last year! And now, I want to unlock all the collection log outfits. I still haven’t experienced the Wilderness, and don’t even get me started on the lore of Gielinor… There’s so much I’ve yet to explore.

Then there’s the social aspect. I remember when I first started playing—maybe around age 14 or 15—I was very social. I’d say hi to anyone around me while skilling or grinding. I’d learn where they were from, and they’d ask me the same. I chatted not only in English, but also found players who spoke Spanish, my native language. Now, my playstyle varies—sometimes I’m very social, and sometimes I just keep to myself. But the important thing is that the option is always there. That matters.

And finally (for the moment, sure there is way way more)—something close to my heart—the opportunity to practice and improve my English. Since English isn’t my first language, this game has given me so many chances to learn. I remember how happy I was back then when I learned the word shrimp, and what it meant! 🦐.

Today I spent the day here while writing. This is the fishing spot inside the Ruins of Camdozaal. Love the setting and vibes in here. 

If you made it all the way here—thank you so much for reading! I really enjoyed writing this post, and I hope it resonated with you, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just beginning your journey through Gielinor.

Stay cozy, keep grinding, and remember—there’s no wrong way to play :)