The least popular skill in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), based on the number of players who have achieved level 99, is Runecraft.
Runecraft consistently ranks as one of the most challenging and least favorite skills among players due to its often repetitive nature and relatively slow experience rates compared to other skills. Achieving level 99 in Runecraft is a significant milestone that fewer players accomplish than any other skill.
Runecrafting's Popularity by Skillcape Ownership
A clear indicator of a skill's popularity or "commonness" is the number of players who have earned its corresponding skillcape, signifying a level of 99. As of December 1, 2024, data indicates that Runecraft has the fewest number of players with its skillcape.
| Skill | Number of Level 99 Skillcapes (as of Dec 1, 2024) | Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Runecraft | 89,931 | Least Common |
| Strength | 596,525 | Most Common |
Data source: OSRS Wiki - Cape of Accomplishment
This disparity highlights Runecraft's status as the least common skill to master. In contrast, skills like Strength are significantly more popular, with hundreds of thousands more players achieving the highest level.
Why is Runecraft Considered Unpopular?
Several factors contribute to Runecraft's reputation as a less desirable skill to train:
- Training Methods: Many efficient Runecraft training methods involve extensive travel between banking locations and altars, often requiring numerous trips to craft runes. This can be monotonous and less engaging than other skills.
- Experience Rates: While there are methods to achieve faster experience (XP) rates, many of them require high initial investments in time or in-game currency, or are highly click-intensive, making them less accessible or appealing to the average player.
- Repetitive Nature: The core gameplay loop of Runecrafting, which involves gathering essence, teleporting, crafting, and banking, can become very repetitive over extended periods.
- Early Game Challenges: In the early stages, Runecrafting offers very low XP per hour, making the initial grind feel slow and unrewarding.
Despite its unpopularity for training, Runecraft is essential for creating runes used in Magic spells, and high levels can be quite profitable due to the value of certain crafted runes. However, the journey to level 99 remains a formidable challenge for most players.
