Skip to main content

How to install the Old School RuneScape HD Client

It took a few decades, but Old School RuneScape is finally playable in HD. The update didn’t arrive without controversy, however, as Jagex had originally put a stop to the third-party client — before community backlash led to its full blessing from the developer.

Running Old School RuneScape isn’t as easy as logging in and toggling on a High Definition option. Instead, you’ll need to download a third-party client known as RuneLite, then download and install the custom HD add-on. If you’re hoping to experience Gielinor in all its glory, here’s how to use the popular new OSRS HD Client. With the latest update to Old School RuneScape, now is a great time to get back into it.

Further reading

Recommended Videos

Download RuneLite and create an account

Navigating RuneLite's website to begin download.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Before you can do anything else, you’ll need to download RuneLite and create a free account. This is a third-party client that allows you to run Old School RuneScape with a variety of plugins and add-ons enabled. Here’s how to safely download and install RuneLite:

  • Head over to the official RuneLite website.
  • Click the orange Download button in the middle of the screen.
  • Create an account using the Login button at the top right of the screen.

Once RuneLite has been installed, you can log in to the game servers using your normal OSRS account and password. Your RuneLite account, meanwhile, will allow you to easily keep track of add-ons and a variety of other content.

Download and enable 117 HD add-on

OSRS running in RuneLite.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With those two tasks out of the way, you’re almost ready to start playing Old School RuneScape in HD. The only thing left to do is download and enable the OSRS HD Client. Thankfully, RuneLite makes this an incredibly easy process — that is, as long as you know where to look.

  • Open RuneLite.
  • Locate and click on the Configuration icon at the top right of the screen.
  • Select Plugin Hub from the very bottom of the list. This will open up a menu that lets you search for plugins on the RuneLite marketplace.
  • Use the search bar to find “117 HD.” This is the semi-official HD update that allows you to play the game with completely reworked graphics.
  • Click the green Install button to add it to your list of plugins.
  • Navigate back to your main Configuration screen.
  • Ensure the 117 HD plugin is enabled.

With 117 HD enabled, you’ll be treated to an entirely new OSRS experience. Keep in mind that the content is still in development, so it’s possible you’ll run into a variety of bugs or graphical hiccups as you play. You can also customize the game’s appearance by clicking on the Settings icon next to the plugin — this will allow you to optimize its performance for your system or ramp up the graphics as high as they can go.

Remember — this add-on can only be used with RuneLite and is not supported by the official Old School RuneScape client run by Jagex. RuneLite has access to the exact same servers as the Jagex client, so there’s practically no reason to avoid using the customizable — and HD-ready — client provided by RuneLite.

Topics
Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
How to change your faction in New World
All three factions in New World.

More than anything else, New World is a game built around its faction system. This splits the community into three rival groups that are vying for control of the land. Join a powerful faction, and you'll reap the rewards of conquest -- including better gear, better stats, and increased gold production.

If you think you've made a mistake when picking your faction, it's not the end of the world. There are a few stipulations, but Amazon makes it easy to change your faction in New World with just a few minutes of work.

Read more
How to fast travel in New World
New World players walking through town.

Getting around New World's gigantic map is no easy task. With hostile monsters and players lurking around every corner, it should come as no surprise that the safest way to get from Point A to Point B is through New World's fast travel system.

Unfortunately, fast traveling isn't as simple as opening a map and clicking on your destination. In fact, some forms of fast travel require an elusive resource known as Azoth -- and you'll need to be very careful with how you spend it. Regardless of where you're trying to go or how you're trying to get there, here's what you need to know about New World's fast travel system.

Read more
ESO jewelry crafting guide: How to craft jewelry in the Elder Scrolls Online
ESO player using a jewelry crafting station.

Jewelry crafting is a fairly new addition to The Elder Scrolls Online. Released alongside the Summerset Chapter in 2019 -- five years after the game's initial launch -- jewelry crafting has quickly become one of the best ways to earn gold and improve your character. It follows many of the same rules as other crafting professions, although there are a few quirks you'll need to learn if you're hoping to become a master jeweler.

From finding crafting components to leveling up your current gear, here's everything you need to know about ESO jewelry crafting.

Read more