Exploration - OVERVIEW

Exploration - Overview


Exploration is a community-proposed skill for Old School RuneScape.  Exploration is a way for new content to be added to the game in a way that fits with current content and doesn’t introduce game-breaking content.  It contains mechanics that are already in place in Old School RuneScape, such as instanced encounters, coordinate systems, anagrams and riddles, and hot n’ cold features.  Using existing content to interface with new content would produce a new skill that features content that the community has been hoping for since the beginning of Old School Runescape.



How it works - 


Dispersed throughout Gielinor, Explorer NPCs are searching for adventurers to explore new lands, gather materials, and take on monsters.  Exploration contracts are obtained and completed similarly to Slayer tasks. Once an Exploration contract has been completed, the player will receive reward points that can be exchanged for items and perks that will help with future exploration contracts, as well as give bonuses throughout existing content. 


Exploration Contracts - 


There are three main categories of Exploration contract.


  • Artisan Contract

  • Gathering Contract

  • Combat Contract


Artisan Contract Variations - If the Player selects an Artisan Contract, they will be required to craft specific items from specific resources, or construct specific structures in specific locations.

  • Armor Requisition - The Player will be required to obtain resources to smith or craft armor, weapons, and clothing for specific NPCs. (Smithing and Crafting Requirements)

  • Supply Requisitions - The Player will be required to obtain resources to create food, potions, and runes for specific NPCs. (Cooking, Herblore, and Runecraft Requirements)

  • Construction - The Player will be required to build structures in a specified location with specified materials. (Construction, Smithing, and Crafting Requirements)


Gathering Contract Variations - If the Player selects a Gathering Contract, they will be required to gather and deliver specific resources, creatures, or treasures.

  • Resource Acquisition - The Player will be required to gather specific ores, woods,and  plants to be delivered to specific NPCs or locations. (Mining, Woodcutting, and Farming Requirements)

  • Creature Acquisition - The Player will be required to catch specific creatures to be delivered to specific NPCs or locations. (Hunter and Fishing Requirements)

  • Relic Acquisition - The Player will be required to obtain specific relics from specific NPCs or locations to be delivered to specific NPCs or locations. (Thieving and Agility Requirements)


Combat Contract Variations - If the Player selects a Combat Contract, they will be required to defend or attack a location, or they will be sent a monster killing mission.


  • Location Defense - The Player will be required to defend a position for a period of time while enemies attack the NPCs, Player, and structures.

  • Location Raid - The Player will be required to infiltrate a location and defeat a Boss.

  • Monster Battle - The Player will be required to locate and kill a specific monster in one-on-one combat.


Contracts are available in three subsets:


  • Pathfinding Contract - Land Based Contracts

  • Seafaring Contract - Water Based Contracts

  • Spelunking Contract - Cave Based Contracts


Pathfinding Contract - Pathfinding contracts are contracts that take place on the main land of Gielinor. Once the Contract Location is found, instanced encounters will begin.  Similar to Temple Trekking, the Player will be required to overcome small challenges in their way. 


Seafaring Contract - Seafaring contracts are fulfilled by Sailing. That’s right, Sailing. The moment the player sets foot on their boat and confirms they want to set sail, the instances begin. The instances are similar to Temple Trekking, but rather than trekking through a piece of land and completing challenges, the encounters can vary from deserted islands, to monster battles, and even pirate battles.



Spelunking Contract - Spelunking contracts are similar to Dungeoneering from RS3 (pre-EoC). The Player must use the Coordinate, Hot n’ Cold, or Anagram system to locate the entrance to the cave, and then enter the cave, where the instances begin. The instances inside the cave consist of various challenges to get through to the next room of the cave. 


Each Contract will have Challenges available to complete that will grant small amounts of XP in Exploration, as well as small amounts of XP for the skill required for the Challenge. There must be no new meta for any skill training in Exploration Challenges.




Reward system - 


Upon completion of an Exploration contract, the player receives points based on the difficulty level of the contract.  These points can be exchanged at the Explorer NPCs for items and perks that will assist the player in their journey throughout Old School RuneScape and future contracts.


Explorers Guild - 


The explorers guild is unlocked at mid level Exploration. It could contain shops and NPCs that would assist the player in various Exploration goals.  For example, the observation platform could drastically reduce the amount of time required for Hot n’ cold, and coordinate contracts.  NPCs could be located here that give specific Contract subsets: a ship Captain could give Seafaring Contracts, a dwarf miner could give Spelunking Contracts, and a Geographer could give Pathfinding contracts.

Inside the guild could also be an Exploration Minigame, or a Demi-Boss similar to the Hespori from the Farming Guild. 


New Content Possibilities - 


Exploration opens a door for many new locations and quests to be added to the game. For example, there is currently no way for players to return to Tutorial Island. As an introduction to the skill, players could perform an Exploration type quest that involves all the subsets and variations of contracts to return to Tutorial Island for the quest.

Other possibilities include the Eastern Lands, Void Knight storyline, Mermaid Questline, the Red Axe storyline, Desert Treasure 2, and more. The possibilities for Exploration are nearly limitless. 


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