How to Choose an RSPS: A Practical Checklist

There are hundreds of RuneScape private servers, and almost all of them look great on a banner. This checklist is how we would pick one: decide what you want first, then read the server page properly, check that the links are official, and test the server for an hour before you commit to it.

1. Decide what kind of server you want

Start with the game itself, not the server's name:

• Revision: Old School (OSRS-style), a classic revision such as 317, or a Pre-EOC/EOC-style server.
• Progression: fast XP for quick PvP builds, or slower rates for a long-term main.
• Focus: PKing and the Wilderness, bossing and raids, economy and skilling, or custom content.
• Game modes: Ironman, Hardcore Ironman or Group Ironman if you like self-sufficient play.

The MoparScape lists are already split this way, so you can skip servers that are not your style:

• OSRS servers: Old School content and mechanics, often with custom bosses or raids on top.
• Spawn servers: you spawn gear and supplies instead of grinding for them, so you are ready for PvP within minutes.
• PKing servers: built around the Wilderness, kits, risk zones and PvP rewards.
• Newest servers: recently listed servers, with a fresh economy and early-player perks, but less history to judge them by.

Not sure yet? Start with the full RSPS List and open the servers whose short description matches what you want.

2. Read the server page, not just the banner

Every server on MoparScape has its own page. Here is what each part tells you:

• The description is written by the server's own team. It is the best summary of the game style, rates and content, but it is also their advertising: MoparScape does not test every claim.
• The server information block under the description shows the server's category and the month it was listed on MoparScape. A server that has been listed for years and is still running has a track record; one that appeared last week with huge promises does not, yet.
• Player reviews at the bottom have a 1 to 5 star rating. Read the low ratings too: they often mention wipes, staff problems or a dead economy.

Some warning signs in a description:

• Big promises with no details, such as "1000+ customs, best eco, 24/7 events" and nothing about how the game actually plays.
• No website, no Discord and no update history anywhere.
• A client download link that points to a file-sharing site instead of the server's own website.

3. Check that the links are official

• Use the Play or Site button on the server's MoparScape page to reach its website. Old links copied from forums or videos may point to a domain the server no longer owns.
• Download a client only from that official website, never from a file someone sends you in private messages.
• Use a new password for every private server. Never enter your real Jagex or RuneScape account details on a private server or its website.
• Be careful with anyone selling in-game gold or items outside the server's own store: if something goes wrong, nobody can help you get your money back.

4. Test it for an hour before you commit

An hour of play tells you more than any description:

• Is the starter area busy, and do players answer in the help chat?
• Does staff reply on Discord within a reasonable time?
• Are there recent update posts, or did the last one come out months ago?
• If you came for PvP, are there actually people in the Wilderness at the times you play?

Our skill guides, such as Woodcutting, Mining and Slayer, follow Old School mechanics, so they also help on most OSRS-style servers. Custom servers often change XP rates and drops, so check their own guides too.

5. Vote and review

If you enjoy a server, vote for it on MoparScape. You can vote for the same server once every 12 hours, and for up to three different servers in that time. Many servers give in-game rewards for voting: their vote link usually opens their MoparScape page with your username filled in.

After a few days of playing, leave a short, honest review with a star rating. It is the most useful thing the next player can read before choosing.

Written by the MoparScape team. Last checked: October 2026.