RuneScape membership prices in 2024

RuneScape membership costs $11.99 per month in the United States, though the price varies by country and currency. You can also pay for longer stretches upfront: three months costs $32.99, six months costs $59.99, and a full year costs $99.99. These longer commitments give you a small discount per month compared to paying monthly.

RuneScape also offers a free-to-play version with no membership required. The free version lets you play the core game, but membership unlocks additional quests, skills, areas of the map, and items that free players cannot access.

The price you see depends on your location. Players in the United Kingdom, for example, pay in British pounds, and players in other regions pay in their local currency. If you are unsure what you will pay, the official RuneScape website shows your regional price when you visit the membership purchase page.

Key Takeaways

  • Monthly membership costs $11.99 in the United States, with discounts available if you pay for three months, six months, or a full year upfront.
  • Members gain access to additional quests, skills, areas, and items that free-to-play accounts cannot use.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time, and your access continues until the end of your current billing period.
  • RuneScape membership is separate from bonds, which are in-game items you can buy with real money and trade to other players for in-game currency.

What membership unlocks

Membership opens up roughly two-thirds of the game's content. Free players can access about 20 skills, while members can train all 28 skills. Members also unlock dozens of quests that free players cannot start, and these quests often lead to new areas, bosses, and equipment.

Some of the most valuable unlocks for members include access to the Grandmaster quests (the longest and most rewarding quest line), the ability to own a player-owned house, access to member-only training areas that level skills faster, and the ability to join a clan. Members can also use member-only weapons and armor, which are generally stronger than free-to-play equivalents.

If you are new to RuneScape, the free version is substantial enough to decide whether you like the game. Many players spend weeks or months in free-to-play before buying membership.

How to buy membership

You buy membership directly through the RuneScape website or through the game client itself. Log into your account, navigate to the membership page, and choose your payment option. RuneScape accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

When you purchase membership, it activates immediately. If you already have an active membership, buying more membership time adds to your remaining time rather than replacing it. For example, if you have 15 days left and you buy a month, you will then have 45 days remaining.

You do not need to do anything to activate membership once you purchase it. Simply log back into the game and you will see the member-only content available to you.

Canceling membership and what happens to your account

You can cancel your membership at any time through your account settings on the RuneScape website. Canceling stops future charges but does not immediately remove your access. You keep your membership until the end of your current billing period.

When your membership expires, your account does not disappear. You can still log in and play free-to-play content. However, you lose access to member-only areas and cannot use member-only items. If you have items in your inventory or bank that only members can use, those items stay in your account, but you cannot equip or trade them until you buy membership again.

Your character, progress, and items are never deleted. If you buy membership again months or years later, everything is exactly as you left it.

Bonds and in-game currency purchases

RuneScape also sells bonds, which are in-game items separate from membership. You buy bonds with real money, but then you can trade them to other players for in-game gold, or you can use them yourself to extend your membership without paying cash.

One bond costs around $5 to $7 depending on how many you buy at once. Two bonds equal one month of membership. This means you can technically get membership by earning enough in-game gold to buy bonds from other players, though this requires significant grinding and is not practical for new players.

Bonds are optional. You do not need to buy them to enjoy membership or the game. They exist mainly for players who want to convert in-game wealth into membership time or cosmetic items.

Comparing membership to other games

RuneScape membership at $11.99 per month is in the middle range for subscription games. World of Warcraft costs $14.99 per month, while some games like Guild Wars 2 offer free-to-play with optional membership. RuneScape's free-to-play version is more complete than many competitors, which means you can play a significant amount without spending anything.

The value depends on how much you play. If you log in several times a week, membership unlocks enough content to keep you engaged for months. If you play casually, you might find the free version sufficient.

Regional pricing and payment methods

RuneScape adjusts membership prices for different countries to account for currency differences and local purchasing power. The United States price of $11.99 is not the same as the price in other regions when converted to USD.

Payment methods available depend on your region. Most countries accept credit cards and PayPal. Some regions may have additional options like local payment services. Check the membership purchase page for your country to see which methods are available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I buy membership and do not like the game?

RuneScape does not offer refunds for membership purchases. However, you can cancel at any time and your access continues through the end of your billing period. Since the free version is substantial, try it first to see if you enjoy the game before buying membership.

Do I need membership to play RuneScape?

No. The free-to-play version is a complete game with quests, skills, and bosses. Membership unlocks additional content, but you are not required to buy it. Many players enjoy free-to-play indefinitely.

What happens to my items if my membership expires?

Your items stay in your account. You cannot use member-only items while free-to-play, but they remain in your bank. If you buy membership again, you can use them immediately.

Can I use bonds to pay for membership instead of real money?

Yes. Two bonds equal one month of membership. You buy bonds with real money, but you can also trade in-game gold to other players to buy bonds from them. This requires significant grinding and is mainly useful for players who already have a lot of in-game wealth.

Is the price the same everywhere?

No. RuneScape adjusts prices by region and currency. Visit the membership page on the RuneScape website to see the exact price in your country.