Much of contemporary nerd culture is imbued with nostalgia. As such, it's hardly surprising that Jagex's Old School RS (OSRS), a retro version of RS3, maintains an active base of both players and content creators. OSRS sets players loose in Gielinor as they train their skills to unlock new areas, quests, and items. Along the way, they'll slay dragons, find lost cats, and venture into the dangerous God Wars Dungeon.

Old School RuneScape's various minigames let players take a break from saving the world or grinding out skills. The experiences offered are diverse, from fighting other players to delivering food to faraway gnomes within a limited time. The minigames are certainly not a waste of effort, as many offer XP rewards that can outstrip the usual methods, in addition to unique and valuable items.

1. Temple Trekking

The swampiest of Gielinor's many regions, Morytania is home to vampires, werewolves, and giant snails. Small wonder, then, that NPC travelers are willing to reward the player for escorting them through this dangerous land. Following completion of the "In Aid of the Myreque" quest, the Temple Trekking minigame sees players brave monster encounters and puzzles as they guide NPCs to the safe haven of the Paterdomus Temple.

As well as improving their combat stats by vanquishing their foes, players can receive Agility, Firemaking, Fishing, Mining, Woodcutting, or Slayer experience as a reward for completing their expeditions. Although the XP per hour is not especially high, the activity offers a change of pace from mining ores or making lines of fires through Varrock.

2. Barbarian Assault

Barbarian Assault is a cooperative minigame located at the Barbarian Outpost. This team-based activity requires players to assume one of four roles: Attacker, Defender, Collector, or Healer. Each role has specific tasks and contributes to the team's overall success. The primary goal is to fight off waves of Penance creatures and ultimately defeat the Penance Queen.

This minigame offers significant rewards in the form of Agility, Strength, and Combat experience. Additionally, players can earn points to spend on valuable items, such as the Fighter Torso, which provides a strength bonus. Barbarian Assault is not only a great way to train combat skills but also encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

3. Pest Control

Pest Control is another team-based minigame that pits players against various pests attempting to destroy a Void Knight outpost. Players must work together to defend the outpost and destroy the portals from which the pests spawn. This minigame is located on the Void Knight's Outpost, accessible via the boat at Port Sarim.

The main draw of Pest Control is the commendation points earned for successful games. These points can be exchanged for experience in Combat, Prayer, Magic, or Ranged skills. Additionally, players can purchase pieces of the Void Knight equipment, which provide significant bonuses for various combat styles.

4. The Great Orb Project

The Great Orb Project is a Runecrafting minigame located in the Runecrafting Guild. Players are divided into two teams, green and yellow, and compete to collect orbs of their team's color using the Runecrafting skill. The goal is to gather as many orbs as possible within a set time limit.

Participating in The Great Orb Project can yield substantial Runecrafting experience, especially for players with lower skill levels. Additionally, players earn tokens that can be exchanged for Runecrafting-related rewards, such as talismans, essence pouches, and the coveted Runecrafter's outfit, which boosts Runecrafting XP gain.

5. Fishing Trawler

For players looking to train their Fishing skill, the Fishing Trawler minigame offers an exciting and rewarding alternative to traditional fishing methods. Located in Port Khazard, this cooperative minigame requires players to work together to keep a trawler afloat while catching fish.

Successful voyages can yield a variety of fish, including the rare Manta Ray and Sea Turtle. While the XP per hour may not be as high as other methods, the chance to catch rare fish and the social aspect of the game make Fishing Trawler a popular choice among players.

6. Tithe Farm

Tithe Farm is an excellent minigame for players seeking to train their Farming skill. Located in the Hosidius House on Zeah, this activity requires players to plant and harvest fruit within a limited time. The goal is to harvest as many fruits as possible and deposit them into the sacks provided.

Tithe Farm offers significant Farming experience and rewards points that can be spent on various farming tools and equipment, including the Farmer's outfit, which provides an XP boost for Farming. This minigame is particularly beneficial for players looking to level up their Farming skill quickly and efficiently.

7. Wintertodt

Wintertodt is a unique minigame that combines elements of combat, Firemaking, Woodcutting, and other skills. Located in the northernmost region of Gielinor, this activity involves players working together to subdue the Wintertodt, a powerful entity threatening the region.

Participants earn substantial Firemaking experience and can also receive rewards such as the Pyromancer outfit, which boosts Firemaking XP gain, and various other valuable items. Wintertodt is a favorite among players looking to train multiple skills simultaneously while earning valuable rewards.

8. Blast Furnace

The Blast Furnace minigame is ideal for players seeking to train their Smithing skill. Located in Keldagrim, this activity involves players working together to smelt bars of various metals using fewer resources than traditional methods.

The Blast Furnace offers a significant boost to Smithing experience and allows players to produce bars more efficiently. While it requires some initial setup and investment, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile activity for serious Smithing enthusiasts.

9. Pyramid Plunder

Pyramid Plunder is a Thieving minigame set in the city of Sophanem. Players explore a series of rooms within a pyramid, looting chests, urns, and sarcophagi for treasures and artifacts. The goal is to gather as much loot as possible before time runs out.

This minigame provides excellent Thieving experience and the chance to find rare items, such as the Pharaoh's Sceptre. Pyramid Plunder is particularly popular among players aiming to level up their Thieving skill quickly while enjoying a dynamic and engaging activity.

10. Mage Training Arena

The Mage Training Arena, located in the desert city of Al Kharid, offers a series of magical challenges designed to test and improve players' Magic skills. The arena features four different activities: Telekinetic Theatre, Alchemist's Playground, Enchanting Chamber, and Creature Graveyard. Each activity rewards players with points that can be spent on valuable Magic-related items, such as the Infinity Robes and the Mage's Book.

Participating in the Mage Training Arena provides substantial Magic experience and a chance to acquire unique and powerful items. The varied nature of the challenges keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging for players seeking to enhance their Magic abilities.

Conclusion

Old School RuneScape's minigames offer a diverse and rewarding experience for players looking to train their skills while taking a break from the usual grind. Whether escorting NPCs through dangerous territories, defending outposts from pest invasions, or mastering magical challenges, these activities provide valuable XP and unique rewards - OSRS gold or items. For those seeking to enhance their skills and enjoy the nostalgic charm of Gielinor, these minigames are a must-try.