''[=RuneScape=]'' is a browser-based MedievalEuropeanFantasy {{MMORPG}} by the UK-based developer Creator/JagexGamesStudio that runs on a {{Freemium}} subscription model. The free version of the game is self-contained and can be played on its own, but subscribers gain access to separate Member servers with more content in exchange for a monthly fee. The game holds the official Guinness world record for largest free MMORPG.

Gameplay primarily involves quests, combat (both PlayerVersusPlayer and PlayerVersusEnvironment), and LevelGrinding, along with a variety of side activities like CaptureTheFlag. ''[=RuneScape=]'' is somewhat uncommon among [=MMORPGs=] in that its quests are more elaborate than your basic TwentyBearAsses {{Fetch Quest}}s, instead focusing more on plot, puzzles, problem-solving, and {{Boss Battle}}s. New content, usually (but not always) members-only, is released on a weekly basis.

The game was originally released in January 2001 in what would now be considered a very primitive form. The full world was ''much'' smaller, containing only a few small cities. There were only six quests, one server, and two developers. It gradually expanded until 2004, when the whole game was overhauled completely: such large changes were made to the game engine, the graphics, the basic game mechanics, and the content that the developers saw fit to call it "[=RuneScape=] 2" and retire the previous game as "[=RuneScape Classic=]". The Classic version is still playable today, although access is restricted to subscribing members. Then, in July of 2013, Jagex released Runescape 3, which added a new [=HTML5=] client with improved graphics, as well as improved audio and a new, customizable interface and kicking off a three-month event called the Battle of Lumbridge.

It has a series of ExpandedUniverse novels: ''Betrayal at Falador'' (2008), ''Return to Canifis'' (2011) and ''Legacy of Blood'' (2012), all written by T.S. Church. There's also a GaidenGame called "Armies of Gielinor", a multiplayer TurnBasedTactics game set during the God Wars, released through FunOrb.

''[=RuneScape=]'''s official site can be found at http://www.runescape.com/.

!!Tropes used in ''RuneScape'' include:

* RuneScape/{{Tropes A-G}}
* RuneScape/{{Tropes H-P}}
* RuneScape/{{Tropes Q-Z}}