Old RuneScape Private Servers: 317, OSRS, 2007 & 718 Revisions Explained

If you've ever scrolled an RSPS list and wondered what "317", "OSRS 241" or "718" actually mean, you're not alone. Those numbers tell you more about a server than most of the flashy tags next to them.

This guide explains the revisions you'll see on old RuneScape private servers, what each one usually feels like to play, and how to pick one that matches the version of the game you miss.

What Is a Revision Number?

Every version of the official RuneScape client had a build number, often called a revision. Private servers are built to talk to one of those clients, so the number tells you roughly which era of the game the server is based on.

A few things worth knowing:

• Higher number usually means newer game. A 718 server is based on a much later version of RuneScape than a 317 one.
• The number is the client, not the content. Lots of servers run an older client but load newer content on top of it. That's why you'll see listings like "317 OSRS".
• OSRS revisions are their own track. Old School RuneScape has its own build numbers, so "OSRS 241" is not comparable to "RS2 241".

If you're completely new to private servers, our beginner's guide to RSPS covers the basics first.

The Main RSPS Eras You'll See

317 RSPS: The Classic Base

317 is the revision most players picture when they think of RSPS. It comes from the RuneScape 2 era and has been the starting point for private servers for a very long time, so there's a huge amount of tooling built around it.

These days, a lot of "317" servers don't look like 2005 at all. Many load Old School content, models and bosses on a 317 base. On RuneRank you'll find servers like Nexara, Aranea and Olympus listed as 317, and Kova RSPS lists itself as "317 OSRS".

Good for you if: you want fast-paced custom content, PvM, or PvP and don't mind the client not being 1:1 with today's Old School.

OSRS Revisions (231, 241 and Newer)

These servers run a client close to the current Old School RuneScape. The numbers tend to be in the 200s and keep going up as Old School updates. A newer OSRS revision usually means newer official content is possible, like recent bosses and interface changes.

On RuneRank, Ragnar, Caligo and Riverend list revision 241, and Zelus lists 231. Riverend describes itself as running on RuneLite, which a lot of players look for. If that matters to you, our RuneLite RSPS guide explains what it actually means.

Good for you if: you want something that feels like modern Old School, with the familiar interface and plugins.

2004 to 2007 Era Servers

Some servers aim straight for nostalgia. Instead of piling on custom content, they try to recreate how RuneScape felt in a specific year.

Shilo is listed as revision 289 and describes itself as built on a 2004 base with custom skilling, bosses and quests. RuneBR lists build 465 from July 2007 and says it plays in the browser and on mobile.

Good for you if: you mainly want the old world, old music and old pace back.

508 and 718: The Later RS2 Years

Revisions like 508 and 718 cover the later RuneScape 2 period, before the Evolution of Combat update. These servers often appeal to players who liked that era's look, combat and content, which you won't get on an Old School base.

Avernic lists itself as 317/508, and NexFrost is a 718 server that describes a mix of RS2 and RS3 content with custom bosses and multiple game modes.

Good for you if: you remember "pre-EoC" fondly and want something different from the Old School crowd.

RS3 / EoC Private Servers

A smaller part of the scene runs on RuneScape 3 clients, with the newer combat system. DawnScape 3 is listed as RS3 876 (EoC) with custom raids and regular world events.

Good for you if: you actually prefer modern RuneScape combat and want a private server built around it.

How to Pick the Right Revision for You

Forget which number sounds best for a second and think about what you actually want from a session.

• Want to relive a specific year? Look for 2004 to 2007 era servers, or a 508/718 if you played later.
• Want Old School with faster rates? An OSRS revision or a "317 OSRS" server will feel most familiar.
• Want heavy custom content? Revision matters less here. Read the description and check what the server has actually added.
• Playing on a phone or a Mac? Check what the listing says about its client. Our RSPS mobile checklist and Mac guide go into detail.

Whichever you go for, the usual safety rules still apply. Download clients from the server's official site and never reuse your real RuneScape password. Our RSPS safety checklist walks through it.

Don't Judge a Server by Its Revision Alone

A newer revision isn't automatically a better server. Plenty of great servers run older bases, and plenty of new ones don't last.

What usually matters more:

• Is the Discord active and do staff reply?
• Is the server actually being updated?
• Does the description match what you see in game?
• Does it have real votes from players this month?

We cover those signs in more depth in how to find a good RSPS.

Finding Old RuneScape Private Servers on RuneRank

Every listing on RuneRank shows its game version on the server profile, so you can check it before you download anything. A good place to start:

• Browse the full RSPS list and open a few profiles.
• Check the OSRS private servers page if you want an Old School base.
• See what's just launched on the new RSPS servers page.
• Or just go back to the RSPS toplist and see who players are voting for right now.

When you find one you like, give it a vote. It helps good servers get noticed, and it costs nothing.

FAQ

What does 317 mean in RSPS?

317 is a RuneScape 2 client revision that a huge number of private servers are built on. Many modern 317 servers load Old School content on top of it, so a 317 server doesn't always look old.

Is a higher revision better?

Not necessarily. A higher revision means a newer game client, but the quality of a server depends far more on its team, updates and community than on its revision number.

What is the difference between a 317 and an OSRS RSPS?

A 317 server runs an older client, often with Old School content added. An OSRS revision server runs a client closer to current Old School RuneScape, which usually feels more like the official game.

What is a pre-EoC RSPS?

It's a private server based on RuneScape before the Evolution of Combat update in late 2012. 508 and 718 servers are common examples.

Are old RuneScape private servers still active?

Yes. RuneRank lists servers across several eras, from 2004 and 2007 bases to 718 and RS3. Check each server's profile for its current votes and online status before joining.