RunePass

RunePass is a time-limited event for RuneScape that allows players to earn items by playing the game, beginning on 2 July 2018 and lasting until 15 July 2018. It has been noted as an experiment for future events.

It features two prize tracks, a free path and a paid one, the latter of which gives more benefits and a larger number of prizes. Players can unlock the paid track using 400 RuneCoins.

Players gain progress in the prize tracks by playing the game - including by simply obtaining experience - though progress can be made faster by completing set challenges.

Logging in during the event prompts a message in the chatbox:

Ironman Mode players receive an additional message:

While this is true, only cosmetic overrides are earned.

Tasks
Players can earn progress in the event quicker by completing tasks. There are two tasks available for those who have not purchased RunePass, and two extra tasks for those who have.

When the player finishes a task, they will receive a message saying,

Progressing through the tiers will give the message:

Free pass
For the free pass, there is one repeatable daily task that can be done for 3 starfish each along with a one-time weekly task for 25 starfish.

Daily task
Only base experience counts for this task. Bonus experience will not count.

The 5,000,000 experience challenge will repeat endlessly after completion until the next day.

When a player completes this daily task, they will get the message:

Paid pass
For the paid pass, there are two extra one-time daily tasks that can be done for 5 starfish each. These can also be rerolled to get a different task. Players are not forced to complete a certain task every day, the tasks can be stacked and completed at a later date.

Store
Players that unlock the paid track for RunePass can also skip tiers by purchasing packs using RuneCoins using the store interface.

Purchasing a pack will give the message:

Controversy
RunePass was released as the main update for a week, raising concerns from players about the quality of updates. Jagex's response to this was that it was done because they would not be able to correctly trial the event if there were other factors that could distract players from it.

The implementation of RunePass and the effect it has on the microtransaction aspect of RuneScape has caused controversy within the game's community. There has been criticism of the fact that the whole model of the pass is based on free-to-play games that are funded entirely through microtransactions rather than by a subscription, like RuneScape is. Mod Osborne explained that RunePass is a 'test to see if we can pull back from other things like Treasure Hunter', and also noted that no Treasure Hunter promotions were taking place during the first week of RunePass.

In addition to controversy around microtransactions, some players argued that the pass adds to 'dailyscape' - in which a player has to do a number of daily tasks which subtract from their overall playing time if they want rewards. Mod Cam responded to the claims by stating 'you aren’t forced to play a certain task on any given day'.

Trivia

 * RunePass is Jagex's implementation of a type of microtransaction that was made popular by games such as ' and ', who call it a "battle pass".