Game tick

The RuneScape clock is a term that is used to refer to the time-frame used for actions in RuneScape. RuneScape runs on units of time of approximately 0.6 seconds which are sometimes called "ticks." All actions are a multiple of this basic tick time. This includes any instant where a message appears in the chat interface, any instant that experience is gained, and any instant that a monster spawns. It does not necessarily include animations or loading times.

Length of a tick
The length of a tick can be measured by timing a repeated action using a stopwatch. For example, lighting 25 logs without re-lighting a log takes 100 ticks. If the stopwatch can be stopped to within 0.1 seconds, the tick can be measured to within 0.001 seconds.

Ideally, without any lag, there should be exactly 100 ticks per minute, or 0.600 seconds per tick. However, the observed length of the tick is actually slightly more than this, presumably because of some type of lag or delay. The observed length of the tick is usually about 0.606 to 0.608 seconds.

Length of selected actions
The length of thefollowing actions are given in ticks:


 * Attacking with an Abyssal whip: 4
 * Attacking with a Godsword: 6
 * Attacking with Dharok's greataxe: 7
 * High Level Alchemy: 5
 * Superheat Item: 3
 * Plank Make: 3
 * Bake Pie: 3
 * Fletching a bow: 2
 * Stringing a bow: 2
 * Burning a log: 4
 * Woodcutting: 4+
 * Fishing: 5+
 * Offering bones: 4
 * Fastest lap of Ape Atoll Agility Course: 63
 * Putting a second ingredient into a potion: 2
 * Putting a herb into a vial: 1

Application
In general, knowledge of the RuneScape clock does not matter much, but it can make it easier to time actions. Timing just one of a repeated action may clearly give a tick number, which may be able to be used to estimate experience per hour.

When the High Level Alchemy animation was changed, there was much argument about whether it was slower or faster. Based on the RuneScape clock, it should have been incredibly clear that the time was not changed, since if there was any change in the speed, it would have to be by a full tick and therefore be extremely noticeable.

Proof
A 0.6 second tick time fits all measured times for repeated actions.

Also, in April 2009, Andrew posted a thread about whether a Prayer update caused delay in prayer being activated, and he brought up the point that if prayer really was slower, it would have to be a full 0.6 seconds slower because RuneScape runs on units of time of 0.6 seconds.