Game controls

Game controls in runescape are quite basic, being mostly mouse driven, with occasional use of the keyboard. Familiarity with the game interface should be achieved during the introduction at Tutorial Island.

One thing to note, holding the CTRL key with any mouse click target means you will run to it.

Mouse Click (primary)
Clicking the primary, normally left mouse button, results in the default action for the situation.

A few examples: If there are many characters or items in one spot, the default action may not select the object you want, a particular example being someone standing in a fire, when you try to cook fish.
 * On the main view or minimap (radar): Walk to the position.
 * On a character that can be fought, and is not a red level: Fight them.
 * On a quest or random NPC: Talk to.
 * On an item in your inventory: Wear, wield or eat it, or "use with" if no other action applies.
 * On an item on the ground: Take the most expensive (in shop value) item from the pile.
 * In the bank, on the bank screen or inventory: Transfer one item.

Mouse Click (secondary)
Clicking the secondary, normally right mouse button, offers a list of all possible targets that can be selected, or options to deal with more than one item.

In the example above, you would click the fish you have, then secondary click the player and fire, choosing "use with fire".

In the bank, you can avoid the usual dialog by using secondary click and "use quickly".

Another time you must secondary click, is when combining two food items which are both edible, and a couple of other situations where you would otherwise eat or drink an item instead of handing it over.

Keyboard
The keyboard is not used to talk to NPCs in the game, as any responses are selected from a menu.

Camera panning
The cursor keys are used to pan the main view and minimap, rotating or raising and lowering the viewpoint, though if close to a hill, it may not be possible to lower the viewpoint.

While it can be useful to see items on the main view by rotating the map, holding the map centred north while trying to navigate is highly recommended, as it is easy to forget the map angle aand set off in completely the wrong direction.

Numbers
The keyboard is used to enter amounts, particularly of coins. Using the 5, 10 or all options for other items is quicker, even if you have less, or don't have room to carry all.

Chat
The keyboard can also be used for chat with other players.