OSRS Sailing Update: How To Prepare

Jonas Author

Created - 12.11.2025 Updated - 12.11.2025

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The OSRS Sailing update is going to launch on Nov. 19. There's way too many stuff to do in the new update and the new Skill is just a small sample of what's to come.

You can make your life a lot easier by reading our preparation guide for the upcoming update below. We'll talk about every task you need to do and every resource you'll need to prepare before the update arrives. That way, you can immediately jump into the seas with your ship.

One of the best ways to prepare is by getting rich fast. If you don't have the time to grind, check out our OSRS gold for sale and we'll help you out immediately.

Early Look At The Changes

Even before the skill's release, you'll notice the changes in Gielinor. The once plain-blue waters now have texture and depth, with visible objects and lots of new points of interests across the mini-map. Open your world map and you'll see it: Gielinor's oceans are already populated, detailed, and dotted with new landmarks.

According to Jagex's pre-release itinerary:

• Server downtime will precede the update.
• Skill availability: around 10:00 a.m. UTC (2:00 a.m. PT / 5:00 a.m. ET).
• The Max Cape and its perks will be disabled during this period.

Preparing for Sailing

To begin training Sailing, you'll need to speak to Willan at Port Sarim and complete the Pandemonium Quest, which is a short introductory quest that's just as important asDruidic Ritual for Herblore.

Outside of your time in the sea, the Pandemonium Quest will teach you core navigation skills. Upon completion, you'll receive:

• A Raft (starter boat)
• A Captain's Log
• Access to the Pandemonium Hub, complete with NPCs and Sailing facilities
  
  

You're encouraged to take their time during the quest instead of rushing. The introductory quest is designed to teach the most important mechanics like the Sailing side panel and boat control.

Once completed, you'll gain access to the Shipyard, where you can build and customize your very first vessel.

Materials To Gather Before Release

Here's what you'll need to gather or prepare before release:

• Logs and planks (especially teak and mahogany)
• Bars and nails
• Flax and other crafting materials

While regular logs may be easy to get, rarer resources will save significant time post-launch. If you're on a Standard account, you can buy supplies from the Grand Exchange. If you're on Ironman, you can rely on Kingdom management or Blast Furnace for resource generation.

Early Training Methods

At launch, Jagex confirmed four early training methods:

1. Sea Charting (Level 1+) - Explore the ocean, discover landmarks, and fill out your Captain's Log.
2. Port Tasks (Level 1+) - Accept assignments from notice boards — transporting goods, battling sea creatures, and earning payment upon return.
3. Shipwreck Salvaging (Level 15+) - Recover wreckage and treasures from the ocean floor for loot and XP.
4. Barracuda Trials (Level 30+) - Challenge-based Sailing tests inspired by Sepulchre mechanics. Think faster travel, speed buildup, and precision control.

Shipyards, Customization, and Facilities

Shipwrights at major ports can take you to Shipyards, where you'll modify and upgrade your boats. Each ship has:

• Upgradeable parts like hulls, keels, and sails
• Facility slots for add-ons like cannons or repair stations

You'll need tools such as a hammer and saw and the required materials. As your Sailing level increases, you'll unlock ports with bank access and more efficient shipyards.

Progression: From Rafts to Ships

At level 15 Sailing, players can purchase their first Small Boat (Skiff) — a major upgrade with seven facility slots compared to the Raft's one.

Some facilities, like the Salvaging Hook, unlock new training methods (AFK-friendly options included). Facilities require both Construction and Sailing levels, though you can pay Shipwrights to build basic ones if your Construction is too low.

• Highest tier upgrades will need level 84 Construction.
• Advanced materials like log ore fabrics will debut alongside the skill.

Mid-Game Content (Levels 30–55)

At Level 30, you'll unlock the Barracuda Trials, including the first — the Temper Tantrum Trial. Around this point, players can also:

• Build Cannon Facilities for ship combat
• Begin Bounty Tasks at sea

At Level 40, you can recruit Crew Members like Jobless Jim, managed through the Crew Register at Pandemonium. Each NPC has different strengths, proficiencies, and potential quest unlocks.

By Level 45, you'll unlock Troubled Tortugan, introducing the Great Kunch island — the first major island with new resources and skilling methods.

Endgame Sailing (Levels 33-99)

By Level 55, you'll have mastered basic navigation and be ready for deadlier ocean zones, tougher trials, and new islands.

The late-game Sailing experience feels reminiscent very close toDungeoneering's resource dungeons. By that, we're talking about progressively unlocking high-level zones packed with monsters, shortcuts, and profitable resources.

Preparing as an Ironman

Iron players will want to stock up on key materials early. Jagex recommends preparing bars, planks, and flax but warns that new resources like log ore fabrics will be untradeable.

Cannonball production is also being improved:

• A new High-Level Forge halves smithing ticks for cannonballs.
• Steel Cannonballs become the new standard.
• Double Molds from Giants' Foundry work here too.

For Ironmen, this change could redefine the Slayer meta, making it more efficient to forge cannonballs actively.

Hardcore and Ultimate Account Rules

• Hardcore players: Boat capsizing won't count as a death, but you'll respawn at your last port with 1 HP — so poison or disease can still kill you.
• Ultimate Ironmen: Limited cargo storage and cannonball slots, making the Plank Sack and Log Basket valuable items.

The Technical Pre-Release Update

As of the November 5th update, Sailing assets are live in-game but locked. This mirrors how Farming was preloaded in 2005 before its official launch.

The pre-release allows Jagex to test game stability and fix issues ahead of the big day. Already, minor bugs like broken bridges, missing walls, and invalid clue steps have been patched.

This is one of the game's largest code updates in years — with vast backend and visual overhauls to support the new system.

Ready For Sailing?

Sailing is going to be one of the biggest updates for OSRS. If you're not ready for it, it's very easy to get overwhelmed. If you're looking for OSRS gold for sale to help you start stacking up, we'll help you out.