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The game is set in a fantasy world, in which you control a character representing you. There is no particular goal or objective to the game, and no way to finish it. However, a lot of things that can be done within the game, for instance you can interact with other players, by talking with them, trading with them, and even killing them. Quests can also be undertaken, for instance a Dragon slaying quest, and many activities such as fishing, crafting, mining and smithing can be performed. As these activities are performed your character will become more skilled at the activity. It is not uncommon for a dedicated player to spend in excess of four hours a day training his characer; there are even a few rare cases of players spending over ten hours, most days, playing RuneScape.
Runescape begins on a tutorial island. Although this may seem boring, it is imperative to understanding future gameplay. For those stuck, moving around is executed by left-clicking on a piece of land. While on tutorial island, fighting, communication, cooking, banking, doing quests, and other skills are learned. The player goes to the beginning city, Lumbridge, once they have completed the tutorial. From then on, where they upgrade their character is up to them. It is recommended to at least get your combat level up reasonably high, so that you are not constantly killed by NPCs (computer characters).
RuneScape has many communities within it. Many players have grouped together to form groups known as 'clans'. These clans often have alliances, and occasionally go to war with each other; meeting in bloody clashes often exceeding a hundred participants. The most infamous of such was in 2001, at the Battle of Al Kharid, where the Sabre Clan and the E.A.R.T.H. Alliance fought.
There is also the Wilderness area, in the northern RuneScape land, in which player characters can fight one another. This is known throughout the game as PKing(Player Killing). When one gets deeper into the Wilderness, they can combat with players farther and farther from their combat level. Close combat can only be performed in groups of two, however it is possible for people to join in using archery and magic. There are many available weapons, spells, and potions available to assist fighting in the wilderness.
Over the past three years, RuneScape has been hampered by cheaters. These people create programs to gain an unfair advantage over other players in the game. An example of a RuneScape cheat is AutoRune. These cheaters are occasionally discovered and banned.
In 2003 a beta version of the improved 3D engine was released. Jagex have claimed that this will make RuneScape the most advanced Java based game in the world.