| The RuneScape economy is quite similar to real | | | | demons and as an award in the Fight Pits and |
| world economics. One difference, however, is that | | | | Fight Caves. Players can also earn a type of |
| skill development is encouraged along side wealth | | | | currency called Trading Sticks. These are obtained |
| accumulation. Various currencies are used | | | | by performing favors for community members. |
| regionally throughout RuneScape. Inflation is | | | | New currencies are continuously being introduced |
| controlled by various means, as is the economy in | | | | into RuneScape. However, these are usually |
| general. | | | | confined to specific regions or can only be used to |
| The base of the economy is comprised of | | | | purchase certain items. |
| potatoes and wheat, then fish, logs, ores and coal | | | | All buying and selling prices at specialty stores are |
| and also bones and raw meat accumulated by | | | | controlled. The price is determined by the value of |
| killing monsters. A second tier of commodities is | | | | the item and the quantity in stock. It is possible to |
| made up of items processed from harvested | | | | make quick money by buying cheaper items that |
| items includes tanned hides, metal bars, cooked | | | | are overstocked and then selling them to stores |
| foods, gems and runes. A third tier is made up of | | | | where these items are not in stock for a higher |
| fully processed items and rare items. | | | | price. Alchemy spells allow players to collect |
| The value of commodities is primarily determined | | | | valuable goods because of their alchemical value |
| by scarcity and the skill level required to obtain | | | | rather than the real value. |
| them. Items that are not readily available are | | | | Inflation is also controlled by assuring that money |
| more valuable. Those items that require a higher | | | | leaves the game. Barrows weapon and armor |
| skill level are scarcer and therefore more valuable. | | | | sets are just one of the ways in which this is |
| Monetary value is not the only judge of value. If a | | | | done. Since they require constant repair, money is |
| lot of experience is gained, the value of the | | | | continuously leaving the game as it is paid to an |
| commodity is also increased. | | | | NPC. Also, Construction has caused a drop in the |
| The primary currency in RuneScape is gold pieces | | | | price of items such as Party hats and whips. |
| or coins. This currency is often referred to as gp. | | | | Thus, RuneScape serves as a virtual world with a |
| However, there are also alternate currencies. One | | | | virtual economy. It is controlled but continuously |
| of these is Tokkul. This currency, made of black | | | | changing. Knowing how the overall economy |
| obsidian, was introduced into the city of Tzhaar in | | | | works can facilitate the moneymaking process. |
| 2005. Tokkul can be acquired by killing high-level | | | | |