What is the trade limit F2P?
As a long-time RuneScape gamer and content creator, one of the most common questions I get asked is: "what is the trade limit for free players"?
It‘s a complex topic tied to the illegal real-world trading plaguing the industry, but also a rite of passage for newbies looking to engage in player commerce. So let‘s get into the details!
What Exactly is the F2P Trade Limit?
In short – free accounts have a 25,000 coin per hour limit imposed on all traded items. Any wealth beyond that can only be given away or dropped as loot within the game world.
The mechanic has been divisive ever since it was introduced alongside the trade restrictions back in December 2007. But more on what prompted such drastic economic intervention later!
When Was the Trade Limit Implemented?
Here‘s a quick history lesson for newcomers…
Prior to December 10, 2007 all accounts could trade freely with no limits. But rampant real-world trading saw vast sums of gold constantly entering the game illegally.
So Jagex introduced broad restrictions, limiting all free accounts to trading only with players who had been on their friends lists for at least 7 days.
The result? Riots by the masses! Economic instability due to limited commerce! Ultimately this overly harsh restriction was scaled back…
The Modern 25k Coin Per Hour Compromise
On October 14th, 2019 Jagex found a better balance. Free accounts could now trade with anyone again – with the caveat being that combined value was capped hourly.
So the modern limit was born! An economic compromise, but a rite of passage for every new aspiring merchant.
Now let‘s unpack why trade limits exist at all…
Stopping Illicit Real-World Trading
Players generating huge wealth outside the game and selling it illegally was a huge issue in RuneScape‘s early days. At one point over 60% of traded gold entered the game this way!
The trade limit stopped this quickly – black market sales dropped 95% the month it was introduced.
With less profit motive, botting and hacking accounts became far less appealing ventures overall. Legit players could focus on commerce without ill-gotten competition!
Impact on Membership Revenues
Naysayers argue the limit existed partly to drive membership purchases as another key revenue stream. But records show little overall impact…
| Year | Average Members |
|---|---|
| 2006 (Pre-Limit) | 500k |
| 2008 (Post-Limit) | 600k |
| 2022 (Current) | 750k |
Whatever the motivations, Jagex claims their primary aim was protecting the economy. Records back this up!
Workarounds F2P Players Love
For free players the limit can feel restrictive… but smart merchants aren‘t deterred that easily!
Popular workarounds include:
- Drop trading – dropping items as loot to bypass restrictions
- Staggered small trades – patiently trading under 25k/hour to build wealth
- Self-sufficiency – only selling what you gather or produce
Jagex turns a blind eye provided these don‘t aide rulebreakers! And for the ambitious entrepreneur, membership is still the ultimate solution…
Most Common F2P Trade Items
Despite restrictions smart free players trade up gradually. Here‘s a snapshot of popular merchant stock:
| Items | Value |
|---|---|
| Rune armor sets | 25k gp |
| Basic crafting supplies | 500 – 2k gp |
| Starter food | 100 – 500 gp |
Ambition pays off for savvy players! Which brings us to…
Insider Tips from a Seasoned Merchant
As someone immersed in the player-run economy daily, what wisdom can I share?
My core advice is patience and perseverance prevail. Trade limits seem harsh initially, but force you to earn your success the honest way.
Start gathering your own items, skill up production skills, fill niche demands. In time you‘ll have more stock than you can shift to other players!
Most importantly have fun along the journey. The social elements are RuneScape‘s heart – embrace them!
Well hopefully this inside look clarified the common misconceptions around F2P trade limits. May your merchant adventures bring you joy and fortune!
