RuneScape: How to Prepare for Double XP and Master the New Combat Declutter Update

RuneScape is heading into an exciting new season with a packed update featuring Double XP, the RuneFest countdown, and major visual improvements designed to make combat cleaner and easier to read. With the latest "Back To Our Square Roots" update, Jagex is combining nostalgia, quality-of-life upgrades, and RuneScape gold progression opportunities into one strong month for players.

Whether you are a skiller, boss hunter, or returning adventurer, now is the perfect time to jump back into Gielinor.

Double XP Returns - Best Way to Use Your 48 Hours

Starting Friday, May 1st, RuneScape's popular Double XP event returns for ten days. As usual, players receive 48 hours of Double XP time that can be activated and used whenever they choose during the event period.

This flexible format means you do not need to play nonstop. You can pause your timer and use your hours when it suits you.

Best Skills to Train During Double XP

To maximize value, focus on expensive or slow skills:

Herblore - Save millions on potion training

Summoning - Faster charm usage and huge XP gains

Construction - Strong value for costly materials

Smithing - Great for leveling gear progression

Divination - Faster gathering and conversion

Smart DXP Strategy

Before May 1st:

Buy supplies early before prices rise

Clean bank space for smoother skilling

Set clear level goals

Prepare portable skilling stations if available

Stack bonus XP items beforehand

Planning now can save both gold and time later.

Combat Declutter - Why This Update Matters

RuneScape's newest visual update focuses on combat clarity. Over time, flashy effects, crowded boss arenas, and overlapping markers made some PvM fights harder to read than necessary.

Now, Jagex is refining visuals so players can better understand positioning, attacks, and movement.

This is especially helpful for:

New boss learners

Mid-level PvM players

Group encounters

High-action fights with multiple mechanics

Players returning after a long break

Cleaner visuals mean fewer mistakes and faster reactions.

New Square Markers and Target Reticules

The "Back To Our Square Roots" theme introduces clearer square-based indicators that align with RuneScape's tile movement system.

What This Improves:

Easier movement planning

More accurate click positioning

Better boss size awareness

Cleaner target selection in combat

Bosses now visually reflect their tile size, ranging from 1x1 to 10x10. This helps players understand range and positioning during combat.

Example Benefit:

When using abilities like Seren Godbow, knowing the target size can help determine if the attack is worth using for maximum damage potential.

How to Enable or Adjust the New Features

If you want to customize the experience, these settings can be toggled on or off.

Walk Markers:

Settings → Interfaces → Game Interaction → Walk Markers

Target Reticules:

Settings → Combat & Action Bar → Targeting → Target Reticules

Players who enjoy minimal visuals can reduce clutter, while others can keep full indicators active.

PvM Improvements at Bosses

Specific encounters are also receiving visual upgrades.

One example is Yakamaru's poison, which now uses a clearer floor marker similar to Vermyx, the Broodmother's mechanics. The color has been adjusted to stand out better against sandy environments.

Why This Helps:

Faster reaction times

Clearer danger zones

Better team coordination

Less avoidable damage taken

This is exactly the type of change that makes bossing more enjoyable without altering difficulty unfairly.

Mid-Game Balance Discussions Incoming

Jagex also announced upcoming conversations about mid-game balance. Instead of pushing design decisions immediately, they want player feedback first.

That is a smart sign for the future.

Mid-game players often struggle with:

Gear progression gaps

Confusing boss progression paths

Skill training bottlenecks

Money-making limitations

If addressed well, RuneScape could become far smoother for progressing accounts.

RuneFest Countdown Begins

RuneFest ticket sales begin this week, adding extra excitement for the community. RuneFest often brings announcements, reveals, and future content previews.

If you enjoy RuneScape's long-term future, this is the season to watch closely.

Final Thoughts

RuneScape's latest update delivers something for everyone:

Double XP for progression

Combat declutter for better PvM

Mid-game discussions for future balance

RuneFest hype for what comes next

Whether you want higher stats, cleaner boss fights, or buy RuneScape gold a reason to return, now is one of the best times to log in.

Prepare your supplies, plan your 48 hours, and step back into Gielinor-this time with clearer battles and faster gains.