Jagex has started releasing long-unused character names in batches. New groups arrive at 11:00 UTC every weekday, with the final batch of number-based names scheduled for November 30.

A membership alone is not enough to claim one.

The character needs a total skill level of at least 1200. Players can check availability through the in-game Check Names tool or the RuneScape website.

Names come from characters that have been inactive for at least two years. Each account must also meet another condition: a permanent ban, no previous membership, or membership paid only with Bonds that ended at least five years ago.

Jagex says it banned more than 11,000 characters suspected of name sniping before the release began. Queues are active both in game and on the website. A previous name remains reserved for at least 35 days and, depending on how long it was held, up to six months.

The official announcement tracks which letter groups are already available. Checking that list first should save a trip through the queue.