Review of RuneScape 3's Newest Skill: Necromancy

RuneScape 3's highly anticipated skill, Necromancy, made its debut just about a week ago. As someone who's diligently working towards reaching the coveted level 120 (currently hovering at level 83), I wanted to offer an intimate perspective on the journey, especially as an average PvM'er.

Initial Impressions

Embarking on the Necromancy adventure was, to put it mildly, somewhat tumultuous. The initial stages were not only challenging but also a bit devoid of enjoyment. If I'm honest, my habit of rapidly pressing the spacebar through in-game dialogues, including the Necromancy tutorial, didn't aid my comprehension. Jagex's game lore, often peppered with humor that doesn't quite hit the mark for me, meant I found myself navigating the new skill with limited guidance. But perseverance prevailed. I meandered through the basics, primarily using bones to gather souls, until reaching level 40. It was then that I chose to pivot from rituals to combat.

Journey through Mid-Level Training

What awaited me in combat was a stark contrast to rituals - it was engaging, exhilarating even. My primary guide through this phase was Maikeru's tutorial, which proved invaluable. Combat didn't just score on the fun factor; it was also remarkably faster. It wasn't long before I hit level 60, albeit with a minor hiccup. In my enthusiasm, I'd overlooked the need to upgrade my Necromancy gear, thus reaching level 60 in my tier 20 equipment. A rather amusing oversight, if I may say so!

Deeper Understanding of Necromancy

Today, standing at level 83 in Necromancy, I might not boast of a max level or extensive PvM proficiency, but I can confidently claim a comprehensive understanding of the skill as a seasoned RS player. Its allure is undeniable. Necromancy, with its captivating combat style, has won my favor. The fluidity of animations, coupled with the gratification of 100% accuracy, has made it my combat method of choice. I eagerly await my journey to the Kiln for my cape and subsequently, my face-off with TzKal-Zuk for the upgraded version. However, a looming vacation means my aspirations for the capes will be momentarily deferred.

Reflections on the City of Um

As splendid as the Necromancy update has been, the City of Um felt like a missed opportunity. There's an echoing sentiment among many in the RuneScape community: Why has the magic of crafting memorable cities been lost on Jagex recently? Their recent attempts seem tethered by a reluctance to truly innovate. A well-designed city isn't just about aesthetics but providing reasons for players to gather and linger. Sadly, the absence of features like the Grand Exchange in the City of Um leaves it desolate, save for Necromancy trainers. Yet, credit where it's due: its visual design is commendable.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, Necromancy has exceeded my expectations, presenting a balanced mix of challenges and excitement. While the skill could benefit from integrating more minion-based combat, I remain optimistic about its future expansions. The ultimate goal? Achieving level 120 and confronting "The First Necromancer, Rasial". Perhaps, once that milestone is achieved, I'll share another detailed RuneScape Necromancy review. Until then, thank you for accompanying me on this narrative journey.