Old School Runescape boasts a treasure trove of enchanting and memorable melodies. From the lively jazz of “H.A.M Fisted” and the vibrant “Flute Salad,” to the nostalgic embrace of “Harmony” and my personal favorite, “Forever,” Jagex’s audio team undeniably excels at capturing the perfect vibe. However, when it comes to sheer global popularity, all these tracks pale in comparison to the monumental nautical hit that is “Sea Shanty 2.” As OSRS’ new Sailing skill prepares for its maiden voyage, it felt like the opportune moment for Jagex to compose a sequel to this iconic gaming anthem. So, I directly posed the question to the development team: “Sea Shanty 3 when?”
With its distinctive trill and wonderfully cheesy charm, “Sea Shanty 2” has cemented its place as the Old School Runescape tune. Earlier this year, OSRS experienced an enormous surge in popularity as a migration of players, including some of the biggest content creators, flocked to Gielinor. Upon their first arrival in Port Sarim, new adventurers were introduced to this musical masterpiece, further elevating the mere 60kB of “Sea Shanty 2” to unprecedented heights. Even EDM maestro Alan Walker couldn’t resist its allure, treating the Tomorrowland festival crowd to his own electrifying techno rendition as “Old School mania” reached a fever pitch.
For years, many of us have wondered when “Sea Shanty” might evolve into a trilogy, and the upcoming Sailing update seemed to present the perfect opportunity for a modern interpretation. Unfortunately, the outlook isn’t promising, despite some developers themselves wishing it were so. “It was the very first thing I asked the audio team about,” senior game designer Elena Nordmark revealed to me, expressing a touch of regret, “but I don’t think they took me too seriously.” We can only plead with Jagex!
Now, while this news might incite calls to riot in the streets of Varrock, Nordmark did offer a small consolation, teasing that the team has “some other exciting news coming soon,” though she “can’t spoil too much” just yet. So, at the very least, know that something special is indeed in the pipeline to help ease the sting. Honestly, I wasn’t entirely surprised that “Sea Shanty 3” isn’t a current project. Design director Kieren Charles perfectly echoed my own thoughts:
“How do you create a sequel to perfection?”
I genuinely believe it’s an impossible task. Expect to hear more from the Jagex team as we continue to share insights from our conversation about all things Sailing over the next few days. The team is also slated to reveal additional details at MCM Comic Con, which will be held between October 24-26, 2025. In the meantime, if you’re seeking new adventures, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic free MMOs you should try out now, as well as the latest MMOs making significant waves within the genre.
If you happen to disagree with Charles’ profound statement, feel free to share your counter-arguments in our community Discord. Or, if you have some compelling thoughts or burning questions about the upcoming Sailing skill, we’re all oars – I mean, ears!