Bot Busting Moderate vs Macroing Major in OSRS
If you’ve ever received a ban or warning in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), you may have seen the terms Bot Busting Moderate and Macroing Major. But what do they mean, and how are they different? This article explains both, using official information from Jagex and visual examples.
What is Macroing Major?
Macroing Major is the most severe type of macroing (botting) offence in OSRS. It is issued when a player is caught using software or scripts to automate gameplay, such as bots, AutoHotkey (AHK) scripts, or any tool that generates input to the game client. This includes:
- Mouse and keyboard automation
- Third-party clients that generate input
- Any software not on Jagex’s Approved Client list
A Macroing Major offence almost always results in a permanent ban on the account, as it is considered a serious breach of the game rules. Jagex’s official policy states:
“A macro or client feature is deemed non-permissable if it … generates input to our game applets. This includes software that automatically moves the mouse pointer or generates mouse clicks or key presses.”
(Source: Jagex Macro and Client Features Not Permitted)
What is Bot Busting Moderate?
Bot Busting Moderate is a less severe, but still serious, offence. It is typically issued for less egregious forms of rule-breaking related to automation or botting. This might include:
- Use of less sophisticated macros
- First-time or lower-impact botting offences
- Situations where intent or impact is considered less severe by Jagex
A Bot Busting Moderate offence usually results in a temporary ban (e.g., 48 hours or 2 weeks), rather than a permanent ban. However, repeated offences can escalate to Macroing Major and result in a permanent ban.
Key Differences
| Offence Type | Typical Punishment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Macroing Major | Permanent Ban | Severe automation, botting, or use of unapproved clients/scripts |
| Bot Busting Moderate | Temporary Ban | Less severe or first-time macroing/botting, lower impact or intent |
- Macroing Major is for the most serious, clear-cut cases of botting or automation.
- Bot Busting Moderate is for less severe, often first-time, or lower-impact cases.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the difference can help you recognize the risks of using any automation in OSRS. Even minor infractions can escalate to permanent bans if repeated. Always review the official Jagex rules on macroing and client features before using any third-party software.