RuneScape 3’s 25th Anniversary celebrations bring two big reasons to log in: a nostalgia-focused task list from Hans and the long-awaited return of inverted skill capes (including a new Necromancy version). This guide breaks down exactly how the event works, what you need for the 99 and 120 variants, and how to plan your limited yearly unlocks so you don’t waste time or resources.

What’s in the RS3 25th Anniversary update?

The celebration is built around two core features:

• Hans’ 25 bite-size tasks, each inspired by a different year of RuneScape history, rewarding a special anniversary cape when completed.
• Inverted skill capes returning as earnable cosmetics for players who already own the standard cape of accomplishment (99) or master cape (120).

There are also event visuals and NPCs gathered around Lumbridge, reinforcing the “memory lane” theme without requiring a major time commitment per step.

Where to start: finding Hans and the anniversary interface

Head to Lumbridge and speak to Hans to begin. He’s the hub for both the anniversary task list and the inverted skill cape system.

Once you’re in the event interface, you can also preview inverted capes before committing. This matters because your unlocks are limited, and some color schemes pair better with your overrides, outfits, and fashionscape goals than others.

Hans’ 25 tasks: how the anniversary cape is earned

Hans offers a checklist of 25 small tasks, each themed around a different year. The goal is to celebrate milestones across RuneScape’s history and give players a guided tour of notable moments.

What you get for completing the list

• Anniversary cape (separate from inverted skill capes)
• Additional themed cosmetics may be tied to the checklist (such as a scarf-style reward), depending on your completion progress

Because these are designed as “bite-size” activities, they’re ideal to slot into short play sessions—especially if you’re already doing dailies, skilling goals, or bankstanding and want a structured reason to move around the world.

Inverted skill capes are cosmetic variants of standard capes, originally associated with Fresh Start Worlds. In the anniversary update, they’re back and available to players who have already proven mastery of a skill.

To be eligible for a specific inverted cape, you must already own the normal version:

• 99 inverted cape: requires the standard 99 cape of accomplishment for that skill
• 120 inverted cape: requires the standard 120/master cape for that skill

The update also includes an inverted Necromancy cape, which many players find cleaner and more striking than the original design.

How to unlock an inverted skill cape (step-by-step)

The process is intentionally straightforward: pick a skill, train while wearing its cape, collect shards, then exchange them for a token and redeem it with the skill master.

Step 1: Choose the skill you want to focus on

Speak to Hans and select the skill you want to pursue. This essentially “sets” your target so your training generates the correct progress.

Step 2: Wear the skillcape while training

You must be wearing the relevant skill cape while you train. While skilling “as normal,” you’ll collect upgrade shards tied to your chosen cape goal.

Take a look at: our breakdown of RuneScape 3’s direction and major changes

Step 3: Hit the shard requirement

Shard totals are fixed and easy to remember:

• 990 upgrade shards to unlock a 99 inverted cape
• 1,200 upgrade shards to unlock a 120/master inverted cape

These totals are designed to feel like a meaningful grind without being an all-year commitment for a single cape—especially if you already train the skill regularly.

Once you have enough shards, return to Hans and trade them in. He’ll provide an upgrade token for the specific cape milestone you selected.

Step 5: Take the token to the skill master

Finally, bring the token to the appropriate skillcape master (the NPC who sells that skill’s cape) to unlock the inverted version.

The yearly limit: only four inverted cape “journeys” per year

The biggest catch—and the reason you should plan ahead—is the annual cap. You can only complete four inverted cape unlock journeys per year. When the anniversary period resets next year, your allowance refreshes.

This limit is a deliberate design choice: it keeps inverted capes relatively uncommon, so they stay special, while still giving players a clear path to earn them over time.

How 99 and 120 work under the same yearly slot

If you want both the 99 and 120 inverted versions for the same skill, that still counts as one annual slot—but you must unlock them separately:

• You redeem shards for either the 99 or the 120 inverted cape first (not both at once).
• Then you collect shards again and redeem the second milestone later.

In other words: one skill can be a two-step project, but it doesn’t consume two of your four yearly choices.

Picking your four capes: how to choose wisely

Because you’re limited, the “best” inverted capes aren’t just about looks—they’re also about how naturally they fit into your routine. The easiest wins usually come from skills you already train frequently, or skills where you’re actively pushing toward 120.

• Fashionscape value: pick capes you’ll actually wear, not just unlock and bank.
• Training reality: pick skills you can train consistently while wearing the cape, so shard collection happens naturally.
• Budget and supplies: some skills demand expensive inputs; if you’re short on resources, plan around what you can sustain.

For players thinking about their broader economy, it’s normal to set aside in-game currency for supplies, gear, and convenience upgrades while chasing cosmetic goals. If you’re trying to keep momentum during a grind-heavy stretch, having extra RS3 gold available for materials and consumables can make your training plan smoother without changing your route.

Take a look at: a daily routine for steady GP while you work on skilling goals

Previewing inverted capes before you commit

Use the event interface to preview the inverted versions first. This is especially important because several capes share similar trims or color palettes, and some stand out far more than others in crowded hubs.

Players often gravitate toward capes with strong contrast and clean trims (for example, capes with bright edging or darker base tones). The Necromancy inverted cape is a good example of a design that reads clearly at a glance and pairs well with many outfits.

Training tips to collect shards efficiently

The update’s core loop is “train while wearing the cape,” so efficiency comes from reducing downtime and making sure you don’t accidentally train without the cape equipped.

• Bank preset discipline: save a preset that always includes your skill cape so you don’t forget it after switching activities.
• Long sessions beat constant swapping: shards accumulate best when you stick to one skill focus instead of hopping between multiple training methods.
• Plan around your normal routine: if you already do daily skilling or AFK sessions, align your inverted cape target with that schedule.

If you’re pushing a more expensive skill and you’re weighing time versus cost, many players treat it like any other progression choice: either grind the inputs, or fund the inputs through money-making. Some will also look for a trusted RS3 gold site with secure payment and customer support when they want to avoid stalling out mid-goal—especially during limited-time celebrations where motivation is high.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Forgetting to wear the cape: no cape, no shards. Double-check after teleports, outfit changes, or switching to combat.
• Unlocking a cape you won’t use: preview first, then commit. Your four yearly slots are valuable.
• Misunderstanding the 99/120 flow: you only unlock one milestone per redemption; you’ll need a second shard cycle for the other.
• Underestimating supply costs: some training paths burn materials quickly. Keeping a buffer of RuneScape 3 gold can prevent stop-start progress.

FAQ

Yes. You must already own the standard cape for that skill (99 cape for the 99 inverted version, or the 120/master cape for the 120 inverted version).

How many upgrade shards do I need for each inverted cape?

You need 990 shards for a 99 inverted cape and 1,200 shards for a 120/master inverted cape.

Can I unlock more than four inverted capes in a year?

No. You’re limited to four inverted cape journeys per year, and the allowance refreshes with the next anniversary cycle.

If I unlock the 99 inverted cape, do I automatically get the 120 inverted cape too?

No. You unlock one milestone at a time. If you want both, you’ll need to collect shards again and redeem a second token, though it still counts as one annual slot for that skill.

What if I’m short on supplies for training while farming shards?

Either switch to a lower-cost training method for that skill or fund the grind through money-making. Some players also keep extra gold and resources on hand so they can train consistently without interruptions.