[2020] The Road to Archaeology Video 1 - An introduction to RuneScape's new skill

TIMBO TIIIIIIMBO?!?

I have two top tips for you:
1. Gather your Harmonic dust in advance. You'll require with 4,000 for the Crystal Mattock.
2. Archaeology is classed as a gathering skill, so porters will work!

Neither of them will work on launch

BENCHES!

We will be writing a more detailed version of what will and won't work closer to the time.

1. Yes, the Archaeology outfits will boost XP gained during the embargo period.
2. Yes, you'll discover Seren Spirits whilst training Archaeology.
3. A tricky question to answer without spoiling anything, though I will say you will be expected to do an amount of Research missions for Comp/Trim reqs (Research is the official name for it), especially if you keep up with it on the road to level 120. There's also no RNG involved in completing the Research missions.
4. Again, cautious of spoiling things we'd like you all to experience yourselves, discuss as a community and so on, but Qualifications (this is the official name for it) are very important to your progression. If you rewatch the video where it's mentioned, you might be able to work out the requirements for some of the Qualifications - most of which will tie into the core loop, so it shouldn't feel like this annoying task on the side and is actually more complimentary, rewarding you as you explore, discover and really experience the depth of each dig site.

I hope that answers your questions without spoiling anything?