Jagex is getting serious: The studio officially announced “RuneScape 4” at RuneFest in Birmingham. According to VGC, the new MMO is still in early development and will run on the Unreal Engine. A teaser trailer was shown at the event, but the release is still several years away.
What is Known About RuneScape 4?
According to Jagex, the name “RuneScape 4” is only a provisional working title. Here’s an overview of the most important facts:
- The game is being developed by its own dedicated team.
- The setting is once again Gielinor, specifically in the Sixth Age.
- The story begins in Ashenfall, which first appeared in Dragonwilds.
- The plot takes place years after the events of Dragonwilds and after the demise of Dragon Queen Kuldra.
- Long-term, Jagex aims to expand beyond Ashenfall – into new and familiar locations.
- According to Jagex, several years will pass until the release.
Will RuneScape 4 Replace Existing Games?
No. Jagex emphasizes that RuneScape 4 is not intended as a replacement for the other games. It will join RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and Dragonwilds. Players can stay with one game, switch between several, or discover Gielinor for the first time through RS4. The studio aims to broaden the brand rather than replace existing versions.
The early announcement is also exciting. Jagex itself states that they could have kept the project a secret for a long time. However, this doesn't fit RuneScape: the series has been shaped by its players for 25 years. That's why the studio wants to involve the community from the beginning, share ideas, test, and listen.
What Does This Mean for Dragonwilds Players?
In related news, Jagex has unveiled a multi-year roadmap for RuneScape: Dragonwilds, as reported by Nintendo Life:
- Winter 2026: the free update “Luminance” as the prelude to the Blood Crystal Saga.
- 2027: the Blood Crystal Saga begins with “Song of Rebellion,” followed later by “Crown of the Night.”
- Additionally, the “Prayer” skill, among others, will be introduced.
- In the first half of 2027, official modding with creation tools and an in-game mod browser is set to launch on all platforms – along with Secure Servers and Leaderboards.
From our perspective, RS4 appears to be an attempt to broaden the brand after 25 years without alienating its loyal fanbase. Using Dragonwilds as a bridge is clever – but whether the leap to a new MMO will succeed remains to be seen in the coming years.
Source: VGC, Nintendo Life
Are you looking forward to RuneScape 4, or will you stick with Old School? Let us know in the comments!
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