(Image credit: Jagex)
A new chapter in the RuneScape universe is unfolding with the upcoming release of a cooperative, open-world survival crafting game named RuneScape: Dragonwilds. This marks a notable transformation for the long-established MMO series.
Unveiled by Jagex, RuneScape: Dragonwilds is now listed on Steam and is set to enter early access by spring 2025. According to CEO Jon Bellamy, it’s “an entirely new RuneScape experience set within the iconic world of Gielinor and is a game which is worthy of wearing the RuneScape name.”
“We’ve built an entirely new team filled with industry veterans who are focused on making sure that RuneScape: Dragonwilds sits naturally within the RuneScape franchise, and a game that is loved by both our biggest RuneScape fans and entirely new players alike,” notes Bellamy.
Dragonwilds is designed for groups of one to four players. Although its ethos is to “grind skills, slay dragons,” the gameplay takes a distinct turn towards a Valheim-esque adventure. Players will gather resources, construct bases, and engage with “light RPG elements” as they navigate the uncharted continent of Ashenfall.
With Jagex venturing into its own open-world survival game, the parallels to Valheim are unmistakable, as it previously resonated with RuneScape players for its captivating allure. The aim here is to deliver “a blend of survival and RuneScape,” encapsulating the spirit of the franchise.
Dragonwilds presents enhanced magical elements, with characters wielding spectral axes to fell trees and conjuring wind to jump vast distances. The nostalgic Bones to Peaches spell also makes a return. The Steam page outlines, “Prepare potions, craft gear, and level yourself up to battle the most powerful force on the continent.”
While still in early access, Dragonwilds “is currently not a finished game and may or may not change significantly over the course of development,” says Jagex. The early access stage is expected to last “as long as it takes,” with a potential 1.0 release by early 2026.
Fans can expect new skills, quests, enemies, seasonal events, and many other content updates throughout the developmental phase of Dragonwilds. Jagex hints at expanding the dragon lineup, starting with “the first Dragon,” General Velgar, depicted as a green dragon. The game’s price will increase post-early access, with Jagex considering releasing future content as paid DLC.
Old School RuneScape is reputed for engaging its community through polls and player votes, and Dragonwilds will adopt a similar community-centered approach. “The best way to make a game we know fans will love, is to make it with them!” Jagex comments on Steam. “We’re bringing players along for the journey. RuneScape games have always been better for community voice being at its heart, and we’re taking that same mindset in listening to the community from day one.”
As one player put it, “I was worried this MMO’s first new skill in over 12 years would change things too much, but Sailing in Old School RuneScape feels just like home.”