RuneScape: Dragonwilds Looks Incredible, Offers a Complete Game Overview

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RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a cooperative open-world survival crafting game developed and published by Jagex, set in the universe of RuneScape. The game marks a major departure from the classic MMORPG format of the original RuneScape and its spin-off Old School RuneScape. It is expected to launch in Early Access for PC via Steam in spring 2025, with a full release planned for early 2026.

The story of RuneScape: Dragonwilds takes place on a previously unexplored continent called Ashenfall, within the world of Gielinor—the same fantasy setting that defines the entire RuneScape series. Ashenfall is described as a “forgotten continent,” a wild, hand-crafted land corrupted by Anima, the living energy of the universe that fuels all magic in this world.

The continent will feature two main regions with five unique biomes available at launch, with room for expansion after release. Players can expect familiar elements from RuneScape, such as a wizard’s tower and locations reminiscent of Lumbridge’s windmill, while Ashenfall itself offers a completely new environment—vastly different from the main continents seen in previous entries.

New Skill Systems, Crafting Recipes, and Abilities

Dragons — including the major boss General Velgar — play a dynamic role in the game, randomly patrolling the skies and attacking players who draw too much attention through excessive activity or noise. The core gameplay revolves around gathering resources, building bases, crafting gear, and upgrading skills to survive in a hostile environment. Players will also encounter familiar RuneScape creatures such as rats, trolls, and cows, now warped by the wild magic of Ashenfall, as well as new enemies like the terrifying Garou.

The game introduces a unique progression system where players can unlock new spells, crafting recipes, and abilities. One of the most intriguing features is the use of “wild, transformative magic” powered by Anima. Classic RuneScape skills such as Woodcutting and Cooking return in a redesigned form tailored for survival, while new magical abilities, like casting spectral axes or brewing combat-ready potions, add fresh depth to gameplay.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds is being developed in Unreal Engine 5, bringing a major visual upgrade compared to classic RuneScape titles while maintaining a stylized art direction that blends nostalgia with a modern aesthetic. This approach allows for stunning environments, from autumn forests and treacherous mountains to forgotten ruins, all while keeping hardware requirements reasonable.

More Information Coming April 15

Jagex has assembled a new team of seasoned industry veterans specifically for this project, aiming to create a game that remains faithful to the RuneScape franchise while appealing to both longtime fans and new players alike. Development began with a closed alpha test in late 2024. This player feedback–driven approach will continue throughout the Early Access phase, with Jagex promising a “living development roadmap” that will evolve based on community input. This could include new skills, quests, enemies, seasonal events, and map expansions.

The Early Access version, launching in spring 2025, will feature the starting regions, survival systems, core RuneScape skills, spells, crafting, base building, challenging combat, and dungeons, with General Velgar serving as the game’s first dragon boss encounter.

The development team will host a livestream on April 15, 2025, at 17:00 GMT (18:00 CEST) on Twitch, where they’ll showcase detailed gameplay footage and answer player questions live.