RuneFest 2026 has delivered a substantial look at where the RuneScape universe is heading, with announcements spanning the long-running main MMORPG, Old School RuneScape, the survival-focused RuneScape: Dragonwilds, a new animated project, and an entirely new MMO currently operating under the working title of RS4.
The event's biggest surprise was confirmation that Jagex is building another RuneScape MMO. Although the company has not formally named the game RuneScape 4, the RS4 working title and the project's technical direction make clear that it is being positioned as a new-era entry for the franchise. Alongside that longer-term project, Jagex also set out immediate plans for existing players, including the December 2 launch of RuneScape Reignited and extensive 2027 roadmaps across its games.
A New RuneScape MMO Is in Development
Jagex confirmed that a fourth RuneScape MMO is in the works. The project is being developed in Unreal Engine and is intended to take advantage of current technology and contemporary game-design approaches. That places it apart from simply being another large expansion or overhaul for the existing RuneScape game.
There is still very little confirmed about RS4 beyond that foundation. No release window, supported platforms, setting details, gameplay systems, business model, or connections to prior RuneScape eras have been announced. For now, the reveal establishes the project as a significant long-term initiative rather than a game close to launch.
The use of Unreal Engine is nevertheless notable for a series with a long technical history. RuneScape has continuously changed over its roughly quarter-century lifespan, but a purpose-built new MMO created with modern tools could give Jagex an opportunity to rethink the experience from the ground up while retaining the fantasy world and community identity that made the franchise endure.
RuneScape Will Also Receive an Animated Adaptation
Outside the games themselves, Jagex announced a new RuneScape animated adaptation. The project is being made in partnership with YouTuber Charlie White, better known as MoistCr1TiKaL, and production company Lyrical Media.
Details remain limited. There is no announced release date, no confirmation of whether the adaptation will be a series, film, or another format, and no information yet on its cast, distribution plans, story, or which corners of Gielinor it will explore. Still, the announcement represents another major expansion of RuneScape beyond its games.
That expansion is particularly interesting given how much material the universe has accumulated. RuneScape's quests, factions, cities, gods, and long-running character stories offer a deep pool of possible material. Until more is revealed, though, the adaptation's exact relationship to established game continuity remains unknown.
RuneScape Reignited Launches December 2
The most immediate main-game announcement is RuneScape Reignited, launching on December 2. Jagex is presenting the initiative as a major moment for the 25-year-old MMORPG, aimed both at bringing back players who have been away and giving current adventurers a newly energized progression path.
Reignited will include a Remastered Journey and Adventure Guide, as well as a fresh economy and new hi scores. Together, those features suggest a more structured re-entry point for returning players while creating a reset-like competitive environment for those interested in climbing rankings and building up again.
Players will be able to receive full Reignited Access without a membership between December 2 and December 12. The limited access period gives interested players a chance to sample the initiative at launch, though no further details were provided about what happens after that window or how access will work beyond it.
Another long-awaited feature is also nearing release: the Plugin API is due this month. Players have been offered early hands-on access before its official rollout. Plugin support has the potential to become a meaningful development for RuneScape's interface and player-made utility ecosystem, but the practical range of available tools will depend on the API's final implementation and the community creations that follow.
The Largest RuneScape Roadmap Yet Points to 2027
Jagex described the new RuneScape roadmap as the largest in the game's history. Its 2027 content is organized around three story arcs that will connect with existing, long-running storylines rather than standing as isolated additions.
The first, Hoard of Dragons, is planned for January and will continue the story of the well-known Dragon Slayer quest. The second arc, City of Gnomes, will return attention to the game's gnome storyline. The third, Secrets of Karamja, will introduce a new endgame raid.
Beyond those headline arcs, the roadmap includes an Agility skill rework, additional skilling bosses and solo bosses, expansions to areas of the game world, and a new Grandmaster Quest. That mix covers both narrative-focused players and those more concerned with skills, bossing, progression, and high-level challenges.
The roadmap's scope indicates that RuneScape Reignited is not being treated as a standalone nostalgia push. Instead, it appears to be part of a broader attempt to establish momentum for the live game while a separate next-generation MMO remains in development.
Old School RuneScape Prepares Menaphos, Raids and Hardcore Worlds
Old School RuneScape also received an updated roadmap, led by the long-awaited opening of the Golden Gates to Menaphos. The announcement comes after 20 years of anticipation surrounding the location, and it will arrive alongside several pieces of community-requested content.
Before the larger 2027 plans arrive, Old School RuneScape has two major dated updates on the horizon. The Fractured Archive, a new endgame raid, launches October 20. It will be followed by Hardcore Worlds on November 4.
The year ahead will continue several familiar Old School RuneScape threads. Planned content includes the next part of the Fairytale questline, a Quest month, Dungeons of Gielinor, a Mining and Smithing rework, Chosen Commander, and the Tower of Xorphoros. The roadmap combines updates to iconic quest material with new locations and a broad rework of two gathering and production skills.
For a game whose direction is closely shaped by its player base, the emphasis on requested features and legacy storylines is fitting. Menaphos in particular is a major destination with a lengthy history in the broader RuneScape world, making its arrival a potentially important landmark for Old School players.
Dragonwilds Begins Its Blood Crystal Saga
RuneScape: Dragonwilds, the recently released spin-off, will begin setting up its next major storyline this December. The Luminance update is described as a prelude to the 2027 Blood Crystal Saga and will introduce Elves to the game.
Luminance will also add elven-themed customization for both player characters and buildings, along with the Prayer skill. The update gives Dragonwilds a stronger connection to a recognizable part of RuneScape lore while expanding its survival and building-focused systems.
The Blood Crystal Saga itself begins in early 2027 with Song of Rebellion. Planned additions across the saga include enemies such as Moss Giants, Kebbits, and Implings; the Hunter skill; fresh areas to explore; new quests and equipment; and house decorations inspired by Prifddinas, RuneScape's famed elven city.
Jagex expects Dragonwilds to receive quarterly updates containing larger additions, including skills such as Hunter and Slayer. Monthly patches will deliver smaller-scale content such as side quests, weapons, decorations, and quality-of-life improvements. That cadence gives the spin-off a clearly defined live-development structure as it grows beyond its initial release.
Official Dragonwilds Modding Is Planned for 2027
Dragonwilds will also gain official mod support in 2027 through a partnership with CurseForge. The planned system includes dedicated creation tools and an in-game browser and installer for mods.
Importantly, Jagex says this modding support will be available across all platforms, including console. That could make Dragonwilds a notable example of a RuneScape-related game embracing accessible user-created content beyond the PC audience, although the company has not yet detailed the moderation process, platform-specific limits, or the kinds of mods that will be permitted.
With RS4 in early development, Reignited close to launch, Old School RuneScape preparing major content, and Dragonwilds building toward its next saga, RuneFest 2026 framed the franchise's future as unusually broad. The next few months will bring the first concrete results, while the biggest unanswered question remains how Jagex's next MMO will ultimately redefine RuneScape for a new generation.
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