Jagex is stepping beyond the realm of MMORPGs with the release of RuneScape: Dragonwilds – an open world survival crafting game. Best known as the developers behind the long running MMORPG RuneScape 3 and its spin off, Old School RuneScape, Dragonwilds will be mechanically different to these games but is set within the RuneScape universe.
Alone or alongside three players, RuneScape: Dragonwilds will see you venturing to Ashenfall – a forgotten continent on Gielinor (the planet where RuneScape is primarily set), where you’ll use magic and level up skills to carve out a life for yourself in the wilds.
Here we find echoes of the MMORPGs, as it wouldn’t be a game in the RuneScape universe without skills and the progression system will be on hand to supply you with new skills, crafting recipes and abilities to aid in your survival.
You’ll also be able to wield Anima – also known as the living energy of the universe, source of all magic and what the Wilder Gods eat to sustain their eggs.
Outside of what I’m sure you’ll agree is very interesting RuneScape lore, Anima has a variety of uses in Dragonwilds, such as summoning axes for instantaneous tree cutting or repairing armor after a tough battle.
Survival won’t be easy though. Ashenfall is home to forgotten secrets and legendary RuneScape monsters, which means there be dragons. Where there’s dragons you can also reliably find fire, chaos and the increased chance of being eaten. The task of defeating the Dragon Queen is on your shoulders though, so best to get over any fears about the last fact pretty sharpish.
Luckily, there does seem to be some popular RuneScape characters on hand to help (or at least, people who resemble them). Pretty sure I spotted the Wise Old Man wearing his definitely legally acquired party hat…
On the development of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy has said: “From the very beginning, community feedback has been at the heart of RuneScape: Dragonwilds.”
Bellamy added closed alpha tests have already been conducted and Jagex will be “listening to player feedback when building the game throughout Early Access”.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds will launch in Early Access in Spring 2025. Though you can add it to your Steam wishlist today and, if you’d like to learn more, there will be a Twitch livestream covering the game at 5pm (BST) on Tuesday 15th April.