Today is a huge day for RuneScape fans, as UK developer Jagex has kicked off the biggest RuneFest ever, revealing a brand new in-development MMORPG in the process.

Over 6,000 fans packed the NEC in Birmingham for the event, which opened with the Manchester Video Game Orchestra performing iconic RuneScape themes, joined on stage by Mod Ash. But the big surprise came shortly after, when Jagex officially announced that a fourth MMO in the RuneScape franchise is in development.

The studio described it as being built for a new generation of players. The as-yet-unnamed project brings the fantasy world of Gielinor to life in Unreal Engine, and aims to combine the depth, freedom and community-led spirit that have defined the IP for 25 years with the technology and design possibilities available to developers today.

It’s still early in development, so don’t expect a release window anytime soon. But for a franchise whose games have long been defined by their deliberately classic look, a ground-up Unreal Engine take on Gielinor is a significant statement to fans, as well as a promising sign for the whole flailing MMO genre. It will be interesting to see whether the game goes with full-fledged action combat, like the upcoming Guild Wars 3 by ArenaNet, or opts for the old-school tab-targeting approach.

The other major reveal takes RuneScape beyond games: Jagex has started work on an animated adaptation in partnership with Charlie White, better known online as MoistCr1TiKaL, and LA-based production company Lyrical Media, with the goal of bringing Gielinor’s world, characters and stories to new formats and audiences. As with the new MMO, it’s early days, and no platform or release window has been shared yet.

RuneScape

The main RuneScape game has a milestone of its own coming, as RuneScape Reignited launches on December 2. Jagex calls it a defining moment for the game, inviting old and new players alike to return and experience RuneScape as it was always meant to be, built around a Remastered Journey and Adventure Guide, a fresh economy, brand-new hiscores, and a player-first focus. Non-members will get full Reignited access from December 2 to December 12.

Before that, the long-awaited Plugin API arrives this month, with players getting early hands-on access ahead of its official release. The game’s 2027 content will unfold across three story arcs, each tied to long-running storylines:

• Hoard of Dragons, kicking off in January, a sequel to the classic Dragon Slayer quest
• City of Gnomes, continuing the gnome storyline that began back in 2002
• Secrets of Karamja, introducing a new endgame raid

Across those arcs, players can also expect an Agility skill rework, new skilling and solo bosses, area expansions, and a new Grandmaster quest.

Old School RuneScape

OSRS’s roadmap is its most packed yet, starting with The Fractured Archive, a new endgame raid launching on October 20. Set in an ancient vault beneath Gielinor, it comes with a streamlined Boss Rush and new best-in-slot rewards.

Hardcore Worlds follow on November 4, offering a fresh economy, factions that let players team up with their favorite creators, and the prestige of world firsts in a punishing game mode. As Jagex puts it, whatever you do, stay alive.

The biggest news for long-time players, though, is that Menaphos will finally open its golden gates in 2027, after 20 years. The update continues Amascut’s story through the Master-level quest Fool’s Gold, and introduces Old School’s first Skilling Dungeon, along with the long-awaited Soul Altar hidden within Jalanam, the Pharaoh’s Pyramid.

That’s far from all for 2027, which will also bring the continuation of the Fairytale questline, Quest Month, Dungeons of Gielinor, a Mining and Smithing rework, Chosen Commander, and the mysterious Tower of Xorphoros.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds

The survival spin-off Dragonwilds, which recently launched version 1.0, gets its next update, Luminance, in December. Serving as a prelude to 2027’s Blood Crystal Saga, it introduces the Elves, elven-themed customization for both characters and buildings, and the Prayer skill.

The Blood Crystal Saga itself begins in early 2027 with Song of Rebellion, bringing iconic enemies like Moss Giants, Kebbits and Implings, the Hunter skill, new areas, quests and gear, plus house decorations inspired by the elven city of Prifddinas.

Beyond that, Dragonwilds will get quarterly updates adding new skills such as Hunter and Slayer, along with monthly updates featuring side quests, weapons, decorations and quality-of-life improvements.

Perhaps most notably, official modding arrives in 2027 through a partnership with CurseForge, featuring dedicated creation tools, an in-game mod browser, and an installer. Crucially, it’ll be available on every platform, consoles included.

About the author: With over two decades of experience in gaming journalism, Alessio Palumbo has led the gaming vertical at Wccftech since August 2015. He started working at a young age for Italian websites like Everyeye.it, Gamestar.it, Nextgame.it, and Multiplayer.it before kickstarting the indie English-language publication Worlds Factory as its founder and Editor in Chief.

In the last decade, he has coordinated the overall output of Wccftech’s gaming section, managed PR relations, assigned reviews, produced daily news coverage, edited gaming content as needed, and delivered game reviews.

Arguably, his trademark content is the long series of exclusive developer interviews that have been cited by Wikipedia and by the biggest news media and gaming publications.

His passion for technology also makes him knowledgeable when it comes to gaming hardware and tech. His favorite genres include RPGs, MMORPGs, and action/adventure games.

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