Jagex has announced RuneScape: Dragonwilds, a new open-world survival crafting game set in the RuneScape universe.
The game takes place on the continent of Ashenfall and is built using Unreal Engine 5.
In RuneScape: Dragonwilds, players will gather resources, craft items, and use magic to survive. The game features co-operative gameplay, allowing players to team up with others.
The narrative centers on surviving the awakened dragons and ultimately defeating the Dragon Queen.
The game emphasizes exploration of a hand-crafted landscape and incorporates light RPG elements within the RuneScape lore. A core mechanic is the use of Anima, a magical power that players can harness to alter their environment and abilities.
Players can use Anima to do things like summon spectral axes or repair armor. The game features a progression system where players unlock new spells, crafting recipes, and abilities.
Players can explore the previously unseen continent of Ashenfall, either solo or with up to three friends. The developers promise ancient secrets, battles against RuneScape creatures, and a world filled with mystery and danger.
Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy stated that RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a new experience within the RuneScape franchise.
He also emphasized the importance of community feedback throughout the game’s development, noting that closed alpha tests have already been conducted. The development team is composed of industry veterans.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is scheduled to launch in Early Access in Spring 2025. Players can currently wishlist the game on Steam.
Jagex will also host a live deep-dive reveal of the game on Twitch on April 15th at 17:00 BST.
RuneScape, originally released in 2001, is a long-running MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) known for its player-driven world and extensive skill-based progression.
This new direction for the RuneScape franchise into the survival crafting genre could be an interesting evolution.
What aspects of RuneScape do you think will translate well to this new format?
Are there any survival crafting mechanics you’d like to see incorporated into the game?
