Developer Jagex officially announced the development of RuneScape 4, a new Unreal Engine-powered MMORPG, alongside an animated series adaptation during the RuneFest event at the NEC in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Over 6,000 attendees gathered as the studio revealed that the next-generation game will feature high player counts, persistent servers, player-to-player trading, and dragon riding while expanding the classic world of Gielinor.
RuneScape 4 originated from an intended expansion for RuneScape: Dragonwilds titled Shadows of Ashenfall. It later evolved into a standalone project for the studio. Jagex confirmed that the project is still in early development with no official release date announced yet. It utilizes “RS4” as a working title for the time being.
Expanding the World of Gielinor in Unreal Engine
According to Jagex, RuneScape 4 is being built from the ground up for a new generation of players. It aims to combine the depth, freedom, and community-led spirit that have defined the franchise for 25 years with modern game design possibilities and advanced graphics powered by Unreal Engine.
The studio emphasized that RuneScape 4 will not replace existing titles like RuneScape (often referred to as RuneScape 3), Old School RuneScape, or RuneScape: Dragonwilds. Instead, each game will maintain its own dedicated development team, ongoing financial investment, and distinct player base. Jagex intends for RS4 to sit alongside current games as an additional way to experience the universe.
Set in the Sixth Age of Gielinor, RuneScape 4 will begin in Ashenfall-a landmass located to the northeast that was initially explored in Dragonwilds. The narrative will take place years after the destruction of the Dragon Queen Kuldra. It will offer fresh storylines and expand far beyond Ashenfall over time.
New Animated Series Adaptation Announced
In addition to the next-generation MMORPG, Jagex revealed that work has officially started on a new RuneScape animated series adaptation. The project is being developed in partnership with prominent YouTuber Charlie White, also known as MoistCr1TiKaL, and Los Angeles-based production company Lyrical Media.
The adaptation aims to bring Gielinor’s extensive mythology and lore to a wider audience outside of gaming. It will use a serialized format similar to other successful fantasy video game adaptations.
Major Roadmap Updates Across the Franchise
RuneFest brought a wave of additional updates for the broader RuneScape ecosystem:
- RuneScape Reignited: Launching on December 2, this update introduces a remastered journey, an updated adventure guide, a fresh economy, and brand-new high scores. Free access is granted to all players through December 12.
- Old School RuneScape: The long-awaited Plugin API arrives this month, followed by the opening of the Golden Gates of Menaphos, the Fractured Archive raid on October 20, and Hardcore Worlds on November 4.
- RuneScape: Dragonwilds: The Luminance update arrives in December as a prelude to the 2027 Blood Crystal Saga. This update will introduce the Prayer and Hunter skills, elven-themed customization, and official CurseForge modding support across PC and consoles.
With over 300 million accounts created over the past 25 years, Jagex continues to invest heavily in expanding the franchise into new genres, platforms, and media adaptations.
