RuneScape 4 announced at RuneFest, full MMO sequel started as expansion to survival game Dragonwilds

Developer Jagex unveiled "RuneScape 4" during its annual RuneFest convention, marking the next installment in the long-running MMO franchise. The announcement included a teaser trailer showcasing a medieval town beneath floating islands, with a dragon-riding adventurer facing a three-headed dragon. The visual style merges elements from RuneScape 3 and Old School RuneScape, reflecting the series' evolution. Jagex framed the reveal as a natural progression from its recent Dragonwilds survival game.

The new MMO emerged from plans to expand Dragonwilds, but player feedback pushed Jagex toward a traditional MMO experience. Playtesters requested a more conventional take on the survival game's setting, prompting the studio to pivot. The project is being developed using Unreal Engine, though the specific version remains unconfirmed. The original Dragonwilds expansion was slated for a 2027 release, but scaling up to a full game has likely delayed this timeline.

Jagex confirmed that Old School RuneScape will continue as a separate, retro-focused version of the MMO. The studio did not address whether RuneScape 3 would be preserved or integrated into the new game. Character progression from RuneScape 3 into RuneScape 4 remains uncertain, leaving questions about continuity. The announcement leaves open whether the new MMO will retain or alter existing mechanics from prior versions.

RuneFest, Jagex's yearly convention, served as the platform for the RuneScape 4 reveal. Coverage of the event is ongoing, with PC Gamer's Mollie Taylor reporting from the venue. The announcement signals Jagex's commitment to evolving its flagship franchise while maintaining ties to its legacy. Further details about gameplay, release timing, and platform support are expected in the coming months.