RuneFest 2026 Reveals RuneScape 4, Major Expansions and Ambitious 2027 Roadmaps

Long-running online games continue to evolve as developers introduce fresh content while preserving the experiences that made them popular. Changing gaming trends have encouraged studios to revisit older mechanics, improve accessibility and expand established worlds.

Among recent gaming industry innovations, substantial content roadmaps remain an important way to maintain player interest. Jagex has now outlined ambitious plans for the RuneScape franchise, including an entirely new MMORPG, following its latest community event.

RuneScape 4 officially announced

During RuneFest 2026 on October 3, Jagex announced a fourth RuneScape MMO, tentatively known as RuneScape 4. Still in early game development, the upcoming title will use Unreal Engine 5 to bring Gielinor to a new generation of players while preserving the franchise’s established identity.

The event, attended by more than 6,000 fans in Birmingham, also revealed an animated RuneScape adaptation involving content creator Charlie White (MoistCr1TiKaL) and production company Lyrical Media. Further information about the upcoming MMO, including its release window and gameplay features, remains undisclosed.

RuneScape enters new era

Existing players can anticipate substantial changes through RuneScape Reignited, launching December 2 with a refreshed economy, new leaderboards, remastered early-game content and an optional Adventure Guide. Full Reignited access will be available without membership until December 12. Jagex also unveiled three major story arcs for 2027. Hoard of Dragons begins in January with Dragon Slayer II, Grandmaster Clue Scrolls and an Agility rework.

Summer brings The City of Gnomes, featuring The Curse of Arposandra, Glouphrie the Untrusted and the community skilling boss Argento’s Nightmare. Secrets of Karamja follows with the Temple of Ah Za Rhoon raid, where players will confront Witch Queen Rashiliya. Additional game development improvements include interface adjustments, better server performance and community-created plugins, with an initial beta scheduled for October 6.

Old School expands further

Old School RuneScape received equally substantial announcements, beginning with Hardcore Worlds on November 4. This permanent gaming mode introduces separate economies and single-life characters without experience or drop-rate bonuses.

Proposed additions include Dungeons of Gielinor, featuring at least five bosses, alongside the long-awaited opening of Menaphos in 2027. The desert expansion would introduce Fool’s Gold, the true Soul Altar and the game’s first skilling dungeon, combining Thieving, Agility and Runecraft challenges.

Other plans cover a Mining and Smithing rework, Fairytale III: Nexus of Power and The Chosen Commander. Several proposals remain subject to community polling. Meanwhile, The Fractured Archive raid arrives October 20, followed by a proposed November Quest Month featuring additional surprise adventures.

Dragonwilds receives major expansion

RuneScape: Dragonwilds will receive Luminance in December, introducing Elves, the Prayer skill and new customisation options for characters and buildings. Its Blood Crystal Saga begins early next year with Song of Rebellion, bringing additional enemies, locations, quests and equipment.

Official CurseForge modding support is also planned, alongside quarterly content releases and smaller monthly updates. Although future game reviews and community reception will determine their success, these announcements demonstrate Jagex’s broader gaming ambitions beyond its established MMORPGs.