A Bold New Chapter for RuneScape

Jagex, the studio behind the iconic RuneScape MMORPG, has officially unveiled RuneScape: Dragonwilds, a brand-new open world survival game set in the legendary world of Gielinor. Unlike its predecessors, Dragonwilds trades in the traditional MMO formula for a cooperative survival experience, launching in Steam Early Access in Spring 2025.

Explore Ashenfall — A Forgotten RuneScape Continent

In RuneScape: Dragonwilds, players will journey to Ashenfall, a long-lost continent where wild magic surges and dragons rule the skies. The map features five handcrafted biomes, including enchanted forests, scorched valleys, and ancient ruins, each filled with danger and secrets to uncover.

Whether you play solo or team up in 1–4 player co-op, survival will depend on your ability to gather resources, build bases, and harness powerful magic to defend against natural threats — including dragon attacks that respond dynamically to player activity.

Survival Gameplay with Classic RuneScape Skills

Dragonwilds reimagines traditional RuneScape skills like:

• Woodcutting using spectral axes
• Mining by exploding ore with rune energy
• Cooking, Crafting, and Herblore with a magical twist
• Combat that blends melee, ranged, and spellcasting

Instead of grinding passively, players wield Anima, a volatile magical force unique to Ashenfall, enabling dynamic abilities such as:

• Chaining spell effects
• Reshaping terrain
• Empowering tools and weapons

This results in fast-paced, satisfying progression that feels distinctly RuneScape but evolved for modern survival gameplay.

Dynamic Dragon Encounters and World Events

Dragons are central to the experience in RuneScape: Dragonwilds. The fearsome Dragon Queen Velgar and her kin roam the skies and can strike when players least expect it.

Key features of these dynamic encounters include:

• Randomized dragon patrols and ambushes
• Base destruction and real-time retaliation
• Environmental damage that alters the map
• Boss battles tied to player progression and questlines

Survival depends on strategic building, stealth, skill advancement, and cooperation with allies.

Built for RuneScape Fans and New Players Alike

While Dragonwilds introduces a new genre for the franchise, it remains steeped in RuneScape lore. Veteran players will recognize iconic elements such as:

• Evolved versions of trolls, cows, goblins, and more
• Familiar landmarks like a shattered Wizard’s Tower
• Hidden references to Gielinor history

At the same time, newcomers can jump in with no prior knowledge, as the story of Ashenfall is self-contained and fully accessible.

Early Access Release and Development Roadmap

RuneScape: Dragonwilds enters Early Access on Steam in Spring 2025, following a successful closed alpha in late 2024. Jagex has committed to a community-first development process, with regular updates based on player feedback.

Planned post-launch features include:

• New biomes and regions
• Player housing and fortress systems
• Additional dragons and boss mechanics
• Faction-based world events
• Expanded Anima skill trees and magic tools

Jagex expects Dragonwilds to remain in Early Access through early 2026.

Conclusion: A New Era for RuneScape Begins

RuneScape: Dragonwilds marks a bold evolution for the franchise — a genre shift that stays true to its roots while offering something entirely new. With its rich lore, co-op gameplay, and dynamic dragon encounters, Dragonwilds is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated survival games of 2025.

Whether you’re a longtime RuneScape veteran or a survival game enthusiast, Ashenfall offers a deep, dangerous, and magical world worth exploring.