Jagex Announces RuneScape 4 at RuneFest 2026

Jagex announced the fourth mainline RuneScape MMO at RuneFest 2026. The new game, currently in early development under the working title RS4, will be built on Unreal Engine. No release date was given. A teaser trailer for the project was shown, and the developer also revealed a partnership for a new RuneScape animated adaptation.

2027 content roadmap revealed

Alongside the new game announcement, Jagex detailed a substantial 2027 content plan across its three live games. The roadmap includes major story arcs, skill reworks, new bosses, and area expansions.

For the flagship RuneScape, three landmark story arcs are planned. Hoard of Dragons launches in January 2027 as a sequel to the classic Dragon Slayer quest. City of Gnomes continues the gnome storyline that began in 2002. Secrets of Karamja will introduce a new end-game raid. The year will also bring an Agility skill rework, new skilling and solo bosses, and a new Grandmaster Quest.

Old School RuneScape's 2027 plans include the continuation of the Fairytale questline, a Quest month, the Dungeons of Gielinor, a Mining and Smithing rework, Chosen Commander, and the Tower of Xorphoros. The city of Menaphos will also open its gates, featuring the Master-level quest Fool’s Gold, Old School’s first Skilling Dungeon, and the Soul Altar.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds will see the launch of the Blood Crystal Saga, starting with the Song of Rebellion in early 2027. The saga will introduce Moss Giants, Kebbits, and Implings, along with the Hunter skill, new areas, quests, gear, and house decorations inspired by Prifddinas. Quarterly updates in 2027 will add new Skills like Hunter and Slayer, while monthly updates will deliver side quests, weapons, decorations, and quality-of-life improvements. Official modding support will arrive in 2027 via a partnership with CurseForge, featuring dedicated creation tools and an in-game mod browser and installer across all platforms, including console.

Animated adaptation and fan reaction

Jagex is partnering with content creator Charlie White, also known as MoistCr1TiKaL, and LA-based production company Lyrical Media for an animated adaptation of RuneScape. The project was announced during the final keynote sessions on day one of RuneFest. Details about the adaptation's content or release date were not provided, but it aims to bring the world, characters, and stories of Gielinor to life.

The RuneScape 4 reveal capped the event. "Details are thin on the ground but it received a roaring reception from fans," the author said. The sneak peek trailer shown at the end of the final RuneScape keynote was met with roaring applause from the attending audience.

Recent and upcoming launches across the franchise

Before the 2027 wave, several major updates are imminent. RuneScape Reignited, described by Jagex as a 'defining moment' for the 25-year-old game, launches on December 2, 2026. It is designed to rekindle interest among lapsed players and excite existing players with a Remastered Journey and Adventure Guide, a fresh economy, and brand-new high scores. Players can get full Reignited Access without membership from December 2 to December 12, 2026.

The Plugin API for RuneScape Reignited launches in October 2026. For Old School RuneScape, The Fractured Archive, a new end-game raid, launches on October 20, 2026. Hardcore Worlds for Old School RuneScape launch on November 4, 2026. For RuneScape: Dragonwilds, the Luminance update launches in December 2026, introducing Elves, new elven-themed customization options, and the Prayer skill.

Players will get an early hands-on with the Plugin API ahead of its official release.