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RuneScape: Dragonwilds is Absolutely Incredible - Here's the Full Breakdown

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RuneScape: Dragonwilds is an open-world co-op survival crafting game developed and published by Jagex, set within the iconic RuneScape universe. It marks a significant departure from the traditional MMORPG format of RuneScape and its spin-off, Old School RuneScape, venturing into the survival genre. The game is slated to launch in Early Access for PC via Steam in Spring 2025, with a full release tentatively projected for early 2026.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds takes place on the previously unexplored continent of Ashenfall within the world of Gielinor, the same fantasy realm as the RuneScape franchise. Described as a “forgotten continent,” Ashenfall is a wild, hand-crafted landscape ravaged by Anima, the living energy of the universe that powers magic in this setting.

The continent features two distinct regions with five unique biomes at launch, with potential for expansion post-release. Familiar RuneScape elements like a wizard’s tower and locations reminiscent of Lumbridge’s windmill are included, though Ashenfall introduces a fresh environment distinct from the main RuneScape continents.

New skill systems, crafting recipes and abilities

The dragons, including a notable boss named General Velgar, play a dynamic role, randomly patrolling the skies and attacking players who draw their attention through excessive activity or noise. Core gameplay involves gathering resources, building bases, crafting gear, and leveling up skills to survive the hostile environment. Players will face both familiar RuneScape creatures, such as rats, trolls, and cows, now warped by Ashenfall’s wild magic into nature, infused variants and new enemies like the fearsome Garou.

The game introduces a unique progression system where players unlock new spells, crafting recipes, and abilities. A standout feature is the use of “wild, transformative magic” powered by Anima. Classic RuneScape skills like woodcutting and cooking return, adapted for survival purposes, alongside new magical abilities like a spectral axe throw and potion-making to prepare for combat.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds is built using Unreal Engine 5, offering a modern visual upgrade over the traditional RuneScape titles while maintaining a stylized aesthetic that balances nostalgia with contemporary appeal. This choice ensures beautiful environments, such as autumnal forests, treacherous mountains, and forgotten ruins, while keeping system requirements relatively modest.

More information about the game coming on April 15th

Jagex assembled a new team of industry veterans specifically for this project, aiming to create a game that feels authentic to the RuneScape franchise while appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers. Development began with closed alpha testing in late 2024, involving select community members whose feedback has shaped the game’s direction. This community-driven approach continues into Early Access, with Jagex promising a “living roadmap” that adapts based on player input, potentially adding new skills, quests, enemies, seasonal events, and map expansions.

The Early Access version launching in Spring 2025 will include initial regions, survival systems, core RuneScape skills, magic spells, gear crafting, a building system, challenging combat, and dungeons, with General Velgar as the first dragon encounter. A deep-dive livestream is scheduled for April 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM BST (17:00 GMT) on Twitch, where developers will showcase gameplay and answer questions.

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