In a surprise move, Jagex has launched RuneScape: Dragonwilds into Steam Early Access as of April 15, 2025 . This new title marks a significant departure from the traditional MMORPG format of the RuneScape series, introducing a standalone co-op survival experience set in the familiar universe.​
A New Adventure in Ashenfall
Set on the previously unexplored continent of Ashenfall, Dragonwilds invites players to engage in a survival crafting adventure. The narrative centers around the awakening of dragons, culminating in a quest to defeat the formidable Dragon Queen. Players can embark on this journey solo or team up with up to three others, navigating through various regions, uncovering ancient civilizations, and harnessing the mystical power of Anima to manipulate the environment.​
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The Early Access version offers a glimpse into the game’s mechanics, featuring:​
- Survival Systems: Players must gather resources, craft gear, and build shelters to withstand the challenges of Ashenfall.​
- Skill Progression: Incorporating traditional RuneScape skills, players can level up and unlock powerful magical spells.​
- Combat and Exploration: Engage in battles against legendary RuneScape creatures and delve into ancient Dragonkin vaults.​
The game emphasizes adaptability, requiring players to craft gear and potions essential for survival and success in combat scenarios.​
Community Reception and Feedback
Upon release, Dragonwilds garnered a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam, with 79% of over 1,900 reviews expressing satisfaction. Players have praised the game’s solid core mechanics and potential, though some have noted areas needing refinement, typical of Early Access titles. The game achieved a peak concurrent player count of 41,270 on its first day, indicating strong initial interest.​
Development Roadmap
Jagex has outlined plans for regular updates throughout the Early Access period, aiming for a full release in early 2026. Upcoming content includes new regions like Fellhollow, additional quests, NPCs, lore expansions, and quality-of-life improvements. The development team emphasizes community involvement, encouraging player feedback to shape the game’s evolution.​
Accessibility and Pricing
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is available for purchase on Steam at $29.99 USD. The game requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, with recommended specifications including Windows 10, Intel Core i5-10600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT graphics cards.​
For more information or to join the adventure, visit the official RuneScape: Dragonwilds Steam page.
