New MMO? Check. Animated adaptation? Check. Enough updates to make your gaming backlog nervous? Absolutely.
If you thought RuneScape was going to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a cake, a few nostalgic screenshots, and a polite thank-you message, Jagex had other plans.
At RuneFest 2026, the company revealed a new MMO, announced an animated adaptation, and laid out major plans for RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds.
More than 6,000 fans attended the event in Birmingham, according to Jagex, making it the largest RuneFest yet.
And the announcements weren’t exactly small.
Here’s everything worth knowing about the franchise’s next chapter, including what’s confirmed, what’s coming soon, and what we’re still waiting to hear.
A Fourth RuneScape MMO Is Coming
Let’s start with the biggest surprise.
Jagex is developing a fourth MMO set in the RuneScape franchise, bringing the world of Gielinor into Unreal Engine.
The game doesn’t have an official title yet, and development is still in its early stages.
Jagex says the project will build on the freedom, depth, and community-focused gameplay that have defined RuneScape over the past 25 years.
The idea of a new RuneScape MMO is exciting, especially considering how much the franchise has evolved since its early days.
But a modern engine doesn’t automatically make a better MMO.
What will matter is how Jagex handles the systems players actually care about: progression, exploration, community, combat, and the freedom to play at their own pace.
For now, the company hasn’t shared enough gameplay information to judge how this new entry will compare with its predecessors.
When Will the New RuneScape MMO Release?
There is no confirmed release date or release window.
Jagex also hasn’t announced platforms or detailed gameplay features.
Anyone claiming to know exactly when you’ll be able to play it is getting ahead of the announcement.
We’ll update this information when Jagex provides confirmed details.
RuneScape Is Getting an Animated Adaptation
Because apparently building another MMO wasn’t enough, Jagex is also taking RuneScape beyond gaming.
The company announced an animated adaptation developed in partnership with Charlie White, widely known online as MoistCr1TiKaL, and entertainment company Lyrical Media.
The project is intended to bring Gielinor’s characters, stories, and world to animation.
It’s an interesting move for a franchise with decades of lore and a deeply invested community.
RuneScape already has the foundation for storytelling. The challenge will be turning that sprawling world into something compelling for viewers who have never spent a single minute grinding a skill.
And yes, we know. Some of you are already mentally casting your favorite characters.
Jagex hasn’t announced a release date, streaming home, or further creative details.
RuneScape Reignited Launches December 2, 2026
While the new MMO is a longer-term project, existing RuneScape players have something much closer on the calendar.
RuneScape Reignited is scheduled to launch December 2, 2026.
Jagex describes Reignited as a major refresh of the existing RuneScape experience, with several changes designed to welcome both returning and current players.
The announced features include:
- A Remastered Journey and Adventure Guide
- A refreshed in-game economy
- New high-score rankings
- Additional player-focused changes
Jagex says full Reignited access will be available without membership from December 2 through December 12.
That gives curious players and returning veterans a limited opportunity to explore the changes without a membership requirement.
Whether Reignited delivers the fresh start players are hoping for will depend on how those systems work in practice.
RuneScape’s 2027 Roadmap
Jagex also outlined three major story arcs planned for 2027.
Hoard of Dragons, beginning in January, will continue the Dragon Slayer storyline.
City of Gnomes will revisit a storyline dating back to 2002.
Secrets of Karamja will introduce a new endgame raid.
Additional planned content includes an Agility rework, new bosses, expanded areas, and a new Grandmaster Quest.
That’s a substantial amount of content for a game that has already been around longer than some of its players.
Old School RuneScape Is Finally Opening Menaphos
Old School RuneScape fans received their own packed roadmap.
One of the biggest reveals was the announcement that Menaphos will open in 2027.
The update is expected to continue Amascut’s story through a Master-level quest called Fool’s Gold.
Jagex also announced Old School RuneScape’s first Skilling Dungeon and the Soul Altar.
For players who have spent years wondering when Menaphos would become accessible, this is a particularly significant reveal.
What’s Coming to Old School RuneScape First?
Several updates are arriving before Menaphos:
October 20, 2026 — The Fractured Archive
A new endgame raid set inside an ancient vault beneath Gielinor, featuring a Boss Rush experience and new rewards.
November 4, 2026 — Hardcore Worlds
A new challenge featuring a fresh economy, creator factions, and the pressure of avoiding death.
Because apparently regular RuneScape wasn’t stressful enough.
The 2027 roadmap also includes additional questlines, dungeon content, and Mining and Smithing changes.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds Is Expanding in 2027
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is also getting a substantial content roadmap.
The Luminance update is scheduled for December 2026 and will introduce elves, new customization options, and the Prayer skill.
It will set the stage for the Blood Crystal Saga, which begins in early 2027 with Song of Rebellion.
Future content is planned to include new locations, quests, gear, and familiar RuneScape creatures.
Jagex also outlined a schedule of quarterly content updates and smaller monthly additions.
Official Mod Support Is Coming
One of the more interesting announcements involves modding.
Jagex says official mod support is planned for Dragonwilds in 2027 through a partnership with CurseForge.
The system is expected to include dedicated creation tools and an in-game mod browser and installer.
For a franchise built around long-term communities, official mod support could give players more ways to shape their experience.
Of course, the real test will be how flexible and accessible those tools turn out to be.
What RuneFest 2026 Tells Us About RuneScape’s Future
Taken together, these announcements suggest Jagex is pursuing two goals at once.
First, it wants to keep existing RuneScape communities engaged through substantial updates to the games they already play.
Second, it’s looking for ways to expand the franchise through a new MMO, animation, and additional experiences.
That’s an ambitious strategy for a 25-year-old gaming franchise.
It also comes with questions.
How different will the new MMO feel? Will Reignited attract returning players? Can a RuneScape animated adaptation connect with audiences outside the existing fanbase?
Those answers will take time.
For now, RuneFest 2026 made one thing clear: Jagex isn’t treating RuneScape like a franchise that’s winding down.
And if you were hoping to finally clear your gaming backlog, well… good luck with that.
