Jagex Unveils RS4: A New Unreal Engine MMO and Animated Series at RuneFest

Key points

Jagex revealed RS4, a new MMO in the RuneScape franchise, at RuneFest 2026 in Birmingham, UK.

The game is built using Unreal Engine and is in early development, with no release date announced.

RS4 is set in the Sixth Age, years after RuneScape: Dragonwilds, and starts in the Ashenfall region.

The project began as an expansion for Dragonwilds but pivoted to a standalone MMO after playtests.

Jagex confirmed RS4 will run alongside RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and Dragonwilds.

An animated RuneScape series is in development by Lyrical Animation and streamer Charlie 'MoistCr1tikal' White.

Background

RuneScape, first released in 2001, is a long-running MMORPG franchise. Recent expansions include RuneScape: Dragonwilds, an open-world survival game launched on PC and consoles in September 2026. Jagex has been expanding its ecosystem beyond traditional MMOs, including a reduction in monetization mechanics and new content like Havenhythe Part II. The franchise has over 300 million accounts created.

How outlets are covering it

Engadget and TechPowerUp both confirm the announcement of RS4 at RuneFest 2026, noting its use of Unreal Engine and its status as a standalone title rather than a replacement for existing games. TechPowerUp highlights that the game was originally conceived as an expansion called 'Shadows of Ashenfall' but pivoted to a full MMO after playtester feedback. Jagex's official press release emphasizes the animated series partnership with Lyrical Animation and Charlie 'MoistCr1tikal' White, framing it as a step to expand RuneScape beyond gaming. All sources agree that RS4 is in early development and will not replace existing titles, but TechPowerUp provides more detail on the pivot from an expansion to a standalone game.

Why it matters

RS4 marks the first numbered mainline RuneScape game since RuneScape 3 in 2013, signaling a major new direction for the franchise. The use of Unreal Engine and the pivot from an expansion to a standalone MMO indicate a significant investment in new technology and design. The animated series expands the franchise into new media, potentially reaching a broader audience beyond gamers. These moves reflect Jagex's strategy to build a multi-genre ecosystem while maintaining its existing player base.

What to watch

Jagex plans to reveal more details about RS4 and the animated series in 2027. No release date for RS4 has been announced, but it is described as a 'hugely ambitious project' still a few years away. The animated series is in early stages, with further details expected next year. Jagex will continue to support existing titles, including RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and Dragonwilds.