Jagex Unveils RuneScape 4: A New Unreal Engine MMO Born from Dragonwilds
Jagex has announced RuneScape 4, a new mainline MMO developed using Unreal Engine, which evolved from a planned expansion for the survival spin-off RuneScape: Dragonwilds. The game, set in the Ashenfall region of Gielinor, is in early development and will run alongside existing titles. Additionally, Jagex partnered with streamer Charlie 'MoistCr1tikal' White and Lyrical Animation to create an animated RuneScape series.
Key points
- Jagex announced RuneScape 4 at RuneFest 2026, a new MMO built on Unreal Engine that is currently in early development.
- The project originated as a planned 2027 expansion for RuneScape: Dragonwilds but evolved into a standalone mainline entry after player feedback.
- RuneScape 4 is set in the Ashenfall region, years after the events of Dragonwilds, and will not replace existing RuneScape games.
- Jagex also announced an animated series in partnership with Lyrical Animation and streamer Charlie 'MoistCr1tikal' White, with details to follow in 2027.
- RuneScape Reignited, a new character type allowing players to start fresh, is scheduled to launch on December 2nd.
Background
RuneScape, first released in 2001, has expanded into multiple titles including Old School RuneScape and the survival game RuneScape: Dragonwilds, which launched on PC and consoles in September 2026. The franchise has generated over $3 billion in lifetime revenue and created more than 300 million accounts. This announcement marks the first numbered follow-up since RuneScape 3 in 2013.
How outlets are covering it
Rock Paper Shotgun and TechPowerUp both emphasize that RuneScape 4 grew out of a planned Dragonwilds expansion, highlighting the shift from a survival game to a traditional MMO. Jagex's official press release focuses on the broader ecosystem expansion, including the animated series with Charlie 'MoistCr1tikal' White, while TechPowerUp notes the lack of platform and monetization details. All sources agree that the game is in early development and will run alongside existing titles.
Why it matters
The announcement signals Jagex's strategy to expand the RuneScape universe beyond traditional gaming into animation and new MMO formats, leveraging the success of Dragonwilds to create a new mainline entry. It also reflects the growing trend of game franchises expanding into multimedia formats, as seen with other major titles.
What to watch
Jagex plans to reveal more details about the animated series in 2027. RuneScape Reignited will launch on December 2nd, and RuneScape 4 is expected to be released in a few years, with no specific date or platform confirmed yet.
- RuneScape 4 is a new Unreal Engine MMO which reportedly grew out of a planned Dragonwilds expansion, though it's still a long way off Rock Paper Shotgun
- Lyrical Animation, Charlie “MOISTCR1TIKAL” White And Game Ddeveloper Jagex Team Up To Develop An Animated RuneScape Series Jagex
- Jagex Announces RuneScape 4, a New MMO Built in Unreal Engine TechPowerUp
- Everything We Saw at RuneFest 2026, Including RuneScape 4 and RuneScape Reignited IGN
- Popular Video Games Franchise That Launched 25 Years Ago Is Developing Into A Fantasy Show For The First Time IMDb
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