RuneFest 2026: Jagex Reveals RS4 and RuneScape Reignited
RuneFest 2026 marks the beginning of a new era for RuneScape. In its official recap published October 5, Jagex announced that development of a fourth MMO in the series has begun. Currently known by the working title RS4, the project uses Unreal Engine and is intended to sit alongside RuneScape, Old School RuneScape and Dragonwilds, not replace them.
This announcement is deliberately early. Jagex says the game is still several years away and wants to involve the community from the outset. Consequently, platforms, subscription model, combat system, release date and hardware requirements have not been announced. Any list of consoles would be speculation at this stage.
RS4 will begin in Ashenfall
The new MMORPG is set in Gielinor during the Sixth Age. Its starting location will be Ashenfall, the region introduced in RuneScape: Dragonwilds, but at a time after the destruction of Dragon Queen Kuldra. The world has therefore changed, and the stated plan is to expand beyond this landmass over time, mixing familiar places with entirely new areas.
Jagex identifies three core principles: integrity, permanent progression and community-led development. The technology developed for Dragonwilds and its experience co-developing RuneScape and Old School with players are intended to come together in an independent new experience.
RuneScape Reignited launches December 2
The main game receives RuneScape Reignited on December 2, 2026. Jagex describes it as a new entry point built around the Remastered Journey, Adventure Guide, a renewed economy, new leaderboards and more attention to the player experience. Reignited will also be available without a subscription from December 2 through December 12.
A Plugin API is also planned for October. In 2027, the roadmap will be structured around three major narrative arcs: Hoard of Dragons, City of Gnomes and Secrets of Karamja. Jagex has also announced an Agility overhaul, new bosses, area expansions and a Grandmaster Quest.
Old School RuneScape: raids, Hardcore Worlds and Menaphos
For Old School RuneScape, The Fractured Archive will arrive October 20 as an endgame raid in an ancient vault beneath Gielinor. Hardcore Worlds follow November 4 with a separate economy, factions and one defining rule: death ends the run.
In 2027, the gates of Menaphos will finally open after a twenty-year wait. This expansion continues Amascut's story with the Master-level quest Fool's Gold, Old School's first Skilling Dungeon and the Soul Altar hidden in the pharaoh's pyramid.
Dragonwilds prepares the Blood Crystal Saga
RuneScape: Dragonwilds receives the Luminance update in December, setting up 2027's Blood Crystal Saga. It adds Elves, elven-themed cosmetic options for characters and buildings, and the Prayer skill. Song of Rebellion starts the saga in early 2027 with new regions, quests, gear and returning enemies such as Moss Giants, Kebbits and Implings.
The roadmap calls for quarterly updates with skills such as Hunter and Slayer, alongside monthly content. Official modding also comes in 2027 through CurseForge, including creation tools and an integrated browser on every supported platform. Dragonwilds is available on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Why the announcement is important
The strategy is not to turn one RuneScape into a product for everyone. Jagex is building several experiences sharing Gielinor for different audiences: the continually evolving main game, community-directed Old School, the cooperative survival game Dragonwilds and now a new MMORPG built using modern technology.
The most important detail is what Jagex is not promising yet. RS4 has no confirmed platforms or date, and this announcement is not a full reveal. It is a statement of direction: a fourth MMO exists, uses Unreal Engine and will be developed openly with the community.
THE SIGNAL // 01 ORIGIN
A Smart GFX shop selection chosen to accompany the theme of a new era's origins. Availability was checked at the time of publication.
Smart GFX is an independent editorial project. The featured product is not affiliated with Jagex, RuneScape or the trademarks mentioned.
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