RuneScape 4 Officially Announced, Built in Unreal Engine

The project was revealed during RuneFest 2026, with Jagex describing RS4 as the fourth generation of RuneScape rather than a replacement for any of its existing games.

RuneScape 4 is currently only a working title, meaning the final game could launch under a different name.

RuneScape 4 Will Be a Separate MMO

Jagex confirmed that RS4 will exist alongside RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds as its own standalone experience.

The studio stressed that development of RuneScape 4 does not mean its existing RuneScape games are being phased out, with each continuing to have its own development team, roadmap, and investment.

Instead, Jagex says its goal is to expand the RuneScape universe by offering players another way to experience Gielinor.

Jagex says RS4 will be built around its principles of game integrity, permanent progression, and community-driven development.

RuneScape 4 Will Begin in Ashenfall

The new RuneScape MMO will take place in Gielinor during the Sixth Age, although players won't initially begin in one of RuneScape's most familiar locations.

Instead, RuneScape 4 will start in Ashenfall, the region first explored in RuneScape: Dragonwilds.

Its story takes place years after the events of Dragonwilds and the destruction of the Dragon Queen Kuldra, with Ashenfall having changed significantly during that time.

Jagex says Ashenfall will only be the beginning, with plans for RS4 to eventually expand into familiar parts of Gielinor alongside completely new locations and stories.

RS4 Grew Out of RuneScape: Dragonwilds

According to Dragonwilds executive producer Jesse America, speaking during a press briefing ahead of the reveal, RuneScape 4 originated as a planned 2027 expansion for RuneScape: Dragonwilds.

Player feedback reportedly pushed the team toward features more traditionally associated with an MMO, including persistent servers, larger player counts, social features, and a trade hub.

As the scope of those plans continued to increase, Jagex ultimately decided the project should become its own standalone RuneScape MMORPG.

RuneScape 4 Is Still Years Away

Players shouldn't expect to get their hands on RS4 anytime soon.

Jagex says development remains at an early stage and that RuneScape 4 is still “a few years away.”

Major details including platforms, combat, skills, progression systems, membership, and account integration have therefore not yet been announced.

Rather than waiting until much later in development to reveal the project, Jagex says it wants the RuneScape community involved early so player feedback can help shape the new MMO.

More information about RuneScape 4 and RS4 development, including how players can become involved, is expected to be shared in 2027.

RuneScape Deals

While RuneScape 4 is still years away, players can currently explore the wider RuneScape universe through RuneScape: Dragonwilds, RuneScape, and Old School RuneScape.

Games and current offers

Current eligible offers in US. Prices and availability can change.

Old School RuneScape 1-Month Membershipdlc$14.99-20%$11.99Green Man GamingOld School RuneScape 12-Month Membership + OSTdlc$131.88-10%$118.69Gamesplanet