RuneFest 2026 has delivered a huge batch of announcements for the RuneScape franchise, including the first details of a brand-new RuneScape MMO, a new animated adaptation, major updates for RuneScape, Old School RuneScape and RuneScape: Dragonwilds, and a new range of official merchandise.
This year’s event was the biggest RuneFest yet, welcoming more than 6,000 fans to the NEC in Birmingham. The event opened with an orchestral performance from the Manchester Video Game Orchestra, joined on stage by Mod Ash for a selection of iconic RuneScape themes and songs.
A Fourth RuneScape MMO Is in Development
The biggest announcement of the weekend was the first glimpse at an ambitious new RuneScape MMO, currently without an official name.
Still in the early stages of development, the new game is being built in Unreal Engine and will bring the world of Gielinor to a new generation of players. Jagex says the project will combine the depth, freedom and community-driven spirit that have defined RuneScape for 25 years with modern technology and new game design possibilities.
While there are few details at this stage, the project represents a major expansion of the RuneScape universe and marks the development of a fourth RuneScape MMO.
RuneScape Is Coming to Animation
Jagex also revealed plans to take RuneScape beyond games, partnering with creator and internet personality Charlie White, better known as MoistCr1TiKaL, alongside Los Angeles-based production company Lyrical Media.
The partnership will bring the world, characters and stories of Gielinor to life in a new animated adaptation, opening another door for the long-running franchise outside of its games.
RuneScape Reignited Launches in December
The main RuneScape game also received a major roadmap, with RuneScape Reignited set to launch on December 2.
Described as a defining moment for the game after 25 years, Reignited is designed to bring new and returning players together with a Remastered Journey, Adventure Guide, fresh economy, brand-new high scores and a renewed focus on the player experience.
Players will also be able to get full Reignited Access without membership from December 2 through December 12.
The long-awaited Plugin API is also scheduled to launch in October, giving players an early hands-on period ahead of its official release.
Three Major RuneScape Story Arcs Coming in 2027
Jagex has outlined three major story arcs for RuneScape in 2027, each connecting to long-running storylines.
Hoard of Dragons kicks things off in January as a sequel to the popular Dragon Slayer questline. City of Gnomes will continue the gnome storyline that began in 2002, while Secrets of Karamja will introduce a new end-game raid.
The 2027 plans will also include an Agility skill rework, new skilling and solo bosses, new area expansions and a new Grandmaster Quest, alongside continued quality-of-life work through the ongoing Road to Restoration updates.
Old School RuneScape Gets a New End-Game Raid
Old School RuneScape has plenty coming too, beginning with The Fractured Archive, a new end-game raid launching on October 20.
Set inside an ancient vault beneath Gielinor, the raid will introduce a streamlined Boss Rush and new best-in-slot rewards.
Looking further ahead, Menaphos will open its gates in 2027, continuing Amascut’s story with the Master-level quest Fool’s Gold, the first Skilling Dungeon in Old School RuneScape and the long-awaited Soul Altar, hidden deep within Jalanam’s Pharaoh’s Pyramid.
Hardcore Worlds Arrive in November
Hardcore Worlds will launch in Old School RuneScape on November 4, introducing a new challenge where death comes with serious consequences.
The new mode will feature a new game economy, factions that allow players to play alongside their favourite creators and the chance to compete for the prestige of achieving a world first. Naturally, the most important rule is simple: stay alive.
Further Old School RuneScape plans for 2027 include the continuation of the Fairytale questline, Quest Month, Dungeons of Gielinor, a Mining and Smithing rework, Chosen Commander and the mysterious Tower of Xorphoros.
Dragonwilds Heads Towards the Blood Crystal Saga
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is also preparing for a substantial expansion of its world, beginning with Luminance, a new update launching in December.
Serving as a prelude to 2027’s Blood Crystal Saga, Luminance will introduce Elves to Dragonwilds, alongside new elven-themed customisation options for both characters and buildings. The update will also add the Prayer skill.
The Blood Crystal Saga will then begin in early 2027 with Song of Rebellion. Future updates will introduce familiar enemies including Moss Giants, Kebbits and Implings, as well as the Hunter skill, new areas, quests, gear and housing decorations inspired by the classic RuneScape city of Prifddinas.
Jagex also plans quarterly updates featuring new skills such as Hunter and Slayer, alongside monthly updates containing side quests, weapons, decorations and quality-of-life improvements.
Official Dragonwilds Modding Is Coming
One particularly interesting announcement for Dragonwilds players is the arrival of official modding in 2027 through a new partnership with CurseForge.
The partnership will bring dedicated creation tools together with an in-game mod browser and installer, with support planned across all platforms, including console.
Golden Gnomes Celebrate the RuneScape Community
The Golden Gnomes Awards also returned at RuneFest, celebrating the game’s creator community across 44 awards recognising content creators, community contributors and cosplayers.
Jagex is publishing the full list of winners across RuneScape, Old School RuneScape and RuneScape: Dragonwilds.
New RuneScape Streetwear Arrives
RuneFest also marked the debut of a new global streetwear collaboration between Jagex and Scape Ink.
The Scape Ink x Old School RuneScape collection is available through the RuneScape Merch Store and includes a Slayer Hoodie, Wise Old Man Tee, Ancient Magicks Tee, Bandos Godsword Tee and more, all featuring hand-drawn Old School RuneScape-inspired artwork.
A Huge Future for RuneScape
With a new MMO in early development, an animated adaptation on the way and substantial roadmaps covering all three existing games, RuneFest 2026 has given RuneScape fans plenty to look forward to.
From RuneScape Reignited and new 2027 story arcs to Old School RuneScape‘s new raids and Hardcore Worlds, and Dragonwilds‘ upcoming Blood Crystal Saga and official mod support, Jagex clearly has no intention of slowing down the RuneScape franchise.
