Jagex has officially launched RuneScape: Dragonwilds, a brand-new open world survival crafting game set in the iconic RuneScape universe. Available now on Steam Early Access, this latest addition to the franchise invites players to gather, build, skill, and survive across a dangerous, dragon-ravaged land.
Dragonwilds introduces players to Ashenfall, a forgotten continent brimming with mystery, power, and threat. Dragons have awoken from their slumber, and a dark force led by the Dragon Queen looms large. Players—alone or in groups of up to four—must explore ancient ruins, uncover forgotten magic, and craft their way to survival as they prepare to challenge this ultimate enemy.
The vibrant, hand-crafted world of Ashenfall is rich in Anima, the magical life force that fuels the land. Players can wield this energy to perform supernatural feats like detonating ore veins or summoning ghostly axes to fell entire forests. These unique mechanics set Dragonwilds apart, blending classic survival gameplay with magical RuneScape flair.
Executive Producer for the game Jesse America describes the launch as a major milestone for the studio: “We’re so excited to surprise players with our Early Access launch today and invite them to discover the magical world of RuneScape: Dragonwilds right now... We’ve been working hard to develop an entirely new type of RuneScape experience that ignites fans’ passion, creativity and love for questing, and provide them with an all-new RuneScape adventure to discover. And this is just the start of our development journey.”
Throughout Early Access, Jagex plans to release regular updates, including new regions like Fellhollow—a mysterious, death-tinged zone ruled by a powerful dragon overlord and featuring a familiar RuneScape character. Beyond new zones, players can expect ongoing additions such as new quests, NPCs, lore, gear, and gameplay improvements.
Jagex has made it clear that player involvement is central to Dragonwilds’ future, with feedback directly influencing content direction and quality of life features. The game combines light RPG elements with high fantasy worldbuilding, while keeping survival crafting at the core of its gameplay. From brewing potions and slaying legendary creatures to unearthing ancient secrets buried deep within the Anima-rich lands, Dragonwilds promises a layered, immersive adventure.
Available now on Steam Early Access for £24.99 GBP / $29.99 USD / €29.99 EUR, players can dive in immediately and start shaping the game’s future, one dragon head at a time. Will you be joining the hunt?
In a special live stream on April 15, 2025, developer Jagex revealed that the survival game is launching in early access as of today. Previously, it had been announced that the game would have a Spring 2025 Early Access release, but the surprise launch has delighted fans eager for new content.
Built in Unreal Engine 5, RuneScape: Dragonwilds takes place on the continent of Ashenfall, where players can work together to build camps, improve skills, and survive. “Journey through the vast, vibrant regions of Ashenfall and unveil the ruins of forgotten civilisations to discover why wild, transformative magic spills from its fractured lands,” the game’s description reads.
Players will start their journey with a shipwreck, facing the immediate threat of dragons as they gather resources and craft their way to safety. Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy noted that this new title is a significant gamble for the studio, aiming to provide a fresh take on the beloved franchise. “It’s a big bet for RuneScape, an online game world which has generated $3 billion to date,” Bellamy stated.
Bellamy emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping Dragonwilds. The game has been in development for over three years, with a dedicated team of 30 to 50 people contributing to its creation. “It’s going to be very familiar to players,” Bellamy said. “It’s a new take on something familiar.”
While the game is designed to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers, it also introduces a unique multiplayer experience. Players can form groups of up to four, fostering collaboration and camaraderie as they tackle the challenges of Ashenfall together. However, to play online, players will need to create an Epic Games account and link it to their Steam account, a requirement that has sparked some frustration among fans.
In addition to the multiplayer aspect, Dragonwilds offers a variety of survival mechanics and base-building elements. Players can gather resources, forage, and work through numerous skill trees, including runecrafting and woodcutting. The game also allows players to use magical abilities to enhance their survival experience, such as cutting down multiple trees at once with a single spell.
As players explore Ashenfall, they’ll encounter various foes and challenges, with the ultimate goal of confronting the Dragon Queen. Bellamy expressed confidence in the game’s potential, stating that it has already been wishlisted more than 350,000 times in the past two weeks since its announcement.
As Jagex embarks on this new journey with RuneScape: Dragonwilds, they remain committed to delivering a game that resonates with players. The studio plans to keep the community engaged and involved, ensuring that the game evolves based on player feedback and preferences.
With its unique blend of survival mechanics, magical elements, and a rich lore, RuneScape: Dragonwilds is poised to carve its own niche within the RuneScape universe. As players set out to explore the uncharted territories of Ashenfall, they will undoubtedly find themselves immersed in a world filled with adventure, danger, and the thrill of discovery.
Stay tuned to Gamefragger.com for more updates on RuneScape: Dragonwilds and other exciting video game news!
