On April 15, 2025, Jagex officially launched RuneScape: Dragonwilds in Early Access, marking a significant expansion into the survival crafting genre for the long-standing RPG franchise. Set on the mysterious continent of Ashenfall, players will embark on a quest to confront the fearsome Dragon Queen as they navigate a world rich in lore and adventure.
The game introduces players to a vibrant landscape where dragons have awakened, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. As players explore Ashenfall, they will not only face the Dragon Queen but also engage in various survival tasks, such as crafting gear, brewing potions, and honing their skills. The game supports 1-4 player cooperative play, allowing friends to tackle the challenges together.
At the heart of Dragonwilds is Anima, a powerful source of energy that players will harness to unlock new abilities and spells. This resource is integral to gameplay, enabling players to perform feats such as exploding ore veins and conjuring a spectral axe to chop down trees more efficiently. The game’s mechanics promise a blend of familiar RuneScape elements with new twists that differentiate it from typical survival crafting titles.
Jagex has also unveiled a roadmap for future content, which includes the introduction of a new region called Fellhollow. Described as a location suspended between life and death, Fellhollow is ruled by the soul-eater dragon Imaru, who presents another layer of challenge for players. This new area is expected to expand the narrative and gameplay possibilities significantly.
The roadmap outlines various upcoming features, including new skills, quests, lore, and music, as well as hardcore and creative modes. Players can look forward to raised skill caps and encounters with lesser dragons as they progress through the game. Jagex has assured the community that player feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the game's development.
Interestingly, the game was shadow-dropped, surprising many fans who had been eagerly awaiting its release. The unexpected launch on a Tuesday afternoon has generated considerable buzz within the gaming community, with players eager to dive into the new experience. One enthusiastic player remarked, "It seems like my plans have been made for me," highlighting the game's immediate impact on its audience.
Despite the excitement surrounding the launch, some players have expressed concerns regarding the requirement of an Epic Games account for multiplayer functionality. While Dragonwilds is available on Steam, the need for an Epic account has raised eyebrows, especially among those who have reservations about the Epic Games Launcher. However, Jagex appears to be positioning itself for future cross-platform play, with a planned release for PlayStation and Xbox in 2026.
Players have already begun to share their experiences on platforms like Steam, where reviews indicate a generally positive reception. The innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to throw an axe to chop down multiple trees at once, have been particularly well-received. One player noted, "The grind is here, but it’s in a much better place than the base game," suggesting that Jagex has successfully addressed some of the concerns players had with earlier iterations of the franchise.
As the community continues to explore Ashenfall and its myriad challenges, Jagex's commitment to ongoing development and player involvement could set Dragonwilds apart in the crowded survival crafting market. With its rich lore, cooperative gameplay, and dynamic mechanics, the game is poised to capture the interest of both veteran RuneScape fans and newcomers alike.
In summary, RuneScape: Dragonwilds represents an exciting new chapter for the beloved franchise, blending familiar elements with innovative gameplay to create a unique survival experience. As players gear up to face dragons and uncover the mysteries of Ashenfall, the future looks bright for this ambitious title.
