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Jagex’s latest venture into the RuneScape universe, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, made waves with its unexpected early access launch—just weeks after its first official teaser. Read on to discover what this means for players and what lies ahead in the game’s development journey.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds Early Access Livestream Recap
Early Access Is Live Now!
In a surprising move that caught fans off guard, RuneScape: Dragonwilds officially launched into early access on Steam during its live-streamed event on April 16, 2025. This came shortly after the game’s debut trailer was released just weeks prior.
The timeline leading up to the early access launch was notably quick. On April 1, the game appeared on Steam for wishlist additions, followed by the release of its first gameplay teaser on April 2. Although whispers about the project began circulating back in 2022, it wasn’t until late 2024 that Jagex opened alpha signups for what was then described as a "new survival game set in the RuneScape universe." The official reveal under the name RuneScape: Dragonwilds finally arrived on March 31, 2025.
Anticipated Full Release Date: Early 2026
According to Jagex, Dragonwilds is expected to reach full release in early 2026. The studio emphasized their commitment to delivering a polished and engaging experience: “We want to spend the time to get everything right to make sure that our players get a complete, satisfying experience that you’ll want to revisit with friends again and again.”
Executive Producer Jesse America shared further insight, stating that Dragonwilds represents a bold new direction within the RuneScape franchise. He added that early access is only the beginning of an ongoing evolution for the game.
America continued, “Throughout Early Access, we’ll be updating the game regularly with new content and features, while listening closely to the community to deliver an iconic open world survival crafting game that is loved equally by our biggest RuneScape fans and new players alike.”
Inside the Early Access Roadmap
As part of the early access announcement, Jagex revealed a detailed roadmap outlining key updates and features planned for the coming months.
One of the most anticipated additions is the new region of Fellhollow—a mysterious land suspended between life and death. Fellhollow is governed by the soul-hungry dragon Imaru, shaped by the wild anima of Ashenfall and the cursed energies of the Underworld.
Players will explore this eerie new territory alongside Death, a familiar face from the broader RuneScape lore. Alongside new quests, gear, and music, the update introduces skill enhancements for magic, ranged combat, and farming.
Additional features include:
- New enemy types such as Lesser Dragons
- Updated Dragon Slayer gear sets
- Hardcore mode for seasoned survivalists
- Creative mode for builders and explorers
While no exact release dates were provided for each feature drop, Jagex has committed to continuous improvements throughout the early access phase.
Exclusive Rewards for Early Supporters
Those who support the game during early access will receive exclusive in-game items known as the Pioneer Pack, including:
- Pioneer’s Scarf
- Pioneer’s Tapestry
- Pioneer’s Cape
- Two exclusive pieces of in-game music
These rewards serve as a thank-you to players who join the journey early and help shape the future of Dragonwilds.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is now available on PC via Steam for $29.99 during early access. Jagex has confirmed that the price will increase at full release. All updates during the early access period will be free, though some post-launch content may eventually be offered as paid DLC.
Stay tuned for more updates as Jagex continues to expand this immersive new chapter in the RuneScape saga.