Today, Jagex surprised everyone by surprise releasing RuneScape: Dragonwilds after initially announcing the game only two weeks ago. Dragondwilds is an open world survival crafting spin-off game set in the RuneScape universe, but it’s not an MMO. Instead, you can play solo or online cooperatively with up to three other friends. This hybrid approach to solo or co-op in an open world survival environment is similar to other such games like Valheim, LEGO Fortnite, Enshrouded, and several other survival games.
RuneScape Meets Open World Survival Crafting
In RuneScape: Dragonwilds, players are whisked away to a “forgotten continent” known as Ashenfall. You find yourself stranded and in need of resources as you set off to build shelter and craft equipment. As it turns out, dragons have awoken in this strange new land so you’ve got to complete quests, improve your gear and skills, and take on the rising threat.
The setup is pretty standard stuff, but the bright, colorful art style and signature RuneScape whimsy is the real appeal. As a spin-off of the main MMORPG, there will undoubtedly be familiar elements for longtime fans, but it’s aiming to also serve as a great new entry in the open world survival crafting genre.
I haven’t tried RuneScape: Dragonwilds for myself just yet, but I’m eager to hop in there and see what it’s like. The high fantasy setting is extremely appealing to me for this type of game since most others lean on a darker fantasy setting. I like color and distinct personality in my magical worlds.
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Jagex states that RuneScape: Dragonwilds first began alpha testing in late 2024, so they’ve already got around half a year of player feedback in the pipeline. The page estimates it may be ready for full 1.0 release in early 2026, but also states it will remain in Early Access “as long as it takes” so don’t consider that a hard and fast promise. Player involvement and feedback should be key parts of the development process, just as they are for the studio’s other games.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is out now in Steam Early Access and available for purchase.
