RuneScape: Dragonwilds Announced as a Co-Op Open World Survival Crafting Spin-Off, Launching in Early Access Spring 2025
Jagex, the legendary developer behind the iconic MMORPG RuneScape, has officially announced RuneScape: Dragonwilds, a cooperative open-world survival crafting game set in the expansive world of Gielinor. This marks the first standalone spin-off in the RuneScape franchise and is scheduled to release in Steam Early Access this Spring. Built on Unreal Engine 5, RuneScape: Dragonwilds aims to deliver a completely fresh experience while staying true to the universe fans have cherished for over two decades. Up to four players will be able to team up and explore the forgotten continent of Ashenfall, battling environmental challenges, gathering resources, and preparing to confront the fearsome Dragon Queen, the game’s primary antagonist.
Community-Driven Development at the Core
Jon Bellamy, CEO of Jagex, commented on the reveal:
“We’re so excited to finally give players a glimpse at the next entry in the RuneScape franchise today with RuneScape: Dragonwilds. From the very beginning, community feedback has been at the heart of this game... we’ve built an entirely new team of industry veterans to ensure the game resonates with both long-time RuneScape fans and new players alike.”
Dragonwilds has already undergone several closed alpha playtests with select community members, and Jagex plans to continue tuning the game through Early Access based on live player feedback. The full release is tentatively set for early 2026, but that timeline remains flexible.
Core Gameplay Features
In RuneScape: Dragonwilds, players will embrace "wild, transformative magic" to survive and evolve. Abilities teased include:
Exploding ore veins with a snap of your fingers
Spectral axes capable of chopping entire lines of trees
Deep crafting and resource systems supported by spell-based mechanics
Players will advance through a unique progression system, unlocking spells, crafting recipes, and new abilities to adapt to the hostile continent. From slaying dangerous fauna to constructing shelters and mastering arcane powers, Dragonwilds positions itself as a hybrid of RuneScape’s fantasy roots and modern survival-crafting gameplay.
System Requirements (PC)
Despite being powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game’s hardware requirements are relatively modest, ensuring wide accessibility:
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OS: Windows 10
CPU: Intel Core i3-8100 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
RAM: 8 GB
GPU: GTX 1060 6GB / RX 5600XT / Arc A750 8GB
DirectX: 12
Storage: 25 GB
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OS: Windows 10
CPU: Intel Core i5-10600 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
RAM: 16 GB
GPU: RTX 2070 6GB / RX 5700 XT 8GB
DirectX: 12
Network: Broadband required
Storage: 25 GB
With magic-infused mechanics, community-driven updates, and a bold direction for the RuneScape universe, Dragonwilds represents a major evolution for the franchise. As players prepare to uncover the secrets of Ashenfall and stand against the Dragon Queen, the community will play a pivotal role in shaping the game's future.
Are you ready to brave the Dragonwilds with your crew? Let us know what you think of this surprising direction for RuneScape in the comments below!
