Jagex announced a fourth RuneScape massively multiplayer online game built in Unreal Engine during RuneFest 2026. Carrying the working title RS4, the project began as an expansion to the survival title Dragonwilds before scaling into a standalone generational project.
Jagex Announces Fourth MMO Using Unreal Engine
Developer Jagex surprised over 6,000 fans gathered at the NEC in Birmingham with the official announcement of a fourth MMO in the franchise, an event that opened with a performance by the Manchester Video Game Orchestra joined by Mod Ash.
The upcoming game shifts the franchise onto Unreal Engine, marking a technological break from its predecessors. Jagex confirmed that the game is in early development with a dedicated team, noting that the release is still a few years away. A CGI teaser trailer shown at the convention showcased a medieval town set in a green valley beneath floating islands, where a dragon rider falls under attack by a three-headed creature while a wizard watches from below, concluding with the wizard welcoming a new adventurer to the city.
This follows a long lineage of numbered entries in the franchise. The original RuneScape launched in 2001, followed by RuneScape 2 in 2004 which introduced full 3D rendering. A subsequent major overhaul arrived in 2013 with RuneScape 3, which revamped both the art style and systems to become the current main fork of the game.
Origins in Dragonwilds and the Road to RS4
The project’s path to a full standalone release began as a planned regional addition to RuneScape: Dragonwilds, the studio’s Unreal Engine 5 survival title originally targeting a 2027 release in that format. Playtesters consistently requested a traditional MMORPG experience set within that game’s atmosphere and aesthetic, prompting Jagex to scale the expansion into an independent game.
Jagex has assured players that RuneScape 3, Old School RuneScape, and Dragonwilds will continue operating alongside the new development.
Expanding Beyond Games With an Animated Adaptation
Alongside the upcoming MMO, Jagex revealed a separate partnership to bring the franchise to television and streaming screens. The studio is collaborating with internet creator Charlie White, widely known as MoistCr1TiKaL, and Los Angeles-based production company Lyrical Media to develop an animated adaptation of Gielinor, with no platform or release window announced yet.
Jagex has started work on this animated adaptation with the goal of bringing the world, characters, and stories of Gielinor to new formats and audiences.
Updates Across Existing RuneScape Titles
The convention also brought major roadmaps for the franchise’s established entries, led by RuneScape Reignited, slated to launch on December 2 as a return to the beginning with a fresh economy, brand-new hiscores, and a player-first focus that will never feature Treasure Hunter. Positioned as a defining moment featuring a remastered journey, adventure guide, and fresh economy, non-members will receive full access without a subscription through December 12. Meanwhile, Old School RuneScape prepares for the release of The Fractured Archive endgame raid on October 20, followed by the launch of Hardcore Worlds on November 4 and the opening of Menaphos in 2027.
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