RuneScape: Dragonwilds took the gaming community by surprise with its early access launch, coming just weeks after its initial teaser. Dive in to discover what this early access phase entails and what's in store for players.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds Early Access Livestream
Early Access Available Now!
RuneScape: Dragonwilds made an unexpected announcement during its early access livestream on April 16, revealing that the game is now accessible via early access on Steam. This came just a few weeks following its first trailer release.
The gaming community was taken aback as Dragonwilds had only opened for wishlisting on Steam on April 1 and shared its first gameplay teaser on April 2. Although the game was first hinted at in 2022, it wasn't until late 2024 that Jagex began alpha testing signups for a "new survival game set in the RuneScape universe." The official reveal as RuneScape: Dragonwilds came on March 31, 2025.
Estimated Official Release Date in Early 2026
Dragonwilds is slated for an official release in early 2026, according to the developers. Jagex aims to refine the game, ensuring a complete and engaging experience for players. "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," they stated.
Jesse America, Jagex's Executive Producer, emphasized that Dragonwilds represents a novel RuneScape experience designed for fans of the franchise. He noted that early access marks the beginning of their development journey. "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," he explained.
Early Access Roadmap Revealed
Jagex has shared the early access roadmap for Dragonwilds, detailing the planned updates for players during this phase. A highlight is the introduction of the Fellhollow region, a mystical land suspended between life and death. This region is ruled by the soul-eater dragon Imaru and influenced by the wild anima of Ashenfall and the cursed energy of the Underworld. Players will explore this new territory alongside the iconic RuneScape character Death, encountering new quests, lore, gear, music, and skills in magic, ranged, and farming.
The game will also introduce new Lesser Dragons as enemies, along with dragon slayer gear, a hardcore mode, a creative mode, and other exciting updates. While specific release dates for these updates are not provided, Jagex promises ongoing enhancements throughout the early access period.
Early Access Rewards
Players who purchase Dragonwilds during its early access phase will receive exclusive in-game rewards. As listed on the game's Steam page, "Early Adopters" will be granted:
- Pioneer’s Scarf
- Pioneer’s Tapestry
- Pioneer’s Cape
- 2 pieces of music from the game
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is now available for early access on PC for $29.99. Jagex has confirmed that the price will increase upon the game's full release. All updates during the early access period will be free, though future post-launch content may be offered as paid DLC.
