RuneFest 2026: New RuneScape MMO Revealed in Unreal Engine, Reignited Launches December 2
Official event imagery courtesy of RuneFest/Jagex.
RuneFest 2026 opened October 3 in Birmingham with one of the biggest batches of RuneScape announcements in years. Jagex revealed that a fourth RuneScape MMORPG is now in development, confirmed a December 2 launch for RuneScape Reignited, detailed major 2027 plans for Old School RuneScape and RuneScape: Dragonwilds, and announced an animated RuneScape project.
A fourth RuneScape MMO is officially in development
The headline reveal is an as-yet-unnamed fourth RuneScape MMORPG being built in Unreal Engine. Jagex says the project is still a few years away and is intended to sit alongside RuneScape, Old School RuneScape and Dragonwilds rather than replace them.
Jagex is referring to the project as its fourth MMO, while “RS4” is being used as shorthand during its early development. The studio has not announced an official final title, release date or platform list.
The game will be set in Gielinor during the Sixth Age and begin in Ashenfall, the region introduced through RuneScape: Dragonwilds. Jagex says the new MMO takes place years after the events of Dragonwilds and is designed to expand into additional areas of Gielinor over time.
RuneScape Reignited launches December 2
Jagex also unveiled RuneScape Reignited, which launches December 2, 2026. The initiative is designed as a new beginning for the long-running MMO after a year of restoration work.
Reignited will introduce a fresh economy, new high scores, an Adventure Guide and the Remastered Journey, beginning with improvements to RuneScape's early-game experience. Jagex says the remastering effort starts in Lumbridge and will continue with additional parts during 2027.
Players without RuneScape membership will receive full Reignited access from December 2 through December 12.
Old School RuneScape gets new endgame content
Old School RuneScape also received a substantial roadmap. The Fractured Archive, a new endgame raid, is scheduled for October 20. Hardcore Worlds follow on November 4, creating a separate challenge built around permanent consequences for death.
Looking into 2027, Jagex plans to open Menaphos, continue major quest lines and deliver additional skill, dungeon and progression updates.
Dragonwilds expands with Luminance
RuneScape: Dragonwilds will receive the free Luminance update in December. The update introduces elves, new character and building customization options, and the Prayer skill while setting up the Blood Crystal Saga planned for 2027.
Jagex also announced official modding support for Dragonwilds through a partnership with CurseForge, including creation tools and an in-game mod browser and installer planned for 2027.
RuneScape is also heading to animation
Jagex and Lyrical Animation announced that development has begun on an animated RuneScape project in partnership with longtime RuneScape player and creator Charlie “MoistCr1TiKaL” White and his Meatier productions. The project is still early in development, with more information expected in 2027.
Why RuneFest 2026 matters
RuneFest is taking place October 3–4 at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre, with approximately 6,000 attendees expected for the franchise's largest in-person RuneFest to date.
The announcements show Jagex investing simultaneously in RuneScape's existing games and a new generation of the franchise. Reignited arrives first on December 2, while the fourth MMO remains an early-development project that Jagex plans to build with community involvement.
Sources: Jagex, RuneScape and RuneFest. Images are official RuneFest/Jagex event media.