Jagex has announced a fourth RuneScape MMO, built in Unreal Engine and still years from release. The project uses RS4 as a working title, but Jagex has not confirmed its official name.
A Dragonwilds Expansion Became a New MMO
The project’s roots are in RuneScape: Dragonwilds: PC Gamer reports that RS4 began as a planned expansion before growing into a full MMO. That origin connects the new game to Jagex’s recent work in Unreal Engine and to Ashenfall, the setting where the sequel will begin.
Jagex confirmed that RS4 will take place in Gielinor during the Sixth Age, starting in Ashenfall, a landmass northeast of Gielinor first explored in Dragonwilds. The story is set years after the events of that game and the destruction of the Dragon Queen Kuldra, with Ashenfall changed by the time players arrive.
The studio’s stated ambition is to take the adventure beyond Ashenfall over time, into both familiar parts of Gielinor and new locations. Jagex also plans to build on technology developed for Dragonwilds and the community co-development approach established through RuneScape and Old School RuneScape.
RS4 Will Sit Alongside Existing RuneScape Games
Jagex says RS4 is not intended to replace RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, or Dragonwilds. Each has a dedicated team and will continue to receive investment, with the new MMO planned as another way to explore the world.
“The ambition isn’t to replace the RuneScape games you love. It’s to make the RuneScape universe bigger,” Jagex said.
An Animated Adaptation Is Also in Development
RuneFest also brought news of a RuneScape animated adaptation. Jagex is developing it with Charlie White, known as MoistCr1TiKaL, and Los Angeles-based production company Lyrical Media.
RS4 remains in early development, with no confirmed release date and a launch not expected for at least a few years. Jagex has not announced platforms or other launch details; for now, the clearest picture is an Unreal Engine MMO beginning in Ashenfall and intended to grow across Gielinor.