Jagex Reveals Fourth RuneScape MMO, RS4, Built on Unreal Engine

Jagex has announced RS4, a brand-new RuneScape MMORPG built on Unreal Engine. It's set in Gielinor during the sixth age, years after Dragonwilds, and is still a few years away.

Did you think RuneScape was done expanding? Think again. Jagex just dropped a bombshell at RuneFest Birmingham: a fourth RuneScape MMO is officially in the works, and it's coming to sit alongside all your favorites.

The project currently goes by the working title RS4, which makes sense since it's the company's fourth generation of RuneScape. But don't get too attached to that name—Jagex stressed that RS4 won't be the final title when the game actually launches. For now, though, it's a handy label for this entirely new MMORPG.

So what's different this time? For starters, RS4 is being built on Unreal Engine. That's a big shift for the series. The game is set in Gielinor during the sixth age, years after the recently released RuneScape Dragonwilds, and your adventure will begin in a place called Ashenfall. According to a new blog post from the studio, their ambition is for the adventure to grow far beyond Ashenfall over time, moving into places you know and love while also opening up new locations and stories across Gielinor.

Before you start worrying about the future of your current grind, Jagex was quick to clarify that RS4 is not a replacement for any of its existing RuneScape games. Old School, RuneScape, and Dragonwilds will all keep their own dedicated teams, exciting roadmaps, and continued investment. So your favorite worlds aren't going anywhere.

As for when you can actually play it? Bad news: RS4 is still a few years away. But Jagex announced it this early on purpose. They want to build the MMO alongside the fans from the very beginning. In their words, "For 25 years, RuneScape has been shaped by its players. We've learned that our games are at their best when we build with you, not just for you." That means bringing you into the development journey earlier than you might expect—sharing ideas, testing things, and listening and learning as they go.

It's a bold move, but it fits the series' legacy. As Jagex put it, "25 years ago, RuneScape began with a world, a small team and a community that helped turn it into something far bigger than anyone could have imagined. Now we get to start another adventure together." That's a pretty sweet sentiment for longtime fans.

In other good news, RuneScape Dragonwilds isn't getting a price increase when it leaves early access. Jagex says they hope this small gesture goes some way to showing their endless appreciation. So if you've been on the fence about jumping into Dragonwilds, that's one less thing to worry about.

What do you think about a fourth RuneScape MMO? Are you excited to see what Unreal Engine brings to Gielinor, or are you happy with the games you already have? Let us know in the comments!