Jagex Announces Fourth RuneScape Game, Built in Unreal Engine

Jagex is developing a fourth major RuneScape game, the company announced at RuneFest, its annual fan convention. The project, currently using the working title RS4, is being built in Unreal Engine and will be set in the same world of Gielinor as the existing games, according to Engadget.

A minute-long trailer accompanied the announcement, offering little detail beyond showing what appeared to be players riding and fighting dragons.

Not a replacement

Jagex framed RS4 as an addition to its existing lineup rather than a successor. In a statement, the company said it is "designing RS4 to sit alongside them as an additional way to experience RuneScape and the world of Gielinor." The current roster includes the original RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds.

Setting and origins

RS4 takes place during the Sixth Age, years after the events of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, according to Jagex. Players will begin in the Ashenfall area, a location first introduced in Dragonwilds, which was Jagex's move into open-world survival gameplay.

The new game reportedly began as an expansion to Dragonwilds called Shadows of Ashenfall. Polygon reported that during development the project evolved into something closer to Jagex's earlier MMOs, prompting the decision to turn it into a standalone title.

Timeline and other projects

Jagex has not indicated a release date. The company described RS4 as a "hugely ambitious project" that is "still a few years away." More details are expected next year.

Separately, Jagex announced a RuneScape animated series in development with Lyrical Animation and YouTuber MoistCr1TiKaL. That project is also in early stages, with further information planned for next year.

What it means

The announcement confirms a new mainline entry is in the works and that Jagex intends to keep its older RuneScape titles running. The use of Unreal Engine marks a technical shift from the proprietary technology behind the existing games, though the company has not explained what that will mean for gameplay or performance. Because the game is years away and details are scarce, it is too early to assess how RS4 will differ from its predecessors or what improvements it might bring to daily play. For now, the reveal is a signal of Jagex's long-term commitment to the franchise rather than a product consumers can evaluate or plan around.