Key information
At RuneFest 2026, Jagex officially announced a fourth installment in the RuneScape MMO franchise. Currently utilizing the working title RS4, the project is being developed in Unreal Engine, though the specific engine version remains unannounced. This marks the first numbered sequel for the franchise since RuneScape 3 launched in 2013.
During the event, the studio revealed a CGI teaser trailer featuring a green valley settlement, floating islands, and a dragon rider targeted by a three-headed dragon. Jagex confirmed that RS4 is currently in early development under a dedicated team and is still several years away from release. Platform details have not yet been disclosed by the studio.
Development origins for RS4 trace back to an expansion originally planned for 2027 within RuneScape: Dragonwilds, Jagex's survival game built in Unreal Engine 5. Following playtester feedback requesting a traditional MMO adaptation of the setting, the expansion evolved into an independent project. The narrative is set years after Dragonwilds, beginning in the Ashenfall region.
Jagex intends to keep RuneScape 3, Old School RuneScape, and Dragonwilds operational alongside the new title. At this stage, monetization details and whether player progress from RuneScape 3 will carry over have not been revealed.
