Jagex Is Developing a Fourth RuneScape MMO Called RS4

Jagex has officially announced a brand-new RuneScape MMORPG, marking another major expansion of the long-running fantasy franchise.

Revealed during RuneFest 2026, the new project is currently known as RS4, although Jagex says that name is only a working title. The game is being developed in Unreal Engine and will exist alongside RuneScape, Old School RuneScape and RuneScape: Dragonwilds rather than replacing any of them.

The announcement comes as RuneScape celebrates its 25th anniversary, giving Jagex an opportunity to look toward the franchise's next generation.

A New RuneScape MMO Is in Development

RS4 is being developed as a completely new massively multiplayer online experience set within the RuneScape universe.

Jagex says the project is still in the early stages of development and is several years away from release. The company has deliberately revealed the project early so that the RuneScape community can participate in its development journey.

Unlike a traditional sequel that replaces an existing game, RS4 will operate as an additional RuneScape experience.

Jagex currently describes its lineup as three existing games—RuneScape, Old School RuneScape and RuneScape: Dragonwilds—with RS4 becoming a fourth independent experience.

RS4 Will Be Built Using Unreal Engine

One of the biggest technical changes is Jagex's decision to develop the new MMO using Unreal Engine.

The company says the goal is to combine the depth and freedom associated with RuneScape with modern technology and game-design possibilities.

The first public glimpse of RS4 is currently a concept presentation rather than a full gameplay demonstration. Jagex has not yet revealed the specific Unreal Engine version being used or provided detailed information about the game's technical requirements.

The Game Will Be Set in Gielinor

RS4 will remain firmly connected to the world that RuneScape players know.

The game is set in Gielinor during the Sixth Age, with the story initially taking players to Ashenfall.

Ashenfall was previously introduced in RuneScape: Dragonwilds. RS4 takes place years after the events of that game and the destruction of the Dragon Queen Kuldra.

According to Jagex, Ashenfall is only the starting point. The company's longer-term ambition is to expand the new adventure into other familiar parts of Gielinor while also introducing new locations and stories.

It Won't Replace RuneScape or Old School RuneScape

Jagex is making one point particularly clear: RS4 is not a replacement for its existing games.

RuneScape and Old School RuneScape will continue to receive dedicated development and content updates. RuneScape: Dragonwilds will also remain a separate experience.

This means players will eventually have multiple ways to explore the RuneScape universe.

Jagex believes this broader approach can strengthen the franchise by allowing players to spend their time across different games or discover the world through whichever experience best suits them.

Community Development Will Be a Major Focus

Jagex is also emphasizing community involvement from the beginning.

The developer says RuneScape has been shaped by its players for 25 years, and it wants to bring that community-driven philosophy into RS4.

Instead of waiting until the game is nearly finished before revealing it, Jagex is sharing the project while development is still in its early stages.

That means players will have opportunities to provide feedback and potentially influence the direction of the game as development progresses.

Jagex says principles such as integrity, permanent progression and community-driven development will be central to RS4.

The Story Begins After Dragonwilds

The connection to Dragonwilds is particularly interesting.

RS4 takes place years after the events surrounding Kuldra, meaning the world will have changed significantly by the time players enter the new MMO.

Ashenfall will provide the initial setting, but Jagex plans to expand beyond the region over time.

That creates an opportunity for the developer to connect elements introduced in Dragonwilds with the wider RuneScape universe while still giving RS4 its own identity.

Release Date and Platforms Are Still Unknown

Players shouldn't expect to play RS4 anytime soon.

Jagex has confirmed that the project is a few years away, but it has not announced a specific release date.

The company has also not revealed:

• Supported platforms
• Final game title
• Subscription or membership details
• Account requirements
• Combat system
• Skills
• Progression system
• Monetization model
• Detailed system requirements

Jagex says more information will be revealed during 2027 as development progresses.

What We Know About RS4 So Far

A Major Step for RuneScape's Future

RS4 represents a significant change in how Jagex is approaching the RuneScape franchise.

Rather than focusing on a single MMO, the company is building a broader ecosystem of RuneScape experiences across different genres and gameplay styles.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds already expanded the franchise into open-world survival and crafting, while RS4 will return the focus to a large-scale MMORPG. Jagex has previously described this broader strategy as an effort to expand RuneScape into a larger ecosystem of connected experiences.

With the franchise now reaching its 25th anniversary, RS4 could ultimately become the next major chapter in RuneScape's history.

Final Thoughts

Jagex's announcement of RS4 is one of the biggest developments in the RuneScape franchise in years.

The new MMORPG will use Unreal Engine, return players to Gielinor and begin its story in Ashenfall following the events of Dragonwilds. Most importantly, it won't replace the existing RuneScape games.

There is still a lot we don't know, including the final name, platforms, gameplay systems and release date. But Jagex has confirmed that development is underway and that it plans to involve the community much earlier than it traditionally might.

For now, RuneScape fans will have to wait—but the next generation of RuneScape is officially being built.