Jagex Announces RuneScape 4 in Unreal Engine Alongside Reignited Mode

Jagex has announced a fourth mainline MMORPG set in the fantasy world of Gielinor. Revealed during RuneFest 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, the project carries the working title RuneScape 4, or RS4, and marks the studio's first mainline MMO developed in Epic Games' Unreal Engine rather than its proprietary RuneTek engine.

The announcement included a 91-second teaser trailer featuring adventurers and dragons across the continent of Ashenfall, where the new game is set during the Sixth Age. Briefings at the event indicated that dragon riding and aerial dragon combat will serve as central gameplay pillars.

From Expansion to Standalone MMO

The project did not begin as an independent title. Jesse America, executive producer of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, explained that the game originated as a planned 2027 survival expansion titled Shadows of Ashenfall before prototypes led the studio in a different direction.

"When we saw the very first prototypes and read the designs that they'd brought together, we realized that the game direction of all of this pointed at a completely different scope," America said. "We came to the realization that it essentially would be an MMO, and that it deserved its own game."

America noted that development will involve the entire studio rather than an isolated sub-team. Jagex confirmed the new MMO is designed as a fourth franchise pillar, operating concurrently alongside RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds without replacing any of them.

A release window and supported platforms have not been announced, with Jagex stating only that launch is "still a few years away." The studio said it revealed the game early to allow for community-led testing and feedback during production.

RuneScape Reignited and Plugin API

Jagex also detailed near-term updates for the franchise. On December 2, 2026, the studio will launch RuneScape Reignited, a permanent new character type featuring a clean-slate economy, separate hiscores, and no paid progression. Players will receive free access to members' content for the first 10 days, running through December 12, 2026. The rollout includes an Adventure Guide and a Remastered Journey update.

Ahead of Reignited, Jagex will release the official RuneScape Plugin API in October 2026. The studio also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with content creator Charlie White (MoistCr1TiKaL) and Lyrical Media to develop an animated series set in Gielinor.