Jagex Confirms RuneScape 4 Is in the Works Using Unreal Engine

Jagex has announced that a fourth mainline RuneScape MMORPG is in development. Revealed during RuneFest 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham, the project carries the working title RuneScape 4, or RS4, and marks a shift for the franchise by adopting Epic Games' Unreal Engine instead of the studio's proprietary RuneTek engine.

The announcement included a 1:31 teaser trailer featuring adventurers and dragons across Gielinor. Jagex confirmed the game will begin on the continent of Ashenfall during the Sixth Age. Outlets covering the event reported that dragon riding and aerial combat are central gameplay pillars.

From Expansion to Standalone MMO

The project did not start as an independent game. Jesse America, executive producer of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, explained during a briefing that the concept originated as Shadows of Ashenfall, an expansion planned for 2027. Early prototypes quickly outgrew that survival framework.

"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 added that the project will involve developers across the entire studio.

Jagex confirmed RS4 will not replace existing games. The studio plans to operate it concurrently alongside RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds.

Early Reveal for Player Testing

A full launch remains a few years away. Jagex stated that the early announcement is intended to involve players in testing and development, aligning with how community feedback has shaped the franchise over its 25-year history.

The studio has not confirmed whether the game runs on Unreal Engine 5 or Unreal Engine 6, and a final title has not been decided.

Reignited Servers and Live-Service Roadmap

Jagex also detailed near-term updates for its live games heading into late 2026:

• RuneScape Plugin API: Scheduled to launch in October 2026 to support official third-party tool integration.
• RuneScape Reignited: A permanent new character type launching December 2, 2026. The update introduces a clean-slate economy, separate hiscores, an Adventure Guide, and a Remastered Journey with no paid progression.
• Free Membership Window: All players using Reignited characters will receive 10 days of free members' content access from December 2 to December 12, 2026.

The studio also acknowledged an animated series in development with content creator Charlie White (MoistCr1TiKaL) and production company Lyrical Media.