RuneScape: Dragonwilds has taken the gaming world by surprise with its early access launch, arriving just weeks after its initial official teaser. Read on to discover more about this unexpected release and what players can anticipate during the early access phase.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds Early Access Livestream
Early Access Available Now!
During the RuneScape: Dragonwilds early access livestream held on April 16, developer Jagex made a major announcement—Dragonwilds is now live in early access on Steam, launching only a short time after its debut trailer. The game had first appeared on Steam as a wishlist option on April 1, followed by the reveal of its first gameplay teaser on April 2.
Fans were caught off guard by this rapid rollout, especially considering that the game was initially hinted at back in 2022. It wasn’t until late 2024 that Jagex opened alpha testing signups for a “new survival game set in the RuneScape universe.” However, it was only on March 31, 2025, that the project officially became known as *RuneScape: Dragonwilds*.
Estimated Official Release Date in Early 2026
The development team has projected a potential full release for Dragonwilds in early 2026. As stated by the developers, “We want to spend the time to get everything right to make sure that our players get a complete, satisfying experience that you’ll want to revisit with friends again and again.”
Jesse America, Executive Producer at Jagex, emphasized that *Dragonwilds* represents a new kind of RuneScape experience tailored specifically for franchise fans, with early access marking only the beginning of the journey.
He further elaborated, “Throughout Early Access, we’ll be updating the game regularly with new content and features, while listening closely to the community to deliver an iconic open-world survival crafting game that will be cherished by both longtime RuneScape fans and newcomers alike.”
Early Access Roadmap Revealed
Jagex has also shared the early access roadmap for *Dragonwilds*, outlining key updates planned throughout this phase. One of the most anticipated additions is the introduction of Fellhollow, a mysterious region suspended between life and death.
This eerie landscape is governed by the soul-eating dragon Imaru, shaped by the wild anima of Ashenfall and the cursed energy of the Underworld. Guiding players through this dark domain is the legendary RuneScape figure, Death. The update will include new quests, lore expansions, gear upgrades, music tracks, and enhancements to magic, ranged combat, and farming skills.
Additionally, the game will introduce a new class of enemies known as Lesser Dragons, fresh Dragon Scimitar variants, hardcore mode, creative mode, and more. While no exact dates have been given for these updates, players can expect continuous improvements and additions throughout the early access period.
Early Access Rewards
Players who purchase *RuneScape: Dragonwilds* during the early access phase will receive exclusive in-game rewards. According to the game’s Steam page, “Early Adopters” will unlock the following items:
- Pioneer’s Scarf
- Pioneer’s Tapestry
- Pioneer’s Cape
- Two exclusive in-game music tracks
*RuneScape: Dragonwilds* is now available on PC via Steam for $29.99. Jagex has confirmed that the price will increase upon full release. During early access, all updates will be provided at no additional cost, with the possibility of future post-launch content being released as paid DLC.
