In an unexpected move that has delighted the RuneScape community, Jagex has shadow-dropped their new survival crafting game, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, into early access. The surprise launch comes just two weeks after the game's first official trailer was released, catching many fans off guard as they were only expecting a developer update livestream with release date information.
A New Direction for the RuneScape Universe
RuneScape: Dragonwilds represents a significant departure from the traditional MMORPG experience that fans have come to know over the decades. Set in the mysterious region of Ashenfall within the RuneScape universe, the game blends familiar RuneScape elements with survival crafting mechanics. Despite this new direction, Jagex has emphasized that Dragonwilds remains RuneScape at its core, featuring the questing and rich lore that fans love while establishing itself as a unique addition to the franchise.
Magical Survival Mechanics
What sets Dragonwilds apart from other survival games is its integration of RuneScape's magic system. Players can gather runes and use magical abilities to enhance their survival experience in innovative ways. One standout feature allows players to cast an 'axetral' spell that can fell multiple trees simultaneously if they're arranged in a straight line. This magical approach to resource gathering aims to streamline some of the traditional grind associated with survival games while maintaining the fantasy elements that RuneScape is known for.
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| Characters actively engaging in resource gathering using magic in the vibrant world of RuneScape: Dragonwilds |
The World of Ashenfall
The narrative places players as survivors of a shipwreck in Ashenfall, a realm filled with exotic wildlife, lush environments, and fearsome dragons. These dragons aren't merely background elements—they're central antagonists that players will need to confront to free the land from corruption. As players explore, they'll encounter the few remaining survivors from their expedition who are attempting to carve out lives for themselves in this dangerous new world.
Early Access Roadmap
Jagex has outlined plans for the early access period, including the addition of a new region called Fellhollow, a draconic regent named Imaru, and various new skills. Perhaps most intriguing for veteran RuneScape players is the planned hardcore mode, which appears to draw inspiration from RuneScape's popular Iron Man mode. Executive producer Jesse America emphasized that this launch is just the start of our development journey, with regular updates and new content planned throughout the early access period.
Availability and Multiplayer Requirements
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is available now for USD $29.99 (£24.99) on Steam. However, players should note that multiplayer functionality comes with a specific requirement: to play online with friends, users must link their Steam and Epic Games accounts. Players who prefer to avoid this requirement can still enjoy the game in solo mode, with the option to enable multiplayer later if they change their mind.
Community-Driven Development
Jagex has made it clear that community feedback will play a crucial role in shaping Dragonwilds during its early access phase. The development team aims to deliver an iconic open world survival crafting game that is loved equally by our biggest RuneScape fans and new players alike, suggesting that both longtime RuneScape enthusiasts and newcomers to the franchise are the target audience for this new adventure.