Jagex has made an unexpected move in the gaming world by releasing RuneScape: Dragonwilds on Steam Early Access without prior announcement. The survival crafting spinoff of the popular MMORPG is now available for players to explore, bringing a fresh take on the beloved RuneScape universe.
Surprise Early Access Launch
RuneScape: Dragonwilds has officially launched on Steam Early Access without any advance warning from developer Jagex. While the UK-based studio had previously announced a Spring release window a couple of weeks ago when unveiling the game, they didn't provide a specific date. The survival crafting game set in the RuneScape universe is now available for purchase on Steam at £24.99 GBP / $29.99 USD / €29.99 EUR. This unexpected release strategy has generated buzz among the RuneScape community, with early user reviews showing a positive reception at approximately 79% favorable ratings.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds Key Details
- Price: £24.99 GBP / $29.99 USD / €29.99 EUR
- Platform: Steam Early Access
- Developer: Jagex
- Genre: Open world survival crafting
- Current User Rating: 79% positive
No Epic Games Account Required
Following the launch, some confusion arose regarding account requirements after players encountered a login screen mentioning linking Steam accounts to Epic Games. Creative director Rick 'Mod Rook' Turek has clarified that players do not need an Epic Games launcher or account to play online. The system creates what Turek describes as a ghost account or empty account that doesn't collect personal information but instead generates an ID tagged with Dragonwilds and Steam. This implementation uses Epic Games Online Services as an out-of-the-box feature from Unreal Engine to enable cross-platform play and cross-saves for future platform releases.
Developer Response to Concerns
Addressing player concerns about third-party account requirements, Turek explained that Jagex is aware of recent controversies surrounding games like Helldivers 2 and their account systems. He emphasized that Jagex isn't requiring players to provide personal information to access the game. Additionally, the team is planning to release a patch approximately ten days after launch that will add a button allowing players to remove the online services connection entirely if they prefer to play offline. Turek also confirmed that these empty accounts are specific to Dragonwilds and can be modified or removed at any time.
Early Access Roadmap
Jagex has outlined an extensive roadmap for the Early Access period of RuneScape: Dragonwilds. Players can expect constant improvements to core systems including combat, performance, multiplayer functionality, difficulty balancing, lighting, weather effects, in-game messaging, and tutorials. The development team plans to introduce new skills including magic, ranged combat, and farming, alongside additional quests, gear, lore elements, music, animals, and a new enemy type called lesser dragons. Base building mechanics will be expanded, and new game modes including Hardcore and Creative will be added during the Early Access period.
Early Access Roadmap Features
- Ongoing improvements: Combat, performance, multiplayer, difficulty, lighting, weather, messaging, tutorials
- New skills: Magic, ranged, farming
- New content: Quests, gear, lore, music, animals, lesser dragons
- New game modes: Hardcore and Creative
- New region: Fellhollow (ruled by dragon Imaru)
New Region: Fellhollow
One of the most significant upcoming additions to RuneScape: Dragonwilds will be an entirely new region called Fellhollow. This area is described as being suspended between life and death, ruled by a twisted dragon named Imaru. The zone will be populated by various undead enemies, providing a new challenge for players. RuneScape fans will recognize the character of Death, who will guide players through this new region, connecting the spinoff to the established lore of the main game.
Community-Driven Development
Jesse America, Executive Producer for RuneScape: Dragonwilds, emphasized that community feedback will play a crucial role in the game's development throughout Early Access. Our community is at the heart of everything we do at Jagex, America stated, explaining that the team aims to deliver an iconic open world survival crafting game that is loved equally by our biggest RuneScape fans and new players alike. This approach aligns with Jagex's long-standing tradition of incorporating player feedback into their development process for the main RuneScape games.