Jagex has confirmed that RS4, the fourth entry in the RuneScape franchise, is currently in active development. This announcement matters because it signals a major shift in the studio's approach to the long-running MMORPG series, moving away from the single-client model toward a multi-engine ecosystem. Players invested in the RuneScape universe now have a clear indication that the franchise is expanding rather than stagnating.
RS4 is built in Unreal Engine and will exist alongside existing titles
The new title is built using Unreal Engine, marking a significant technical departure from the proprietary engine used in previous RuneScape iterations. RS4 will function as an independent experience, sitting alongside RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and the recently released Dragonwilds. This approach enables the developers to utilize modern graphics and mechanics while maintaining the separate player communities of the existing titles.
The game is set in the world of Gielinor and begins in a location called Ashenfall. The narrative timeline places the events years after the conclusion of Dragonwilds and the downfall of the Dragon Queen Kuldra. Jagex intends to apply lessons learned from Dragonwilds while maintaining core principles of integrity and permanent progression. The development process is described as community-driven, with the studio planning to involve players in the creation process.
No specific release date or early access details have been provided at this time. The studio aims for a release a few years from now, emphasizing that they are sharing this information early to build the game with the community. Jagex has not yet named which familiar areas will return or identified the specific new mysterious places players will explore. More details about the world, the team, and involvement opportunities are expected next year.
Source: Jagex, TweakTown
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