Jagex proposed a detailed development plan for MMORPG RuneScape in 2027 during RuneFest 2026. Next year, the developers plan to update the early parts, redo some old systems and release new content in big plot chunks. Three storylines will be added to the game, each lasting approximately four months and combining missions, combat activities, skill development and the exploration of new areas.
The first major update will be released on December 2, 2026. Jagex will begin by redesigning early character paths. The developers will update environments from Tutorial Island to Seers Village, Camelot, and Elvarg’s lair, modifying early missions and making some enemies into full-blown bosses with mechanics and health bars. Reworked missions include Demon Slayer, Vampire Slayer, and Dragon Slayer.
These changes will also impact skills training. The developers hope to make core mechanics clearer, revise skill guides, and increase the speed of early leveling. They will also simplify the interface by removing unnecessary elements and modifying standard settings. They promise to provide a more detailed overview of the update path before the update is released.
The adventure guide will be published on the same day. This is an optional recommendation system that will tell players what to do next, where to go, and RuneScape features that may be of interest to them. This guide isn’t just for beginners. It can also be used by experienced players if they want guidance on further progress.
In 2027, Jagex will continue to enhance its recovery of legacy systems. The plan includes a unified collection log, a rework of the group search system, updated clan search, a new quest tracking system, regular balance changes and a series of minor fixes. Developers will also address issues with object interaction areas, forced camera rotation, world performance, and situations where characters stop moving after interacting with items in their inventory. Team Ninja will be returning to the game to address small improvements and community requests.
The main structure of the update will be three storylines. Each mission will receive its own story and set of interconnected events, but the developers won’t limit them to one long list of missions. In this way, Jagex hopes to regularly change locations, characters, and gameplay activities while maintaining the overall cohesion of the content within each arc.
The first storyline is called “Dragon’s Hoard” and will begin in January 2027. It will continue the story of Dragon Slayer and take players to a new Dragon Island. The plot will revolve around an awakened golden dragon destroying the settlement of Jilinor. Players must find out what happened on the island, explore the ruins of the ancient fortress, and learn about the past of Oziach who sent the heroes to fight against Elvag years ago.
Dragon Island will become a full-fledged gaming area. Here you can use stealing skills to steal dragon eggs, use fire-making to hatch dragon eggs, hunt golden dragons and collect scales to replace and recast armor. Seals will also appear on the island, allowing access to a hidden vault, and passing all tests will lead to the vault.
The first arc will include Dragon Slayer II, a treasure trail system update with new Grandmaster missions, and a rework of the Agility skill. For clue hunters, Master Clue Scroll will be the most challenging level. Players will fight bosses, complete time trials, complete skill challenges and master Jilinor.
Rewards will be new items, including gilding dyes for repainting weapons and armor. Jagex also plans to bring back some of the old Aurora and Soul dyes. The update will include a new pet, Meek, and the treasure trail system will be more accessible to new players. In particular, the developers will add a short introductory mission to Zaida.
Agility will also get a major tweak. Jagex intends to change the role of this skill in moving around the world, redefine the use of running energy, and deeply integrate the Surge, Dive and Escape abilities. Developers are also considering adding new mobility capabilities. Agility training will change thanks to updated tracks and different upgrade options.
The second line of “Dwarf City” will start in the summer of 2027. It will be dedicated to the lost city of the dwarf Aposandra, which players will be able to explore after the release of the Grandmaster quest The Curse of Aposandra. The story will continue the storyline involving Glofree, who was exiled by the dwarves during the Fourth Age.
The city itself will become a separate play area, with new skill activities, combat encounters, characters, secrets and achievements. After completing the mission, Aposandra’s quest will continue with additional content.
As part of the same arc, a new solo boss, the Untrusted Glufree, will appear, using illusion magic. Players must fight against an enemy that distorts people’s perceptions of what’s going on.
Another new feature will be Argento’s Nightmare, RuneScape’s first world boss for upgrading skills. It will exist in every world for all players simultaneously, without the need to assemble a team in advance and without the use of a separate arena. Participants can join the battle at will.
Activities will be related to the spiritual world of dryads. Players must use wood cutting, fire making, fortune telling, and farming to clear away the pollution. After this, Argento should return to his previous form.
The second arc will also bring updates to the entire dwarven questline. All six existing missions will receive visual and content changes, and Tree Gnome Fortress and Tree Gnome Village will receive graphical updates. There will be new post-story content for those who have completed this storyline.
The third part is called “The Secret of Karamja”. In the game, players will enter the jungle of Kalamji with the Archaeologists Guild to find the entrance to the hidden depths of the Temple of Azarun.
The main new challenge will be raiding the Temple of Azarun. After awakening the Witch Queen Rashlia, players must descend underground and guide a team of archaeologists through a maze of roots and stones. Along the way, you’ll encounter hordes of the undead and several powerful bosses, and the raid will end in a battle with Lasilia herself.
Inside the temple, players will learn more about the ancient history of Karamja and the Zamorak cult, and uncover the secrets of the Society of Archaeologists and its acting Chief Master Reiniger. So far, Jagex has only revealed parts of Chapter 3, promising to reveal additional details later in 2027.
Another big news from RuneFest 2026 is the launch of the RuneScape plugin beta test. RS Plugin Beta will start on October 6, 2026. In the first version, players will have access to five add-ons:
- Task Assistant with 62 tasks created by Zoinkwiz, Techpure and JosTheFarmer.
- Menu item switcher from SereSelene.
- Tile markers for J3
- Entity Hider comes from Rcm37.
- Nyu’s work scale.
Plug-ins can be installed through the in-game RS Plug-in Center, which will appear in the ribbon menu. Through it, players will be able to view available add-ons, install and uninstall them, and report any issues they find. After installation, the plug-in needs to be enabled in the Plug-in Center admin tab.