RuneScape is entering a historic new chapter. As Jagex celebrates the franchise’s 25th anniversary, the studio has unveiled RS25, a sweeping multi-year initiative that represents the largest investment in RuneScape’s history. Spanning game integrity reforms, bold new content, major live events, franchise growth, and community development, RS25 signals a player-first renaissance for one of the world’s most iconic MMORPGs.
From the removal of controversial microtransactions to blockbuster esports events, a refreshed corporate identity, and a next-generation mentorship program, Jagex is making 2026 the most transformative year RuneScape has ever seen.
RS25: A New Era for RuneScape
Announced from Jagex’s headquarters in Cambridge, RS25 is framed as more than just a celebration—it is a reset for the franchise’s future.
Backed by record investment, RS25 prioritizes:
- Stronger game integrity
- Modernized infrastructure
- Expanded player support
- New content for RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds
- Community-led experiences
- Live global events
- Talent development for future creators
Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy described the milestone as both a tribute to RuneScape’s past and a blueprint for its next 25 years.
“RS25 is a statement of where we’re going. We’re investing in our games, our players, and our technology to ensure RuneScape continues to inspire millions for decades to come.”
The UK government has also recognized Jagex’s cultural impact, with Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray praising RuneScape as a flagship example of British game development success.
RuneFest 2026: Bigger Than Ever
One of the centerpieces of RS25 is the return of RuneFest, RuneScape’s flagship fan celebration.
RuneFest 2026 will take place October 3–4 at the Birmingham NEC, and will be the largest in-person RuneScape event in history, expanding to accommodate 6,000 attendees—double the size of 2025.
Fans can expect:
- Two permanent live stages
- Developer panels and reveals
- Immersive RuneScape-themed zones
- Meet-and-greets with Jagex staff and creators
- Exclusive anniversary merchandise
Tickets will go on sale in spring 2026 via RuneFest.com.
Deadman All-Stars Live Brings RuneScape to the U.S.
For the first time ever, RuneScape esports is coming to a major U.S. stage.
Deadman All-Stars Live will be held at the Rosemont Theatre in Chicago on June 20, 2026, featuring top content creators and elite competitors battling in high-stakes Deadman Mode.
The event will be streamed globally, with tickets going on sale in February.
This marks a major step in expanding RuneScape’s live competitive presence beyond the UK.
Creator LAN Event and Expanded Community Collaboration
Old School RuneScape will host its first-ever large-scale creator-led LAN event, blending live competition, chaotic challenges, humor, and community storytelling. The event will be streamed live in spring 2026.
Additionally, Jagex is deepening its partnership with Right Click Culture, a U.S.-based creative studio, to co-develop new player-driven game modes and experiences—reinforcing Jagex’s commitment to User Developed Content (UDC).
Integrity First: Goodbye Treasure Hunter
Perhaps the most player-impactful change of RS25 is the removal of RuneScape’s controversial Treasure Hunter microtransaction system in 2026.
Following a community vote in November 2025, Jagex is officially phasing out Treasure Hunter, marking a major shift toward ethical monetization and player trust.
Other key upgrades include:
- A long-requested Player Avatar refresh
- Major visual enhancements
- Overhauled player support systems
- Stronger anti-cheat technology
More details will be revealed during the RS Ahead livestream on January 19, 2026.
Old School RuneScape’s Biggest Roadmap Yet
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is preparing its most ambitious year ever following the launch of Sailing in November 2025.
The 2026 roadmap includes:
- A brand-new OSRS Raid
- A new Grandmaster quest
- Another massive League season
- Community-driven quality-of-life improvements
The Old School RuneScape Winter Summit will stream live on January 25, 2026, immediately following the massive Deadman: Factions creator event.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds Expands Toward Global Launch
After surpassing 1 million sales in 2025, RuneScape: Dragonwilds is gearing up for a massive 2026.
Players can expect:
- Three major content expansions
- New quests and skills
- More dragons and regions in Ashenfall
- Plans for full global launch later in 2026
- Expansion onto additional platforms
The Dragonwilds Summit will stream live on January 29, 2026.
RS25 Anniversary Merchandise Collection
To celebrate 25 years of RuneScape, Jagex is launching premium anniversary collectibles, including:
RuneScape: 25 Years Vinyl Box Set
A deluxe five-disc vinyl collection, featuring new anniversary artwork by community artist Enkoro, available for pre-order now via Laced Records.
Lumbridge Castle Brick Set (Youtooz)
A 3,500+ piece miniature model of Lumbridge Castle, available for pre-order from January 25, 2026 at youtooz.com for a limited time.
Official RuneScape Anniversary Merch
Now available:
- 25th anniversary desk mat
- Commemorative pin
More merchandise will roll out throughout 2026 via partners including:
- Youtooz
- Makeship
- Starforge
- Titan Books
Merchandise available at: www.runescape.com/25, with more to be revealed in coming months.
Membership Wrapped: Founders’ Tribute
Later in 2026, Jagex will launch Membership Wrapped: A Founders’ Tribute, a personalized program celebrating RuneScape’s most dedicated players with exclusive stats, highlights, and community recognition.
A New Corporate Identity: ‘Jagex – The RuneScape Company’
Jagex is unveiling a refreshed brand identity that more closely aligns the studio with the RuneScape universe.
The new tagline—“Jagex: The RuneScape Company”—reflects the franchise’s central role in the studio’s future, accompanied by a redesigned logo featuring a dragon silhouette inspired by RuneScape lore.
RS25: Future Talent Pathway with Into Games
Looking beyond the anniversary, Jagex is partnering with UK charity Into Games to launch the RS25: Future Talent Pathway, a mentorship and development program aimed at supporting working-class and low-income aspiring game developers.
The initiative will focus on:
- Mentorship from industry professionals
- Talent incubation
- Community education in Cambridgeshire
- Training the next generation of storytellers and game creators
Jagex Chair Marc Allera emphasized that RS25 is not just about celebration—it’s about sustainable growth for decades to come.
What RS25 Means for RuneScape Fans
RS25 represents a bold turning point:
- Less monetization, more integrity
- Bigger events, stronger community
- More content across all RuneScape games
- Global expansion of the franchise
- Long-term investment in players and creators
RuneScape isn’t just surviving at 25—it’s evolving.
