Early Access Overview {#early-access-overview}
RuneScape: Dragonwilds, a survival game set within the RuneScape universe, became available in Early Access on April 15, 2025. Developed by Jagex, this standalone title offers players a cooperative survival experience on the continent of Ashenfall. The initial Early Access launch was exclusively for Windows PC via Steam. This period allowed players to begin their adventures, exploring the world, leveling skills, and crafting items, all while contributing to the game’s development prior to its full release.
The game is described as an open-world survival game, diverging from the traditional MMORPG format of RuneScape. Its announcement on March 31, 2025, preceded its swift entry into Early Access. The RuneScape: Dragonwilds Wiki, an official encyclopedia maintained by players, also began on March 31, 2025, and has been a resource for the community since the game’s early days.
Gameplay During Early Access {#gameplay-during-early-access}
During the Early Access phase, RuneScape: Dragonwilds presented players with a blend of survival mechanics and familiar RuneScape elements. Players are tasked with building, surviving, and thriving in Ashenfall. Key gameplay features available from Early Access included:
- Skill Progression and Crafting: Players can level up various skills, which in turn unlock more advanced abilities and crafting options. Crafting is central, utilizing benches such as the Blacksmith Bench, Mystic Forge, Armour Bench, Rune Altar, Spinning Wheel, Cooking Range, Tannery, Kiln, Loom, Jeweler’s Bench, and Fletching Bench.
- Combat and Magic: The game emphasizes magic abilities for both combat and utilitarian tasks like woodcutting. Spells such as Windstep, Rocksplosion, Axtral Projection, Splinter, Magical Mending, Eye of Oculus, Tempest Shield, Surge, Confuse, Spectral Arrows, Snare, Summon Stone Spirits, and Superheat are part of the magical toolkit. Players can also engage in combat against various RuneScape creatures and fight dragons.
- Base Building and Travel: The ability to establish bases across the land allows players to store equipment. Fast travel is facilitated by Lodestones.
- Modes of Play: RuneScape: Dragonwilds supports cooperative play for one to four players. A Creative mode is available for building, alongside a Hardcore mode for a more challenging experience against tougher enemies.
- Resource Management: Survival aspects include managing health, stamina, hydration, and sustenance, alongside a rest mechanic. Players can also utilize a farming skill to grow crops.
- Quests: Early Access included quests such as First Steps, Getting Started, Ratcatcher, Rune Mysteries, Dragon Slayer, Withering Heights, and Black Knight’s Fortress, allowing players to delve into the game’s narrative and lore.
The continent of Ashenfall is the primary setting, with other regions like Brynmoor, Ghornfell, Fellhollow, Dowdun Reach, and Umbral Sands also mentioned.
Early Access Reception and Sales {#early-access-reception-and-sales}
The Early Access version of RuneScape: Dragonwilds received a range of reviews from critics, generally leaning towards mixed to mildly positive. Critics noted its adherence to core RuneScape elements, which evoked nostalgia for long-time fans. Forbes praised the gameplay flow, the nuances of skills, and the familiarity with early RuneScape.
However, some critiques highlighted a perceived lack of originality and innovation within the survival genre, with GamingBible.com giving it a score of seven out of ten and IGN Benelux awarding 6.5 out of ten. PCGamesN also suggested the game did not fully differentiate itself from other survival titles.
Despite some critical reservations, the game saw strong sales during its Early Access period. Within its first week of release, RuneScape: Dragonwilds sold over 600,000 digital copies. By June 2026, the game had surpassed one million digital copies sold in Early Access.
Full Release Information {#full-release-information}
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is scheduled to exit Early Access and launch its Version 1.0 on September 15, 2026, at 04:00 UTC. This full release will expand beyond PC to include PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The full launch is expected to introduce substantial new items and mechanics to the game.
FAQ {#faq}
When did RuneScape: Dragonwilds launch in Early Access? RuneScape: Dragonwilds launched in Early Access on April 15, 2025.
What platforms was RuneScape: Dragonwilds available on during Early Access? During Early Access, RuneScape: Dragonwilds was available exclusively on Windows PC via Steam.
Who developed RuneScape: Dragonwilds? RuneScape: Dragonwilds was developed by Jagex.
What type of game is RuneScape: Dragonwilds? It is an open-world survival game set in the RuneScape universe, specifically on the continent of Ashenfall.
When is the full release of RuneScape: Dragonwilds planned? The full release, Version 1.0, is scheduled for September 15, 2026.
Will RuneScape: Dragonwilds be available on consoles? Yes, upon its full release on September 15, 2026, it will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, in addition to PC.
How many copies did RuneScape: Dragonwilds sell in Early Access? Within its first week, it sold over 600,000 digital copies, and by June 2026, it had sold over one million digital copies in Early Access.