Jagex launches RS25 for RuneScape’s 25th anniversary — big 2026 roadmap

RS25 sets a new direction for RuneScape in 2026 — integrity first, bigger live events, and ambitious roadmaps

January 15, 2026 — Jagex has kicked off RuneScape’s 25th anniversary with RS25, a franchise-wide plan built around record investment, player-first updates, a dedicated integrity roadmap, and a larger slate of community events across the UK and US. (Official announcement: Jagex RS25 press release.)

At a high level, RS25 is aiming at the things players talk about most: better support, modernised infrastructure, meaningful content updates, and clearer long-term commitments — including major changes to RuneScape’s microtransactions and a packed 2026 schedule for Old School RuneScape. We also track major live-show dates and conventions on our Gaming Events hub.

RuneFest returns in October — and RuneScape heads to the US for a major live event

Jagex is scaling up its in-person calendar in a big way for 2026. RuneFest 2026 is set for October 3–4 at the Birmingham NEC, with Jagex describing it as the largest in-person RuneFest yet. Ticket info is expected via the official event hub: RuneFest.com.

On the competitive side, Jagex is bringing Deadman All-Stars Live to the US for the first time, with a live event planned for June 20, 2026 in Chicago, alongside a livestream for viewers at home. (Event hub: Deadman All-Stars Live.)

• RuneFest 2026: Oct 3–4 (Birmingham NEC, UK)
• Deadman All-Stars Live: Jun 20 (Chicago, US)
• Creator LAN event: planned for Spring (details pending)

RS25 — Official “25 Years of RuneScape” video

RuneScape’s integrity roadmap starts with Treasure Hunter leaving on January 19

A headline change for 2026: Treasure Hunter, RuneScape’s long-running microtransaction system, is scheduled to be removed on January 19, 2026 following a major community vote, and Jagex is positioning this as the starting point for a broader year-long integrity roadmap. (Official details: Jagex Treasure Hunter removal announcement.)

Jagex is also teasing wider RuneScape improvements in player support and upgrades that touch visuals and core systems — with a fuller breakdown expected during January’s livestreams.

January livestream schedule (UTC + quick conversions)

• RuneScape Ahead: Jan 19, 14:00 UTC (09:00 ET / 06:00 PT / 15:00 CET / 22:00 Manila)
• Old School RuneScape Winter Summit: Jan 25, 20:00 UTC (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT / 21:00 CET / 04:00 Manila on Jan 26)
• RuneScape: Dragonwilds Summit: Jan 29, 18:00 UTC (13:00 ET / 10:00 PT / 19:00 CET / 02:00 Manila on Jan 30)

Old School RuneScape: a new Raid, a new League, and a new Grandmaster quest

On the Old School side, Jagex is describing 2026 as its most ambitious roadmap yet — including a brand-new marquee Raid, a new League, and a new Grandmaster quest, plus quality-of-life work shaped by community feedback.

The detailed roadmap is expected at the Old School RuneScape Winter Summit (Jan 25), with Jagex also flagging a major creator event ahead of it.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds plans three expansions before global launch

Jagex also outlined a busy year for RuneScape: Dragonwilds following a milestone of 1 million units sold, with three major content updates planned to expand Ashenfall through new quests, skills, and dragons, ahead of a full global launch later in 2026 (including expansion to new platforms). (Official RS25 hub post: Dragonwilds — RS25.)

RS25 merch, memberships, and a refreshed Jagex identity

Alongside the game roadmaps, RS25 includes anniversary merchandise and collaborations (including a deluxe music release and a large Lumbridge Castle brick set), plus a new “Membership Wrapped” concept that will highlight personalised stats and player spotlights later in the year. Jagex is also rolling out a refreshed corporate identity aligned more closely with RuneScape, including the end line: “Jagex: The RuneScape Company.”

RS25: Future Talent Pathway (with Into Games)

Jagex is teaming up with Into Games on RS25: Future Talent Pathway, a mentorship and development programme aimed at supporting the next generation of game creators and storytellers — with an emphasis on opening opportunities for working-class and low-income talent. (Partner organisation: Into Games.)

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