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Jagex says it is developing a new RuneScape MMORPG under the working title “RS4,” intended to exist alongside RuneScape and Old School RuneScape (OSRS). The company says the project does not change its focus, commitment, or resources for the existing games. That is Jagex’s stated plan—not a guarantee about future execution—and the announcement leaves the new game’s release date, design, platforms, accounts, and monetization unanswered.
What Jagex actually announced
At the close of its RuneFest livestream on 3 October 2026, Jagex announced that a new RuneScape MMORPG is in development. The company called it “RS4! (working title),” so RS4 is not yet a confirmed final name. In its community announcement, Jagex said the project is being developed by a separate team and is designed to “live alongside our existing MMOs.”
Jagex also said: “There’s no change in focus, commitment or resources we’re putting into RS & OS to support this.” For current players, that is the clearest answer available about the existing games: Jagex says it does not intend the new project to displace support for RuneScape or OSRS. It is a statement of the company’s present position, not independent confirmation of future staffing or budgets.
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Does RS4 mean RuneScape 3 or OSRS is being replaced?
No replacement has been announced. Jagex describes the new MMO as a separate project intended to coexist with the existing games, and says support for RuneScape and OSRS is not changing as a result of the reveal. The announcement does not say that either existing game will close, merge into RS4, or transfer its players to it.
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It is useful to think of this as a franchise expansion announcement, not a transition plan. Jagex’s January 2026 RS25 materials describe investment in multiple RuneScape experiences, including RuneScape, OSRS, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds. That broader strategy provides context for a new MMO, but it is not a detailed RS4 roadmap.
What the announcement means for OSRS players
OSRS has a distinct identity and an active plan of its own. Jagex says the game launched in 2013 from a 2007 snapshot after strong community demand; its development model includes player voting on major changes. Its 2026 roadmap lists new Sailing content, a Grandmaster quest, a new raid, and a returning League.
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Those details show that Jagex is publicly planning OSRS content separately from the new MMO. They do not establish that RS4 will use OSRS’s polling system, share its progression, or adopt its design approach.
What the announcement means for RuneScape 3 players
RuneScape—often called RS3 by players—also has a separate 2026 plan. Jagex has outlined UI and visual-integrity updates, combat modernisation, rebalancing, and other systems changes. It has also said Treasure Hunter will be removed following a 2025 community vote. These are RuneScape roadmap items, not confirmed RS4 features; Jagex has not said that the new game will inherit RuneScape’s combat, interface, or monetization model.
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What is still unknown about RS4
Jagex says it is too early to answer many questions. Its announcement does not establish:
- A release date or launch window
- The final game name
- Supported platforms
- Gameplay systems, including combat, progression, or visuals
- Whether accounts, characters, progress, or membership will connect to RuneScape or OSRS
- How the game will be monetized
Until Jagex publishes those details, claims that RS4 will replace RS3, inherit existing accounts, share membership, or use a particular combat or visual style go beyond what the announcement confirms.
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- Inspired by the record-breaking online universe that’s captured the imagination of millions worldwide, RuneScape Kingdoms: Shadow of Elvarg is the official cooperative board game for 1-5 players.
The practical takeaway for existing players
There is no announced change to how players should approach their current RuneScape or OSRS accounts. Jagex says the new MMO is being built by a separate team to coexist with the existing games, while their roadmaps continue on their own terms. Players interested in RS4 will need to wait for Jagex to confirm its name, launch timing, platforms, systems, and account policies.
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