RuneScape's 25th anniversary rolls out its integrity-focused
roadmap for 2026. Read on to learn more about the paradigm shift planned for the classic MMORPG.
RuneScape Marks Silver Year with "Renewal and Growth"
On the Road to Restoration
RuneScape celebrates its 25th anniversary with its 2026 roadmap, "The Road to Restoration," centered on game integrity. On January 19, developer Jagex unveiled a range of updates for the classic MMORPG this year. From removing the Treasure Hunter microtransactions to a visual overhaul for selected assets, Jagex asserted that shifting gears is necessary to deliver "meaningful experiences and lasting value" for the players.
"This moment isn't just about reflecting on how far we've come, it's about looking ahead," their post reads. "RuneScape has always evolved alongside its players, and what we're sharing today marks a defining step in that journey."
One of the major updates already in motion was the full removal of Treasure Hunter, the microtransactions system added in 2014 that became widely disliked by fans. Akin to a pay-to-win loot box system, Treasure Hunter allowed players access to extra XP, items, and gold even while skipping gameplay. Following a November 2025 poll in which almost 125,000 people voted for its deletion, Jagex proceeded to implement the decision under "a new future for the game led by integrity."
In a September 2025 interview with TheGameBusiness at Gamescom, Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy previously acknowledged that maintaining revenue would be a sacrifice they are willing to make. "Equally, if we're taking a 10 or 15 or 25-year view, some short-term pain is probably worth the restoration of the game if we can get to that point," he shared.
Furthermore, the 2026 roadmap outlined several more updates across systems and mechanics, visual and UI updates, content expansion, and combat modernization. Other anticipated changes and additional features include an overhaul of the Dailyscape daily challenge, the addition of player-owned housing, and a revamp of the player avatar's outdated look. Havenhythe, an upcoming major area, is set to go live with new quests.
Moreover, the second Leagues will be coming in Autumn, a seasonal game mode in which players tackle time-limited challenges under special conditions. The last mode, "Catalyst League," ran from September 15, 2025 to November 10, 2025.
The 2026 roadmap, with the keyword "integrity" as its focal point, reflected priorities stated by Bellamy last year. "So visual integrity, monetization integrity, and integrity of gameplay," he said. "And if we put that right at the core of what we're doing, much as we have for Old School RuneScape, it will manifest in a different way for RuneScape 3."
Earlier in January, anniversary hints for RuneScape were already featured by Jagex at the New Game+ Showcase 2026. Other anniversary updates mentioned for the RuneScape franchise were the Leagues VI: Demonic Pact for Old School RuneScape, and a 2026 roadmap for RuneScape: Dragonwilds.
RuneScape 3 is the present-day iteration of the original 2001 release, RuneScape, with both names now used interchangeably. RuneScape is currently playable on PC through the Jagex Launcher and Steam, as well as on Android and iOS.
Source:
The Roadmap that Changes RuneScape Forever
Treasure Hunter Poll
Jagex prepared to take financial hit to save RuneScape
