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RuneScape Dragonwilds: A New Era of Survival Adventure Begins in 2025

Set to enter early access in Spring 2025, RuneScape Dragonwilds promises to deliver a thrilling survival co-op experience, positioning itself as a fresh addition to the RuneScape family alongside RuneScape 3 and Old School RuneScape.

Distinctly categorized as a survival co-op adventure rather than a traditional MMORPG like its predecessors, Dragonwilds reflects a thoughtful evolution in game design from Jagex. The shift towards this genre aligns seamlessly with the studio’s established identity in the gaming world.

Since the early stages of development in 2021, the project has gained momentum as Jagex refined its vision for Dragonwilds, catalyzing full-scale production as their concepts solidified.

In preparation for launch, a recent discussion with Executive Producer Jesse America shed light on the development process, the game’s British heritage, and the significance of skill levels in the gameplay experience.

With a legacy of continuous updates, Jagex’s commitment to evolving gameplay is exemplified through RuneScape 3, which has seen enhancements since its release in 2004.

“I pondered what type of project would align with Jagex’s perspective on gaming,” America stated. He decided upon a concept that steers clear of the conventional AAA development route. Instead, the vision includes iterating alongside the community.

Engaging the player community has been integral for Jagex for two decades. America emphasized the importance of balancing player feedback with the studio’s vision, noting that fostering a community is vital for the longevity of a survival game.

“As seen in Old School RuneScape, we prioritize player input, creating a feedback-driven experience. This foundation naturally led to the concept of survival games,” he remarked.

Old School RuneScape operates on a democratic principle wherein updates are approved by player votes. While this method has its drawbacks, it can serve as a valuable tool for measuring community sentiment, especially during the Early Access phase.

Skilling & Killing

Emphasizing player freedom, Dragonwilds permits the use of magic, melee, and ranged combat, echoing the versatility of RS3 and OSRS, but without a rigid combat triangle. All styles can be utilized interchangeably, enhancing gameplay flexibility.

“Our combat approach leans towards a more flexible method compared to traditional systems. Given our Early Access status, we’re committed to blending mechanics from both genres while maintaining balance,” America explained.

While combat remains versatile, the skills system is somewhat more structured. Players can level skills to a maximum of 99, a nod to the cap in its predecessor games, which America was eager to discuss.

“You will advance familiar RuneScape skills to level 99,” he revealed. Each skill unlocks unique features, such as Survival Magic spells, adding depth to the gameplay.

For instance, leveling up in Woodcutting will grant access to Survival Magic—a feature designed to create synergies between skills and survival tactics.

Whether it will require the same grinding effort as seen in its sister games is yet to be determined, but players are encouraged to specialize in various skills, promoting teamwork and collaboration.

Explorers Together Strong

Cooperative gameplay fundamentally shapes Dragonwilds, accommodating up to four players who can progress together in a shared environment.

“Your character’s achievements are your personal progress. Everything you accomplish carries over even when joining another player’s world, ensuring that players can meaningfully contribute and grow,” America noted.

Additionally, quest progression will play a significant role, reflecting Jagex’s history of rich storytelling within its games.

“While I can’t divulge too much about the storyline ahead of time, we aim to offer quests that emphasize narrative depth instead of standard kill orders,” America stated.

Standard tutorial tasks may be included, but the goal is to prioritize engaging quests and lore as development progresses.

The overarching narrative centers on confronting the Dragon Queen and her offspring, who currently infest the land of Ashenfall.

“We are keen to delve into the dragon-slayer fantasy, where vanquishing these formidable beasts will yield valuable rewards that bolster player capabilities,” he remarked.

Adventurers seeking solace post-battle will find Construction to be a vital skill, integral for personalizing their environments and homes.

“We aspire to provide an experience that resonates, even for those who aren’t longstanding fans. Feedback from the Alpha stage reflects our dedication to delivering a solid building experience,” America added.

While the potential for dragons damaging players’ properties remains an open question, players may also need to contend with the possibility of PvP interactions.

Friendly Fire

“Yes, Dragonwilds will incorporate PvP, coined as ‘friendly fire.’ This option can be activated when creating a world for private sessions with friends,” America shared, recognizing the exciting possibilities PvP could bring while reiterating the importance of community feedback.

“Understanding player preferences will shape our focus areas as we progress. While we have our own ideas, the community’s input will ultimately steer our direction,” he elaborated.

America’s enthusiasm and conviction in Dragonwilds’ potential were palpable throughout the interview, emphasizing a collaborative approach between the development team and players.

The success of Dragonwilds within Jagex’s storied portfolio remains to be seen, but the combination of sandbox gameplay and survival mechanics places the studio in a prime position to succeed.

RuneScape Dragonwilds is anticipated to make its debut on Steam Early Access in the upcoming spring.

Source
www.dexerto.com