The RuneScape franchise has spent more than two decades giving players new ways to explore its fantasy world, from fighting dangerous monsters to gathering resources and developing their characters through a wide range of skills, and some new ones are coming to the franchise’s latest iteration in 2027. Those systems have helped the series stand out among other fantasy MMOs and RPGs, giving players plenty of reasons to keep returning long after completing individual quests. With Jagex continuing to expand the franchise across multiple games, the coming year is shaping up to bring even more ways to play.
Skills have always been a major part of RuneScape‘s identity, with familiar names carrying different roles throughout the franchise. Prayer, for example, is traditionally tied to combat buffs and protective effects, making it a useful option for players preparing to face tougher enemies. Jagex is now planning to bring that skill into a new adventure, alongside other additions that will arrive as part of a larger content roadmap spanning the end of 2026 and 2027.
New RSDW Skills Coming in 2026 + 2027
During RuneFest 2026, Jagex reaffirmed that RuneScape: Dragonwilds will introduce Prayer in December 2026, followed by Hunter and Slayer among its planned 2027 updates. Prayer will arrive with Luminance, a free update that introduces elves to Ashenfall and serves as a prelude to the Blood Crystal Saga. Meanwhile, Hunter and Slayer are named as skills coming throughout RuneScape: Dragonwilds‘ planned roadmap for 2027.
Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.
Although the names will be familiar to longtime fans, Hunter and Slayer have distinct roles in the main RuneScape MMO games. Hunter revolves around tracking and trapping creatures in the wild, with higher skill levels unlocking more animals and more effective ways to catch them. Slayer, meanwhile, focuses on hunting monsters assigned by Slayer Masters, with certain creatures requiring specific equipment or higher skill levels to defeat. Jagex has already teased kebbits and implings as part of the upcoming content, alongside Moss Giants and other familiar enemies. Exactly how these skills will translate into RuneScape: Dragonwilds’ survival and crafting gameplay loop remains to be seen.
The new skills will arrive alongside a substantial story expansion. The Blood Crystal Saga begins in early 2027 with Song of Rebellion, which follows a group of rebel elves trying to escape the threat of the Nos Clan after the events surrounding Kuldra’s defeat. The roadmap also promises new areas, quests, gear, and home decorations inspired by Prifddinas. Later updates will continue the saga, while monthly releases are planned to bring additional side quests, weapons, decorations, and quality-of-life improvements. Official mod support is also scheduled for 2027 through a partnership with CurseForge, including creation tools and an in-game browser and installer.
For now, Prayer is the next major skill addition on the calendar, with Luminance set to arrive in December before the Blood Crystal Saga begins the following year. Hunter and Slayer are part of the broader 2027 plans, although Jagex has not assigned specific release dates to each skill. The studio has also confirmed that RuneScape: Dragonwilds‘ story and continent of Ashenfall will continue beyond the Blood Crystal Saga, with the Plundered Gods Saga planned for 2028. With new skills, story chapters, and official modding on the way, the game is building toward a much larger future beyond its initial Saga.
- Released
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September 15, 2026
- ESRB
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Teen / Violence, Blood, Mild Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
