Melvor Idle 2: A RuneScape Adventure is officially releasing into Early Access on November 17, Jagex has announced. The original Melvor Idle was heavily inspired by RuneScape, and was eventually published by Jagex. Now, the sequel has an official franchise subtitle after both developers struck an agreement.
Melvor Idle is an idle game based on Jagex’s heavily influential MMORPG, RuneScape. It was originally released in 2021, boasting “Very Positive” Steam reviews. RuneScape is known for its uniquely idle gameplay among MMOs, so it was always an excellent match, translating everything that works about Jagex’s title into an entirely new format. The game was developed by indie developer Brendan Malcolm, who founded Games by Malcs. The solo dev has since expanded into a small team now working on the sequel, which was first announced in 2025.
Melvor Idle 2 Gets Official RuneScape Subtitle, Releases November 17
In a recent blog post, Jagex confirmed that it is partnering with Games by Malcs to support Melvor Idle 2, giving it the official subtitle, A RuneScape Adventure. This is the biggest endorsement Jagex could have given the idle game, which is set to launch into Early Access on November 17. Jagex will again publish the sequel, confirming that fans “can expect the same fundamentals that any RuneScape holds dear around our communities – consistent updates, open development and an opportunity to help shape the future of the game with your feedback.”
The game itself is an evolution of the original Melvor Idle. New and enhanced visuals, five new skills, quests, game modes, and more. Games by Malcs is continuing to expand on everything that made the original great, too, including more interactions with every skill, an improved Bank and Equipment system, and a new maximum level for every skill: 120.
Melvor Idle 2: A RuneScape Adventure Key Features
- New and enhanced visuals
- Five new skills (29 total)
- Every skill has a level cap of 120
- Story-driven quests with Quest Bosses
- Day/night cycle and weather system
- New combat mechanics
- Reworked skill mechanics
- New game modes
The idle game genre has continued to grow in popularity, with TBH: Task Bar Hero being one of Steam’s most-played games this year. But there’s something special about how Melvor Idle captures the unique spirit of RuneScape. Expectations will be high for Melvor Idle 2: A RuneScape Adventure when it releases on November 17, and hopefully, with good use of Early Access, it can keep improving until its 1.0 release.
It’s incredible how RuneScape continues to thrive after over 25 years. The ongoing popularity of Old School RuneScape and the recent success of Dragonwilds show the brand still has plenty to offer, and with RuneScape 4‘s announcement at RuneFest last month, the future looks very bright for the series.
