RuneScape: Dragonwilds Set for Nintendo Switch 2 Release This September, Expanding Franchise Beyond PC

Jagex has officially announced that RuneScape: Dragonwilds will arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15, 2026. The reveal came during the latest Nintendo Direct, confirming the game’s expansion beyond its current PC Early Access release.

The upcoming launch marks a significant step for the long-running RuneScape franchise, bringing a new genre experience to console players for the first time.

A New Direction for the RuneScape Universe

Unlike traditional entries in the RuneScape series, Dragonwilds shifts focus toward survival and crafting mechanics within an open-world setting. The game takes place on Ashenfall, a previously unexplored continent within the broader world of Gielinor.

Players can explore this dangerous region either solo or in co-op teams of up to four, gathering resources, building shelters, and crafting weapons while navigating a land shaped by unstable magic and powerful dragons.

According to Jagex, the title blends familiar RuneScape elements—such as skill progression and questing—with modern survival gameplay systems, creating a hybrid experience aimed at both longtime fans and new players.

Jesse America, Executive Producer on the project, emphasized that flexibility and player-driven experiences are central to the game’s design.

“RuneScape: Dragonwilds was built around player freedom, allowing them to explore, grind skills, craft, and create unforgettable adventures together,”

America said during the announcement.

He added that the Nintendo Switch 2 version opens new possibilities for how players engage with the game:

“[It] gives players a whole new way to experience the continent of Ashenfall, whether they’re jumping into co-op sessions with friends or continuing their journey on the move.”

This portable-console integration is expected to be a key selling point, particularly for players who value flexibility between handheld and home gaming.

A still from RuneScape Dragonwilds – PlayStation 5 Reveal

Magic-Driven Survival Meets Classic RPG Systems

A defining feature of Dragonwilds is its use of “Anima,” a magical force embedded in the environment that players can harness for both combat and survival.

This system introduces unconventional mechanics, such as summoning tools instantly, manipulating resources through magic, and using spells to navigate or escape dangerous encounters.

At the same time, the game retains core RPG elements associated with RuneScape, including leveling skills, crafting gear, and facing iconic enemies. Players will encounter both familiar foes and new threats while progressing toward a central objective—confronting the Dragon Queen.

The mix of fantasy storytelling and systemic survival gameplay positions Dragonwilds as a more dynamic evolution of the franchise.

Before its full release, Dragonwilds has already gained traction on PC, surpassing one million players during its Early Access phase on platforms like Steam.

This early success suggests strong interest in the game’s genre shift, particularly as survival-crafting titles continue to perform well globally.

The full 1.0 launch will coincide with its console debut, including releases on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series platforms, alongside PC storefronts such as Steam and Epic Games Store.

Community-Driven Development Remains Core Focus

Jagex has also reiterated its commitment to community feedback, a hallmark of the RuneScape franchise. The studio stated that player input will continue to shape the game’s development post-launch.

This approach aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand RuneScape into a multi-genre ecosystem while maintaining its long-standing player base.

As RuneScape approaches its 25th anniversary, Dragonwilds represents a major step toward modernizing the franchise without abandoning its core identity.