RuneScape outlines 2026 roadmap with progression overhaul and major updates planned

Jagex has detailed 2026 roadmap for RuneScape, starting with removal of Treasure Hunter and wider updates

RuneScape developer Jagex has unveiled a detailed roadmap for 2026, outlining a year-long programme of updates aimed at reshaping the long-running MMO as it enters its 25th year.

The plans follow the game’s anniversary celebrations on January 4 and were formally presented on January 19. Central to the roadmap is the complete removal of Treasure Hunter, a gacha-style microtransaction system introduced in 2014.

Players voted in late 2025 for the system to be removed, marking what Jagex described as the first step towards restoring “integrity” to RuneScape’s progression systems.

The 2026 roadmap is divided into two strands, focusing on new content and a broader effort to refresh existing areas of the game.

Jagex has labelled this initiative the “Road to restoration”, signalling a renewed emphasis on remastering older content alongside new releases.

According to the developer, each month in 2026 will include quality-of-life improvements. These updates are set to cover user interface changes, early-game balance adjustments intended to improve the new player experience, and visual updates to parts of the game world that have remained largely unchanged for years.

Later in the year, players can expect the second part of Havenhythe, the introduction of a new end-game boss, and the addition of plugin support.

This feature will allow players to create their own tools, in a similar manner to the functionality available in Old School RuneScape.

To mark the start of this new phase, Jagex has also introduced a new RuneScape logo. An in-game anniversary event is currently running, allowing players to earn special variants of skill mastery capes and other cosmetic items until January 31, 2026.

Old School RuneScape, the retro version of the game, is scheduled to receive its own 2026 roadmap on January 25 during the game’s Winter Summit.