Josh Weiner
The world of Gielinor just got bigger, bolder, and far more dangerous with the launch of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, one of the most anticipated expansions in the game’s long-running history. Released in April 2025, Dragonwilds brings an epic new frontier to the iconic MMORPG that promises to reshape the landscape for veterans and newcomers alike.
What Is Dragonwilds?
Dragonwilds is a sprawling new region introduced north of the Wilderness—an untamed, high-risk territory where players face off not just against monsters but each other. But unlike the traditional PvP-focused Wilderness, Dragonwilds mixes high-stakes survival with rich lore, immersive storylines, and breathtaking visuals.
This dragon-infested region is home to ancient ruins, smoldering volcanoes, and colossal dungeons where players can encounter some of the most challenging bosses RuneScape has ever produced.
Key Features of the Expansion
1. New Slayer Bosses and Dragon Variants
At the heart of Dragonwilds are five new apex dragon bosses, each with unique mechanics, elemental abilities, and loot tables. Players must craft custom anti-dragon strategies, blending high-level combat with puzzle-like phases in battle.
2. Legendary Equipment and Relics
The Dragonwilds introduce a new tier of gear—Draconite—forged from rare materials found only in the region. Players can also discover ancient relics with permanent buffs, giving fresh incentive for exploration and risk-taking.
3. Evolving PvP Zones
A dynamic PvP system ensures that certain Dragonwilds areas “heat up” randomly each day, increasing loot rewards but also attracting the most aggressive players. It brings a thrilling edge to high-risk gameplay and rewards coordination and tactical planning.
4. Lore-Rich Questline
The expansion includes a fully voice-acted, multi-part questline exploring the origin of dragonkind and their long-forgotten dominion over the world. Choices made during quests affect future events and offer multiple endings.
5. Skill Integrations
Dragonwilds isn’t just about combat. New skilling nodes—like lava-mining, flame-herbing, and ethereal fishing—reward players who prefer non-combat paths. Skilling contracts and mini-games add life to the region, giving all types of players reasons to venture into the wild.
Our Review: 9/10
RuneScape: Dragonwilds is an expansion done right. It delivers the kind of high-stakes, content-rich experience long-time players have been hungry for while also welcoming in new players through intuitive design and scalable difficulty.
The Good:
- Visually stunning and atmospherically intense
- Deeply rewarding high-level content
- Balanced mix of PvM, PvP, and skilling
- Intriguing lore and meaningful quest decisions
The Less Great:
- Some PvP hotspots feel slightly unbalanced
- High entry-level requirements could be intimidating for casuals
- Occasional server instability during peak events
Final Thoughts
Jagex has taken a bold step with Dragonwilds, breathing new fire into a game that has continued to evolve since 2001. The expansion isn’t just a content drop—it’s a signal that RuneScape is far from done innovating. Whether you’re a dragon-slaying veteran or a skiller looking for adventure, Dragonwilds offers something to chase, to fear, and to conquer.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to return to RuneScape, or to start for the first time—this is it.
