RuneFest made its grand return after a five-year hiatus, and it came loaded with exciting reveals for both RuneScape and Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Fans of the MMORPG classics got a hefty dose of updates, from a fresh RuneScape expansion to the highly anticipated Sailing skill finally hitting OSRS.
Over in RuneScape, things are kicking off today with Runecrafting’s level cap jumping to 110, alongside the introduction of the new Time rune. Looking ahead, May brings tools to level up Invention and extra goodies, while June will see Crafting follow suit with its own cap boost to 110. The Desert storyline is heating up too. On April 7th, Pharaoh’s Folly drops as the next chapter in the Return to the Desert saga, with the finale, Eclipse of the Heart, landing July 28th. That’s when players will face off against Amascut in an epic five-player showdown to wrap up the arc.
Then there’s Havenhythe, RuneScape’s next big expansion, slated for early 2026, with a follow-up in 2027. It’s bringing a whole new region packed with strange biomes, uncharted spots, tough bosses, and Skilling opportunities—including a Hunter cap increase to 110. The story dives into a fresh conflict with the Vampyres, splitting into two parts: the first kicks off in 2026, and the second takes us to the haunting realm of Vampyrium in 2027.
Later this year, RuneScape is also rolling out RuneScape League—a temporary mode where you start from scratch with boosted XP and gear drops. As you tackle tasks, you’ll unlock wild items and passives that shake up how you play.
Meanwhile, OSRS is setting sail—literally. After RuneFest attendees got a taste, the Sailing skill’s alpha launches this month. It’s been two years in the making with community input, born from a poll where Sailing won as the game’s first new skill. You’ll begin on a humble raft, but as you grind, you’ll command a crew, explore calm and stormy seas, gather resources, and battle sea monsters like krakens, leviathans, and pirates.
OSRS isn’t stopping there. A new duo boss challenge arrives this spring with Yama, followed by the delve boss Doom of Mokhaiotl later on. Then, in the summer, Varlamore: The Final Dawn expands the world with quests and adventures across Auburnvale, Custodia Pass, and the Tlati Rainforest.
Players can also sign up now to test Project Zanaris, a feature letting you craft custom gameplay with unique rules and worlds. The first playtests are targeting April. And for a visual treat, HD mode will hit OSRS this summer as an optional, polished upgrade.
It’s a massive year for both games, and there’s plenty to dive into whether you’re a veteran or just stepping into Gielinor!
