RuneScape Reignited Canceled; Free Trial Set for December

Jagex has canceled RuneScape Reignited less than two weeks after announcing the planned spin-off at RuneFest 2026. The project would have created a separate version of modern RuneScape, with players starting from the beginning in a new economy.

Associate Creative Director Ryan Philpott, known as Mod Ryan, attributed the cancellation to feedback from existing players. In a statement, he wrote: “We truly appreciate everyone sharing their views. It is super important to us because the last time we didn’t listen to player feedback, combat changed forever, and it has taken us over a decade to recover from that.”

Players had raised concerns that the separate economy could divide the community and reduce the importance of progress and unlocks in the current game. Some also worried that new players would choose Reignited over the existing version, potentially reducing its player base over time.

“It is clear that we missed the mark,” Philpott wrote. He added that Jagex wants returning and new players to join RuneScape “but never at the expense of our existing community.” He also noted that the Reignited announcement had overshadowed the studio’s wider roadmap presentation.

The planned free trial will continue despite the cancellation. From Dec. 2 through Dec. 12, new characters and accounts whose membership ended on or before June 2, 2026, will have free access to modern RuneScape Members worlds and content. The trial will not include Old School RuneScape.

The trial will coincide with the release of the new Adventure Guide and the first part of the Remastered Journey. Both updates are designed to help new players learn the game. Jagex also plans to add plugin support on Oct. 19, allowing players to customize parts of their experience.

The canceled project was part of Jagex’s wider 2026 roadmap for RuneScape. The studio’s “Road to Restoration” plan includes removing the Treasure Hunter system, changing Auras, revising combat, improving visuals and updating player-owned housing.

The remaining roadmap includes three major story arcs over the next year, including a follow-up to the Dragon Slayer questline and an introduction to the City of Gnomes. Jagex also plans to add Grandmaster Clue Scrolls, a community skilling boss and a new raid.