RuneScape has announced a significant update to its combat system, slated for release on March 4th, 2024. This update introduces the much-anticipated fourth combat style, Necromancy, and implements a series of improvements aimed at modernizing the game’s core combat mechanics.

The introduction of Necromancy follows a period of extensive testing and collaboration with the player community. This new combat style not only adds depth to RuneScape’s already intricate combat system but also serves as the catalyst for a broader overhaul aimed at enhancing player experience across all combat styles.

Key Updates and Features:

• Elimination of Hit Chance: In a bold move, RuneScape has removed the hit chance mechanic, shifting the focus from accuracy to a damage scaling system. This change means players will no longer experience misses with their ultimate abilities, streamlining combat and ensuring a more consistent and satisfying experience.
• Damage Consistency: The update introduces improvements to critical strikes and the damage ranges of abilities. These changes aim to reduce the randomness in combat, giving players more control over their gameplay and making combat outcomes more predictable.
• Fluid Combat Experience: The original three combat styles have been updated to align more closely with the fluidity and modernity of Necromancy. These improvements are part of RuneScape’s ongoing effort to ensure a cohesive and engaging combat experience across all styles.
• Enhanced Learnability and Understandability: With clearer tooltips, labels, and a revamped UI for channeled abilities, the update makes it easier for players to understand the nuances of RuneScape combat. This accessibility is expected to make the game more approachable for newcomers while still offering depth for veterans.

The journey to this comprehensive update began in November of the previous year with a beta phase that saw the integration of several key features pioneered by Necromancy. Following months of iterative testing and player feedback, the development team has fine-tuned the combat system, addressing community suggestions and refining the overall mechanics.

The beloved MMORPG RuneScape has now made its way onto the tabletop scene with the launch of the RuneScape Kingdoms Board Game and the RuneScape Kingdoms Roleplaying Game. These new offerings are published by Steamforged Games and are available globally from today.

Introduction to Tabletop RuneScape

RuneScape’s venture into tabletop gaming introduces two distinct experiences for players: a board game and a roleplaying game, each offering a unique way to explore the world of Gielinor beyond the screen.

Board Game Details: The RuneScape Kingdoms Board Game is a cooperative experience designed for 1 to 4 players. It immerses players in Gielinor’s diverse landscapes, where they can embark on quests, battle monsters, and strive for various achievements. The game encourages both collaborative and individual strategies, allowing players to engage with the game world in multiple ways.

Roleplaying Game Overview: Separately, the RuneScape Kingdoms Roleplaying Game provides a more narrative-driven adventure, utilizing a tabletop roleplaying game format. This game requires a core book, dice, and a game master to guide the adventure. It’s designed to accommodate both solo and group play, offering a flexible framework for storytelling and exploration in the RuneScape universe.

Where to Find the Games

The full range of products, including exclusive items, is available through Steamforged Games’ online store. Core retail lines can also be found by searching for ‘RuneScape Kingdoms’ online or by visiting local board game retailers. A note for UK and EU customers: due to shipping delays in the Red Sea, the board game’s availability in these regions may be postponed until early March.

Additional Resources and Support

Steamforged Games plans to release a series of supporting materials for both games. This includes blogs, tutorials for painting miniatures, and guides for running a TTRPG campaign, aimed at enhancing player engagement and providing a comprehensive gaming experience.

It’s official: RuneFest, the most anticipated real-life gathering for RuneScape enthusiasts, is making a grand return in 2024. Jagex announced today the initial details for RuneFest 2024, exciting fans with what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of their beloved universe. Set to take place at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, on September 7th-8th, this year’s event is packed with novel features and the traditional festivities that have made RuneFest a must-attend event in the gaming community.

RuneFest has always been a unique opportunity for players to step into a real-world Gielinor, offering hands-on experiences, exclusive reveals, and the chance to meet both the creators and community behind RuneScape. This year, the event will span two days, with a traditional RuneFest experience on Saturday and a community-focused Sunday, featuring panels and more intimate interactions.

In a new twist, RuneFest 2024 will be a separate event within the Insomnia Gaming Festival, offering attendees a blend of RuneScape’s charm with Insomnia’s two decades of event expertise. This partnership aims to elevate the RuneFest experience, ensuring attendees can enjoy the best of both worlds.

What’s New at RuneFest 2024?

• Two-day format: A more immersive experience, with the first day dedicated to major announcements and the second focusing on community and panels.
• Integration with Insomnia Gaming Festival: RuneFest attendees will also have access to the Insomnia Gaming Festival, enhancing the event with additional gaming content and social opportunities.
• Community Zone and Tournaments: Engage with fellow players in new ways, participate in tournaments, and explore new RuneScape products, including a TTRPG and board game.
• Camping at the NEC: For the first time, attendees can stay overnight at a designated RuneFest camping area, making it easier to fully immerse in the festival atmosphere.

Tickets and Attendance Tickets are priced at £175 for the full two-day event, with an early bird offer of £150 for the first 500 purchases. Sale begins on March 27th at midday GMT, including access to the Insomnia Festival and a goodie bag loaded with RuneFest memorabilia.

For those unable to attend in person, Jagex has not forgotten about you. A RuneFest Livestream will bring the excitement and announcements of the event to fans worldwide, ensuring no one misses out on the future of RuneScape.

After a five-year hiatus, the return of RuneFest is a highly anticipated event, promising to be a celebration like no other. Whether you’re a long-time player or new to the world of Gielinor, RuneFest 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend for the RuneScape community.

The RuneScape team has released a comprehensive update concerning their ongoing efforts to combat bots and cheating within the game. This announcement comes amidst enhancements to Wilderness content and as players eagerly await the introduction of Undead Pirates, highlighting a broader issue that affects the entire community.

The developers addressed the persistent challenge of botting, emphasizing that the battle against bots is an “arms race” that requires continuous effort. Despite deploying a variety of strategies to detect and eliminate cheaters, new bots emerge as quickly as old ones are banned. In 2023, the game saw over 6.9 million accounts banned, with the first months of 2024 maintaining a pace of approximately 67,000 bans per week. These statistics underscore the scale of the issue and the dedication of the RuneScape team to addressing it.

A multifaceted strategy underpins the fight against bots, involving a dedicated Anti-Cheating Team (ACT), the use of bespoke tools, data analytics, manual investigations, and legal measures to tackle cheating sites. This approach reflects the complexity of combating botting and cheating in modern online games.

The RuneScape team also discussed the impact of botting on content development. They strive to create updates that are enjoyable for all players, without allowing bot activity to dictate the direction of game development. Despite challenges, the team remains committed to delivering meaningful content, particularly to parts of the community that have historically been underserved, such as PvP players.

Regarding the High Scores and the presence of suspected bot accounts, the developers acknowledged the difficulty in addressing this issue promptly. Efforts to improve the accuracy of High Scores are ongoing, with the aim of ensuring that rankings reflect the achievements of legitimate players.

The topic of false bans was also addressed, with the team providing reassurance about the accuracy of their banning process. The incidence of wrongful bans is reportedly low, with additional measures being implemented to further reduce these occurrences. The team highlighted their commitment to fairness and transparency, particularly in the appeals process, which is currently under review for potential improvements.

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) has reintroduced the “Defender of Varrock” quest with updated features and a connection to the ongoing Mahjarrat storyline. Released on February 21, 2024, this update revisits Varrock, which is now enveloped in darkness and mystery, inviting players to uncover the truth behind a long-foretold prophecy.

To assist players in revisiting the storyline, OSRS collaborated with PoisonedPotion for a recap video, ensuring both returning players and newcomers are prepared for the quest’s challenges. This remake includes new NPCs, enemies, and updated mechanics, while maintaining the core essence of the original quest. Notably, the starting location has been moved to the Jolly Boar Inn, eliminating the need to travel through the Wilderness, a change aimed at enhancing player accessibility.

Marking OSRS’s 11th year, the game has updated its birthday decorations and offers players the opportunity to unlock previous Birthday Event rewards without hosting a specific in-game event this year. A Birthday Livestream is planned with OSRS Mods, featuring a variety of activities including a fashion show and quiz, alongside numerous giveaways.

The introduction of the Zombie Axe, a new weapon, follows community feedback. Positioned as an upgrade from Dragon weaponry, it requires 65 Attack to wield and offers a unique addition to the game’s arsenal. This weapon, obtainable post-quest, necessitates 70 Smithing to repair, adding an element of skill progression for players.

Enhancements to the Rune Pouch system have also been introduced, allowing for more efficient spell preparation. This update, stemming from recent Game Jam projects, simplifies rune management and supports diverse gameplay strategies.

Additional updates include a new feature in the client to highlight quest start points, making it easier for players to find and begin quests. The expansion of the Modern Music Area Mode enhances the game’s audio experience, with updated music transitions and area-specific tracks.

RuneScape adventurers are gearing up for an eventful week as the game introduces the “Housing of Parliament Quest” alongside the much-anticipated return of Double XP LIVE. The latest game update, announced on RuneScape’s official website, promises a blend of lore, skill enhancement, and community engagement.

Exploring the City of Um with the Housing of Parliament Quest

The mystical allure of the City of Um beckons once more with a new quest that takes players into the heart of its enigmatic landscape. The “Housing of Parliament” quest promises to engage adventurers in tasks that will not only transform a quiet corner of the town but also reward them with a newly introduced type of Gemstone. As players venture through the quest, they will encounter updated glyphs and the chance to secure a coveted pet upgrade. Additionally, whispers of a legendary figure making an appearance have sparked excitement among the community, with promises of rare wares and enthralling stories from the past.

Double XP LIVE Returns to Boost Skills

Set to commence on February 16th, Double XP LIVE offers players a golden opportunity to advance their skills at an accelerated pace. Over the course of 10 days, participants will enjoy 48 hours of Double XP, which they can utilize flexibly to maximize their gains across various skills. The event reintroduces DXP Tokens, which players can acquire through DXP Spirits or by converting up to 10,000 Proteans daily. These tokens can be exchanged for valuable items, including stars, skilling outfit pieces, and more, further enhancing the DXP LIVE experience.

DXP Marketplace Bundles: A Treasure Trove for Skillers

In anticipation of the Double XP event, RuneScape has unveiled DXP Item and Daily Bundles, available for purchase with bonds. These bundles are packed with skilling essentials, ranging from Protean Packs to Prismatic Stars, Pulse Cores, and exclusive DXP Tokens. The Daily Bundle, in particular, promises a continuous supply of items throughout the event, making it an indispensable resource for players looking to make the most of Double XP LIVE.

Community Engagement Through Livestreams and Events

RuneScape’s commitment to its community is evident through its lineup of livestreams and player events. Upcoming streams include an in-depth discussion on quest requirements and the opportunity for viewers to engage directly with the game’s developers. Additionally, the Treasure Hunter Calendar introduces the “Foresight to Train” event, coinciding with Double XP LIVE to provide players with extra motivation and rewards.

Patch Notes and Community Highlights

This week’s update also brings a host of fixes and improvements, from the introduction of the Housing of Parliament quest to enhancements in necromancy and gameplay mechanics. The community section of the update shines a spotlight on player achievements and creativity, showcasing the vibrant and engaged RuneScape community.

CVC Capital Partners, the investment firm known for backing the Six Nations Rugby, is currently in exclusive discussions to purchase Jagex, the Cambridge-based video game developer famed for the Runescape series, in a deal valued at around £900 million, according to Sky News. This move positions CVC Capital Partners at the forefront of acquiring Jagex from Carlyle, another major buyout firm.

Jagex, established over 20 years ago, is recognized for creating Runescape, a fantasy role-playing game that has attracted over 300 million players globally. This potential acquisition highlights the enduring popularity and market significance of the Runescape franchise and Jagex’s portfolio.

Reports suggest that CVC Capital Partners has surpassed other interested parties in the bidding process and is nearing a formal agreement to take a controlling interest in Jagex. The sale attracted attention from various trade and financial bidders since it began last year.

Besides Runescape, Jagex’s repertoire includes titles like This Means Warp and Melvor Idle, expanding its influence in the gaming industry. The acquisition by CVC, led by its sports, media, and entertainment team in the UK, indicates a strategic interest in intellectual properties with large, international fan bases.

CVC Capital Partners has a history of investing in diverse assets, including Formula One racing and football’s commercial rights in France and Spain. This approach to investment reflects the firm’s strategy to capitalize on properties with widespread appeal.

The negotiation between CVC Capital Partners and Carlyle for Jagex’s acquisition comes amid discussions about the gaming company’s future business strategy and development pipeline. Despite some private equity firms expressing concerns over Jagex’s valuation, the ongoing talks for a £900 million deal underscore the perceived value and potential of Jagex in the gaming sector.

Jagex, which has been under Carlyle’s ownership since January 2021, had previously explored an initial public offering before considering a sale. The company, led by CEO Phil Mansell, employs hundreds and is an influential player in the video game industry.

As the deal progresses, CVC Capital Partners has not commented on the negotiations, and Carlyle was also approached for a statement regarding the potential acquisition.

RuneScape’s February updates bring an array of activities for players, combining the thrill of combat with seasonal festivities. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in the world of Gielinor.

Wilderness Flash Events: WildyWyrm Returns

The Wilderness becomes more lively with the addition of the WildyWyrm to Wilderness Flash Events. This event encourages players to engage in combat for a chance to secure valuable rewards. Located near the source of the River Lum, the WildyWyrm presents a challenge akin to the King Black Dragon event. Successful adventurers may earn rewards such as the Wyrm Reward Gland, containing items like Wyrm Spikes, Hearts, or Scalps. The event is now scheduled, with its first appearance at 23:00 GMT.

Valentine’s Day with Devotion Sprites

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, Devotion Sprites are appearing near lodestones in Burthorpe, Varrock, Lumbridge, and Prifddinas. Capturing these sprites from February 9th to 15th rewards players with a Lovely Gift Box, which may contain Heartments, Valentine’s Chocolates, or Rose Tinted Glasses. This event offers a seasonal twist to the game, allowing players to collect themed rewards.

Double XP LIVE Event

The Double XP LIVE event, set for February 16th to 26th, provides players with 48 hours of double XP to be used at their discretion over 10 days. This event includes the option to pause the XP timer, offering flexibility for players to maximize their experience gain. Additionally, players can exchange unused hours for credits with Nic The Trader.

Treasure Hunter Events

February also features special Treasure Hunter events. The Mysteria event runs from February 6th to 7th, followed by the Valentine’s-themed Gifts From The Heart from February 8th to 14th. This year, new Cherry Blossom themed offhands are introduced, along with the return of the Heartments store, offering items such as the Rosie pet and Rose Petal Aura Override.

Game Updates and Community Initiatives

The latest game patch addresses various improvements and fixes, enhancing the gameplay experience. These updates cover aesthetic adjustments, gameplay enhancements, and bug fixes.

Community events, organized by the Pink Skirts, offer players opportunities to engage in group activities such as battling the Corporeal Beast or participating in Vorago challenges. Additionally, the SupportScape Discord server provides a platform for community support, including events focused on mental health and relationships throughout February.

Old School RuneScape’s Winter Summit, held over the weekend, presented the much-anticipated 2024 roadmap, showcasing a series of upcoming updates and expansions for the game.

The summit, streamed on Twitch, highlighted the introduction of Valamore, a new area expansion set to enhance the Old School RuneScape landscape. The first phase of Valamore, previewed in the 2023 Summer Summit, is scheduled to launch on March 20, 2024. This expansion includes the exploration of Civitas illa Fortis and the Avium Savannah. Players can anticipate engaging in new quests, experiencing the Fortis Colosseum, the Perilous Moons minigame, and exploring the Hunter Guild. The second phase, launching in the summer, will focus on the island of Aldarin and a mountain range north of Civitas illa Fortis.

Additionally, two well-known RuneScape quests, Defender of Varrock and While Guthix Sleeps, are being adapted for Old School RuneScape. These quests, integral to the Mahjarrat storyline and highly requested by the community, are set for release in Spring and Summer 2024, respectively.

PVP content is also receiving an update, with The Chaos Temple revamp aiming to provide an accessible entry point for lower-level players into the game’s PVP mode, scheduled for release in Spring 2024.

Significant improvements to the Old School RuneScape official client were also announced. An upcoming HD Mode will enhance the game’s visuals with dynamic lighting, sunlight effects, and fog, offering players the flexibility to switch between classic and HD graphics, including on mobile devices. Additionally, an Official Client Plugin API will enable players to use and create their own plugins, a first for both PC and mobile users.

The summit also outlined various other updates planned for 2024, including quality-of-life improvements, holiday updates, Deadman Apocalypse, and the introduction of Scurrius the Rat King. Furthermore, developers provided an update on the ongoing development of the Sailing skill, offering insights into its roadmap.

In the latest weekly update, RuneScape, the long-standing MMORPG, has reintroduced the Community Hitlist and lifted the Necromancy embargo, signaling significant changes in gameplay and user engagement.

Revival of the Community Hitlist

The Community Hitlist, a popular feature where players suggest game improvements, has made a comeback. RuneScape developers have been sorting through player feedback for this year’s edition. The current update includes several Quality of Life enhancements that were pending from the previous year.

Key updates involve optimization of Fire Spirits, updates to the Player Owned Farm, and graphical improvements for various animals. Notable changes include the ability for Herb and Gem bags to store noted items and a new feature allowing players to move the central information box. Adjustments have also been made to deathtouched darts, increasing their applicability to more bosses, and updates to the fletching bench in the Fort’s workroom have been implemented.

Combat Beta Enters New Phase

Starting January 25th, RuneScape will release a new beta patch for its ongoing combat beta. This update is part of the game’s efforts to refine combat changes before they are integrated into the main game. The beta phase is open to players across different skill levels, encouraging a wide range of feedback.

Lifting of the Necromancy Embargo

A notable change in this week’s update is the lifting of the Necromancy experience embargo. Players can now use experience-boosting items like Lamps and Stars in the Necromancy skill. This adjustment is expected to facilitate player progression in mastering this combat style.

Merchandise Update: Dragon-Themed Plushies

RuneScape’s collaboration with Makeship continues, with the introduction of a new line of Dragon-themed plushies. These items are available for pre-order, adding to the range of RuneScape-themed merchandise.

Treasure Hunter Event Schedule

The Treasure Hunter calendar features new events, including “Genie’s Wishes” starting January 23rd and “Soul Showdown” beginning January 25th. These events involve engaging gameplay mechanics and offer unique rewards.

Changes in Oddment System

The game update also brings modifications to the Oddment system. The daily purchase limit for Oddment Keys has been increased, and there are adjustments to the base Oddments awarded per key rarity.

Kandarin Area Graphical Update – A Visual Feast

The Gielinor glow-up continues as RuneScape unveils a mesmerizing graphical overhaul for Gielinor’s largest kingdom, Kandarin. The update introduces dramatic lighting, extensive terraforming, and the addition of a formidable mountain range to the skyline. Lush grass now carpets the landscape, giving Kandarin a breathtaking transformation. Players can witness the stunning changes through captivating comparisons provided by the RuneScape team.+

Avatar License & Forum Sunsetting

In an important update, RuneScape announces the retirement of its official forums. Originally created to foster player discussions, the forums have seen a decline in usage, with players preferring external platforms like Discord and Reddit. The forums will transition to read-only mode on January 25th and will be completely removed on March 28th. RuneScape encourages the community to preserve meaningful content during this period.

Treasure Hunter Calendar – Exciting Events Await

RuneScape’s Treasure Hunter Calendar reveals upcoming events. Mysteria, featuring multiple versions of Treasure Hunter, runs from January 16th to 17th. Following this, the Vault of Riches event, offering spiffy Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, and Gold outfits, takes place from January 18th to 22nd.

Patch Notes – Game Enhancements and Fixes

The latest game update includes several fixes and improvements. The graphical update extends beyond Kandarin, with changes such as the removal of Agility shortcuts from Arandar Pass. Hotfixes address issues with keepsaked items and gameplay elements related to Vorkath and Zemouregal. General improvements touch on various aspects, including cutscene progression, quest fixes, and adjustments to in-game items.

Community Highlights – Showcasing RuneScape’s Vibrant Community

The community showcase features u/1to99Artscape’s creative ideas, Runetube content from @InitYeah and @CrunchieRS, and scapers’ screenshots capturing memorable moments. Pink Skirts Player Events offer diverse in-game activities, including Soul Wars, Penguin Tour, and Special Buried Treasure. Fast SC celebrates its 15th anniversary with a series of events, emphasizing non-combat Stealing Creation.

Read more on the official Runescape site.

The official date for the most anticipated event in the RuneScape community calendar has been announced. RuneFest, the world’s premier celebration of all things RuneScape, is returning with a grand two-day event in Birmingham, UK, on the 7th and 8th of September 2024.

The announcement was made to the delight of Scapers worldwide, promising an event filled with immersive experiences, community bonding, and exciting announcements. The organizers extend their gratitude to the community for their invaluable feedback through surveys, which has significantly shaped the planning of this iconic event.

While the date and location are set, the RuneFest team, led by Mod Mark, assures that many exciting details are yet to be unveiled. They understand the community’s desire for early announcements and have thus shared this “save the date” to facilitate planning for attendees from around the globe. More comprehensive information and a sneak peek into the festivities are expected to be released early next year, with ticket sales anticipated to commence around April 2024.

For fans eager to get the latest updates directly, an invitation has been extended to join the official RuneFest mailing list. This ensures you’ll be the first to know about news, updates, and when those all-important tickets go on sale.