RuneScape: Dragonwilds Review – Survival, Dragons, and Nostalgia Collide

RuneScape: Dragonwilds – Yes, There Be Dragons (and Goblins, and Rage Quits)

It’s hard to say no to a game that promises dragons, wizards, and a massive open world to explore. And when that game also carries the legendary RuneScape name? Well, let’s just say expectations are sky high.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds, developed by Jagex, is a bold, survival-focused spin-off of the iconic MMORPG that ruled our browser tabs back in 2001. Now in early access as of April 2025, Dragonwilds tosses you into Ashenfall—a wild, uncharted continent crawling with ancient magic, howling dragons, and some very punchable goblins.

The vibe? Think RuneScape meets Valheim meets Sea of Thieves, with a sprinkle of “please don’t eat me tonight” energy.

The Setup: Dragons Awaken, Chaos Ensues

The story unfolds in Ashenfall, a forgotten continent that's suddenly very awake thanks to some dragon drama. You, a lone survivor (or with up to three brave friends), arrive with nothing but grit and a stick. Your goals: survive, build, craft, and maybe—just maybe—confront the terrifying Dragon Queen.

Along the way, you’ll meet some familiar RuneScape faces like the Wise Old Man, Zanik, and Vannaka. For veterans, this is nostalgia crack. For newcomers, it’s just weird old people giving you quests. Fair trade.

The continent is split into five biomes, each with unique enemies, resources, and terrain. Quests guide you naturally through the world, slowly revealing its secrets. That said, the story still feels shallow, and the lore leans heavily on references that only RuneScape fans will fully appreciate.

Skills, Magic & Survival — A RuneScape Remix

Dragonwilds cleverly brings over RuneScape’s skill system, letting you level up classic activities like chopping wood, mining, cooking, and magic. You don’t need RuneScape knowledge to enjoy it, but long-time players will definitely get an extra dopamine kick.

Survival is the name of the game. You’ll:

• Build shelters
• Cook questionable meat
• Manage hunger, thirst, and sanity
• Die a lot (especially at night)

And it’s not just axe-swinging and log-collecting—magic gets a fantastic twist. You gather Rune Essence, craft runes, and unleash spells that make survival easier, like:

• Axtral Projection – chop multiple trees at once
• Windstep – jump high with a feather-soft landing
• Eye of Oculus – enter free-build mode like a magical architect

It’s a brilliant blend of fantasy and function. You’ll want to use magic to mine and build, not just to fight. More games should do this.

Combat: Satisfying, but Stiff

The combat system is straightforward and timing-based. You can fight with swords, bows, or spells. Skills improve your efficiency, but enemies can be brutal—even the small ones. Some enemies clip through walls or spawn without warning, making things frustrating.

After 30+ hours in-game, I found myself plateauing in power. Progress slows, enemies get harder, and suddenly goblins become your mortal nemesis. The early game opens up fast, but then the grind kicks in.

Also, if a goblin gang decides to raid your base at night… just run. Or rage quit. (Both are valid.)

Base Building: Creative & Frustrating

Here’s where Dragonwilds shines. Building your home is a treat—with snappy piece placement, rotating tools, and even a “ghost mode” that lets you blueprint structures without using materials.

But it’s not perfect:

• No clear tutorial on structural integrity
• Confusing color-coded build markers (why is it green sometimes and yellow other times?)
• Machines don’t warn you they need a roof until after you’ve built them

Still, I built some awesome bases, so I’ll forgive the jank.

Visuals, Sound & Atmosphere

Built in Unreal Engine 5, Dragonwilds hits that sweet spot between stylized charm and dramatic lighting. It’s not as polished as Valheim, but the world feels alive:

• Day/night cycles
• Dynamic weather
• Dragon attacks that shake trees and block out the sun

The soundtrack remixes iconic RuneScape tunes for a nostalgia boost. But after 15 hours, I muted it and played my own playlist—sound effects can get repetitive, and voice acting is basically nonexistent.

A Tougher Survival Ride

Let’s be real: Dragonwilds is not an easy game. Maybe I missed a “casual mode,” but I died more in this game than in V Rising or Valheim. The difficulty spike is real, and the early game can be punishing.

Even late-game enemies like goblins still pose a serious threat. It’s not Soulsborne hard, but it definitely leans “tough love.” Players looking for a cozy survival sim? You’ve been warned.

Charm, Chaos, and Potential

RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a rough gem—full of promise, brimming with heart, but still in need of polish. The world is engaging, the systems are clever, and the RuneScape DNA is strong.

Land of Geek Rating: 7.8/10

RuneScape: Dragonwilds is an ambitious survival spin-off that blends nostalgic magic with modern mechanics. It’s got charm, depth, and a surprisingly tough edge—but also rough spots that show it’s still early in its journey. With more polish and better onboarding, it could become a future genre classic.

✅ Pros

• 💫 Unique blend of RuneScape skill system and survival gameplay
• 🔥 Excellent magic-crafting system with real utility
• 🌍 Beautifully crafted open world with dynamic events
• 🛠️ Creative, satisfying base-building tools
• 🧙‍♂️ Nostalgic nods to RuneScape fans that land well

❌ Cons

• 💤 Story and lore feel undercooked for newcomers
• 🥴 Combat lacks depth and feels inconsistent
• 🔊 Sound design and music become repetitive fast
• 🧱 Building system lacks structural clarity and better UI
• ⚰️ Difficulty curve may scare off casual players

Jagex has already released a roadmap teasing new biomes (like Fellhollow), skills, and quests. If they stick with the community and keep improving, this could grow into something truly special.

For now, RuneScape fans and hardcore survival lovers will find a lot to enjoy. Everyone else? Maybe keep an eye on it, and jump in when it’s a bit more dragon-polished.

Ashenfall awaits. Bring snacks, bring friends, and maybe bring a backup axe—you’re gonna need it.

Stay fireproof with more fantasy survival deep dives right here at Land of Geek Magazine!

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