With the fourth raid, The Fractured Archive, now live, the Old School RuneScape team has published an updated roadmap. It covers what is coming for the rest of 2026 and through 2027, from a one-life mode with its own economy to the long-awaited opening of Menaphos.
The rest of 2026
November is busy. On November 4th 2026, Hardcore Worlds arrive. These are separate worlds with a separate economy, and you only get one life, framed as a challenge from Death himself. The same day kicks off Quest Month, which brings a series of new quests through November. Jagex describes them as small but impactful, and the first one named is The Graveyard.
Listed for this winter is The Chosen Commander. It wraps up Zanik’s storyline and adds new Skilling activities in the goblin city of Dorgesh-Kaan.
What’s planned for 2027
Next year has a lot on it. Here is the schedule as announced:
- Dungeons of Gielinor (Spring 2027): a revamp of several classic dungeons, with a batch of new bosses.
- Menaphos (Spring 2027): the golden city finally opens, continuing the Desert storyline. It also brings Old School RuneScape’s first Skilling Dungeon.
- Summer Sweep-Up 2027 (Summer 2027): Quality of Life changes rolled out over the summer.
- Mining & Smithing Reforged (Summer 2027): a rework that aims to give both skills more depth, in line with what Tutorial Island promises new players.
- Fairytale III: Nexus of Power (Summer 2027): the end of the Fairy storyline, with a confrontation with the Fairy Godfather and a new Runecraft activity.
- The Tower of Xophoros (Autumn 2027): no details yet. The description is just three question marks.
- Community Bingo (2027): the Bingo feature built for Grid Master, reworked so players can create their own boards.
- Diving Expansion (2027): more underwater content, including secrets, treasures and new activities. Jagex says more will be shared soon.
- Client Updates (throughout 2027): Picture in Picture on Android and ongoing work on the new renderer, among other changes.
- Holiday Events (throughout 2027): the usual seasonal events return, including Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
The near-term plans are the most concrete. Hardcore Worlds and Quest Month have a fixed date, and most of the 2027 projects only have a season attached. The big story beats are spread across the year. Menaphos, the Zanik finale and the end of the Fairytale series all arrive before autumn, which gives quest fans plenty to look forward to.
The Mining and Smithing rework will probably draw the most debate, since both skills have long been seen as weak spots compared with newer content. The first Skilling Dungeon in Menaphos also suggests skillers are getting more attention next year. For now, the next date to note is November 4th, when Hardcore Worlds and the first Quest Month releases go live.
Source: Old School RuneScape official news.
