Twenty-five years ago, the first adventurers stepped into Gielinor and began a journey that would eventually shape one of the most enduring MMORPG legacies in gaming. In 2026, RuneScape & Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are commemorating this milestone with a year-long celebration filled with announcements, community events, new content, and a heavy dose of nostalgia.

Jagex has confirmed that the 25th anniversary year will be one of the most ambitious and interconnected celebrations the franchise has ever hosted—uniting all three titles under one overarching theme: honoring the past while forging the future.

A Cross-Game Celebration Video Kicks Off the Anniversary

The festivities begin with a special cross-game celebration video, offering players a first look at what 2026 has in store. The preview highlights deeper investment across all three games, a renewed focus on player-driven development, and several major projects that promise to expand and modernize the RuneScape universe.

According to Jagex, players can expect:

· Major long-form content updates

· Live in-game experiences designed to bring communities together

· Surprises sprinkled throughout the year

· Opportunities to celebrate the game’s legacy with exclusive anniversary merchandise

Three Major 2026 Preview Events Across the RuneScape Universe

In addition to the global anniversary kickoff, each game within the RuneScape franchise will host its own dedicated 2026 preview event. These summits will outline key roadmaps, deep-dive into new features, and provide extensive insights into what players can expect over the next twelve months.

RuneScape Ahead: A New Era Begins

When: January 19th, 2026, at 2 pm GMT / 6 am PST / 9 am EST

Where: RuneScape YouTube channel

The flagship game will host “RuneScape Ahead,” a comprehensive look at the future of modern RuneScape. This year’s preview is particularly significant as it marks the beginning of a new era: Treasure Hunter is being removed from the game.

The stream will detail:

· How the removal of Treasure Hunter will reshape monetization and progression

· Core content beats planned for 2026

· Long-term development initiatives designed to enrich RuneScape’s evolving identity

This event is positioned as one of the most impactful updates to the modern game’s structure in years.

Old School RuneScape Winter Summit Returns

When: January 25th, 2026, at 8 pm GMT / 12 pm PST / 3 pm EST

Where: Old School RuneScape Twitch channel

The OSRS Winter Summit is back—and once again it will function as the primary window into Old School’s roadmap for the coming year. A favorite among veteran and new players alike, the Summit will feature:

· Deep dives into upcoming OSRS content

· Development previews for highly requested projects

· Discussions on how OSRS’s 2026 direction will be driven by player feedback

As always, the J-Mods will take center stage to walk the community through design philosophies, future updates, and long-term plans that shape the game’s unique identity.

A Celebration for Every Adventurer

Regardless of when you joined the world of Gielinor—whether you were there during the earliest days of RuneScape Classic, discovered OSRS through Twitch and YouTube—the 25th anniversary celebration is designed to bring the entire community together.

With major reveals, new content across all three games, special events, and a deep appreciation for the franchise’s legacy, 2026 will be a historic and unifying year for the RuneScape community.

The adventure continues. Join the celebration and be part of Gielinor’s 25-year legacy—together.

RSorder Team