RuneScape: Dragon Wilds — Valheim Meets Gielinor in This Surprise Survival Hit

Forget the "Chosen One" narrative. In Azinfall, you start as a peasant and work your way up to Dragon Slayer in RuneScape's first survival-crafting adventure.

A New Chapter for the RuneScape Universe

Entering Early Access on April 15, 2025, RuneScape: Dragon Wilds is a massive departure from the franchise's MMO roots. Set on the forgotten continent of Azinfall, this co-op survival-crafting game has already sold over 600,000 copies. With an 85% positive rating on Steam, it is clear that Jagex’s "Valheim-style" experiment is exactly what fans were looking for.

The "Magical" Twist on Survival

While the game draws heavy comparisons to Valheim, it distinguishes itself through its deeply integrated magic system. Magic isn't just for combat; it’s a utility powerhouse that changes the pace of the survival genre.

Efficiency Through Sorcery: Utility spells allow you to cut down entire groves of trees or explode mineral veins instantly, making resource gathering significantly faster than in traditional survival games.
Combat Versatility: Players can master sword-and-board, two-handed weapons, bows, or pure wizardry. Different runes offer unique AoE and CC effects, such as air runes for stuns and fire runes for devastating area damage.
Classic Progression: In true RuneScape fashion, the game features a streamlined skill system. Exploration is gated by skill levels—you might find a hidden cave that requires a specific level to enter, encouraging constant growth.

A Living, Hostile World

Azinfall isn't just a sandbox; it fights back. Your base building is regularly tested by Goblin raids, and the open world features random dragon attacks that can turn a simple resource run into a fight for your life. To combat these threats, players must build advanced workbenches to craft specialized mage robes and powerful runes.

The game also features a light story involving an assault on a massive goblin fortress, offering a clear objective for those who want more than just "sandbox" play.

The Pros and Cons: A First Look

Despite its early success, the road to the full 2026 release still has a few bumps. Here is the breakdown of the current Early Access state:

What We Loved	Room for Improvement
Traditional Fantasy Vibe: You aren't a "chosen one"; you're a peasant adventurer.	Graphics Customization: Extreme "bloom" effects cannot be turned off, leading to visibility issues.
Forgiving Death: Items drop in "safe" spots outside dungeons for easier retrieval.	Clunky UI: Swapping runes is currently unintuitive and needs a dedicated quick-slot system.
Teleportation & Summons: High-level progression feels genuinely powerful.	Survival Tuning: The thirst meter depletes way too quickly, forcing constant "mud water" drinking.