RuneScape’s Radical Shift: Microtransactions Eliminated, Combat Redefined

'Integrity' has been a very big word in the RuneScape sphere this past year—Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy used the word at least six times when

Players were given the opportunity to vote in November as to whether they'd like the widely reviled Treasure Hunter microtransactions removed: Obviously, the 2026 roadmap unveiled today. The accompanying blog post states it "represents more than a milestone; it’s a turning point—one that sets RuneScape firmly on course for the future it deserves."

The plans detailed in the post are already in motion, as Treasure Hunter is already out of the game. Players will have the year to use up whatever items they've already bought, "with additional chances later in the year to clear out anything that remains, before [hundreds of gameplay-impacting MTX] items are ultimately made obsolete."

Plenty more was shown off with the new roadmap. For example, a combat overhaul is coming: basic attacks are back, "unnecessary" abilities will be reworked or removed, and animations will be cleaned up. On top of that, the UI is getting a rework which makes it look just a touch more like Old School RuneScape, though with all the extra doodads and functionality you expect from RS3. The minimap is a circle again, which I'm sure tugs at someone's nostalgia-ridden heartstrings.

There's all sorts of other balance tweaks and teases available for your perusal on