RuneFest 2025: Reuniting RuneScape Legends and Sparking New Adventures

After a five-year break, RuneFest 2025 burst back onto the scene with a flair that left fans both nostalgic and electrified.

Held on March 1–2, 2025, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, UK, the event transformed a convention hall into an immersive RuneScape realm – a living, breathing village where every corner evoked memories of past adventures and hinted at future quests.

A New Chapter for RuneScape Fans

RuneFest has always been more than a simple gathering – it’s where community meets competition. Originally set for September 2024 alongside the defunct Insomnia Gaming Festival, unforeseen challenges forced a reshuffle. Yet, a standalone spectacle emerged that overcame its hurdles and set new records in attendance and excitement.

Venue and Atmosphere

In Hall 20 of the NEC, the transformation was nothing short of magical. Imagine stepping into a mist-shrouded RuneScape village: castle gates looming in the distance, interactive zones buzzing with energy, and every detail designed to whisk you away from everyday life. Over two days, thousands roamed through:

• Main Stage Revelations: Major updates for both RuneScape and Old School RuneScape (OSRS) were unveiled, igniting discussions and debates among eager fans.
• Playtesting Booths: Attendees got early access to upcoming content, including the much-anticipated Project Zanaris, where players now have the chance to influence future game developments.
• LAN Gaming Zone: A dedicated space designed for up to 99 players, fostering collaborative gameplay and spontaneous tournaments.
• Community Corners: These areas showcased fan art, host creator meetups, and even featured skill-chip challenges that brought friendly rivalry to life.
• Merchandise Stalls: Exclusive RuneScape Kingdoms board games and custom apparel were on offer, letting fans wear their passion literally on their sleeves.

Ticketing Triumphs

Despite the initial scheduling uncertainties and the fallout from Insomnia’s cancellation, ticket logistics went off without a hitch. Early bird tickets were snapped up at £150 (for the first 500 fans), while standard tickets went for £175. And for those not physically present? A free Twitch livestream ensured global fans could share in the experience.

Breaking News: Game-Changing Announcements

RuneFest 2025 was rife with groundbreaking reveals. The event proved to be a double-edged sword – honoring RuneScape’s storied past while paving the way for bold new adventures.

OSRS Innovations

1. Sailing Skill Alpha Release: For the first time in OSRS history, players are invited to set sail. Starting as humble sailors, they can evolve into seasoned captains – battling krakens and scavenging for treasure. The alpha test, launched during the event, promises a deep and engaging new layer to OSRS gameplay.
2. New Boss Challenges: The introduction of formidable foes like Yama (coming this spring) and Doom of Mokhaiotl (expected in summer) raises the stakes for high-level players, ensuring that combat remains as thrilling as ever.
3. HD Mode on the Horizon: In a nod to modern gaming expectations, enhanced graphics are planned for late 2025. They will carefully preserve the classic OSRS charm while providing a fresh visual feast.

RuneScape Expansions

• Havenhythe: Set to debut in 2026, this sprawling new area promises to expand RuneScape’s lore and offer fresh quests. Fans are buzzing with speculation about hidden secrets and untold stories waiting to be discovered.
• RuneScape Leagues: Building on the competitive legacy of OSRS, the introduction of RuneScape Leagues later this year is poised to ignite new rivalries and foster a competitive spirit across the board.

Project Zanaris: The Community’s Voice

Perhaps the most community-centric reveal was Project Zanaris. This initiative invites players to actively shape the future of OSRS through open playtesting and feedback. It underscores Jagex’s commitment to listening to its fan base and ensuring that the game evolves in ways that resonate with its community.

Celebrating the Community: The Golden Gnome Awards

No RuneFest would be complete without the return of the Golden Gnome Awards – RuneScape’s very own Oscars. This year, 25 categories celebrated the best in content creation, artistry, and streaming.

• Video of the Year: Gielinor Games Finale by SoupRS captured hearts with its innovative take on OSRS storytelling.
• Streamer of the Year: Dual accolades went to TheRSGuy (RuneScape) and Odablock (OSRS), both revered for their engaging commentary and interactive streams.
• Community Champions: Awards recognized icons like Crash, RCM37, and SecreteMonge for their contributions to fostering a vibrant, supportive community.

Livestreamed across the globe, the awards ceremony not only honored creativity but also cemented the notion that RuneFest is a celebration of both talent and passion.

Behind the Scenes: Adaptation and Resilience

Overcoming Setbacks

Originally interwoven with the Insomnia Gaming Festival, RuneFest 2025 faced a major hurdle when Player1 Events, the Insomnia organizer, was liquidated in 2024. Instead of succumbing to these challenges, Jagex reimagined the event as a standalone celebration. This decisive pivot allowed RuneFest to not only preserve its legacy but to expand its scope and strengthen its community focus.

Championing Mental Health

In a refreshing move that set RuneFest 2025 apart from typical gaming conventions, nonprofit Safe In Our World joined forces with Jagex. Their partnership spotlighted mental health awareness, with workshops and mindfulness sessions integrated into the festival schedule. This initiative echoed RuneScape’s long-held values of community well-being and underscored the importance of taking care of oneself amidst the high-energy world of gaming.

Moments to Remember

RuneFest 2025 was filled with unforgettable experiences that resonated with every attendee.

A Musical Prelude

The event kicked off with a show-stopping performance by guitarist Cole Rolland and Jagex’s own Mod Ash. Their rock-violin medley of classic RuneScape tunes stirred a mix of nostalgia and exhilaration – a performance that fans later flooded social media with praise.

The Cosplay Extravaganza

From intricate Nature Sentinel costumes to innovative interpretations of characters like Krystilia, the cosplay parade was a visual feast. Contestants vied for the coveted Golden Gnome in a competition that perfectly encapsulated the creativity and dedication of the RuneScape community.

Interactive Panels and Quizzes

Panels such as Session Zero brought improv comedy and live-action quests into the spotlight. These interactive sessions were designed to engage the audience directly, blending humor with the lore of RuneScape to create an atmosphere that was both fun and inclusive.

Looking Forward: The Future of RuneScape

RuneFest 2025 isn’t merely a celebration of the past – it’s a clear signal that the RuneScape universe is evolving. With record attendance, visionary announcements, and an undying sense of community spirit, the event set new benchmarks for gaming conventions.

Jagex’s Meredith Ford, RuneFest Project Lead, summed it up perfectly:

“This isn’t just a convention – it’s a family reunion. We’re thrilled to see the community’s passion fuel the future of Gielinor.”

The revelations – from new skills and bosses in OSRS to expansive areas in RuneScape – hint at an exciting road ahead. Whether you’re a veteran adventurer or a newcomer ready to explore, the future of RuneScape promises to be as dynamic and engaging as ever.

Final Reflections

RuneFest 2025 was a testament to resilience, creativity, and community. The event reasserted RuneScape’s legacy by transforming challenges into opportunities and opened the door to new adventures. For the thousands who gathered at the NEC – and for the global audience tuning in online – the festival was a reminder that even after a lengthy hiatus, the spirit of RuneScape remains indomitable.

As fans look back on the festival’s highlights and eagerly anticipate the upcoming expansions and innovations, one thing is clear: RuneFest 2025 has reestablished itself as the heartbeat of a community that’s as passionate about its past as it is excited for the future.

Sources

• RuneFest 2025 – The RuneScape Wiki
• Golden Gnome Awards – The RuneScape Wiki
• Everything Revealed in RuneFest 2025 – Sportskeeda
• RuneFest 2025: Dates, Venue & Tickets Confirmed – Esports News UK
• Safe In Our World Recap of RuneFest 2025
• RuneFest Announcements – Jagex News