The world of Gielinor just got bigger with the surprise arrival of RuneScape Dragonwilds Early Access on Steam. This survival-crafting spinoff takes the familiar RuneScape lore and transplants it into a fresh gameplay format that draws comparisons to popular titles like Valheim. If you’re wondering whether to jump in now or wait, here’s the full breakdown.
Getting Started with RuneScape Dragonwilds Early Access Download
The game made its quiet debut on April 15th without much fanfare, surprising many fans. Currently available through Steam’s Early Access program, Dragonwilds offers a premium experience (no free-to-play option at launch). Here’s what you should know before purchasing:
- You can play completely solo or team up with up to three friends in cooperative multiplayer.
- One of the smartest design choices is that your character progression carries over between worlds – start alone, then jump into friends’ games without losing progress.
- However, be aware that only the first dragon boss is currently available, with more content planned for future updates.
What Sets Dragonwilds Apart from Other Survival Games?
While comparisons to Valheim are inevitable, RuneScape Dragonwilds Early Access brings its flavor:
- You can craft runes and wield staves to perform tasks like mass tree-cutting or efficient mining operations.
- The world itself is handcrafted rather than procedurally generated, meaning every biome and boss location has been intentionally designed with purpose.
- The UI is clean and intuitive, with an inventory system that avoids the clunkiness found in many early access survival titles.
However, character customization is basic, graphical options are currently limited, and dedicated servers aren’t available yet.
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System Requirements: Can Your PC Handle Dragonwilds?
Minimum Requirements (Playable Experience)
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit required)
- Processor: Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Graphics:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB)
- AMD Radeon RX 5600XT
- Intel Arc A750 (8GB)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 25GB available space
Recommended Specs (Optimal Performance)
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Graphics:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 (6GB)
- AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8GB)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 25GB available space
- The game requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- An SSD is highly recommended for faster load times
- An internet connection is only required for multiplayer and updates
- These specs may change as the game progresses through Early Access
If your system meets the recommended specs, you can expect smooth gameplay at 1080p with medium-high settings. Those with minimum specs should be prepared to tweak settings for optimal performance.
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Current Content and Future Roadmap
In its current Early Access state, developers estimate players will find 20-40 hours of content depending on playstyle. The development roadmap promises exciting additions, including new regions, additional enemies, and expanded skills like Magic, Ranged, and Farming. Base building enhancements are coming, along with planned Hardcore and Creative modes. Combat refinements and performance optimizations are also in the pipeline.
Should You Buy RuneScape Dragonwilds Early Access Now?
If you’re a RuneScape fan curious about this survival interpretation or a Valheim player looking for a fresh take on the genre, Dragonwilds offers enough unique ideas to warrant attention. Just remember it’s an Early Access title – there will be balance issues, missing features, and rough edges. But for those who enjoy growing alongside a game’s development, now might be the perfect time to stake your claim in Ashenfall.
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