A new permanent game mode gives players a single life, their own economy, and the toughest challenge in Gielinor yet.
4th November, 2026, Cambridge, UK – Today, Jagex: The RuneScape Company, invites the mightiest adventurers to test their mettle in a brand new, permanent game mode, now available in Old School RuneScape – Hardcore Worlds. Separate from the main game, Hardcore worlds come with all the same features except for one: characters have only one life. No respawns. No second chances. Death truly matters.
Old School RuneScape | Hardcore Worlds Trailer
An accompanying game mode from the main game with its own economy, players will still experience all the privileges they’re familiar with, including trading, and access to the Grand Exchange, as well as the same XP gain and Drop Rate. Those thirsting for a challenge will also experience all of the exciting content coming to OSRS, only now they’ll experience death at their heels with every turn. And should an unfortunate character meet their end, the Reaper is there to offer them a choice: reset their progress and start over, or be banished from Hardcore Worlds and get sent to the main game, keeping their progress and gear, but losing any item that does not fall into the “Items kept on Death” category. Adventurers will need to practice caution, for their bitter end could come at any time.
Hardcore Worlds | Cinematic Trailer
Kieren Charles, Creative Director for Old School RuneScape at Jagex said:
“The Reaper has been waiting a long time for this, and in a game mode where death is forever, every decision counts! Hardcore Worlds gives our most fearless players a way to take on the full game with everything on the line. Whether you’re a veteran looking for a fresh challenge or someone who just likes living on the edge, we’ll see you out there. Try not to die.”
Finally, the Reaper’s Raffle and World First rewards will be running from November 4, allowing players to earn real life prizes by playing and completing tasks set by the NPC Death. Successfully completing tasks will earn entry into the raffle where they can win a range of items from skilling pins and skateboard decks to a Starforge PC bundle, God Wars Replica collection, and an exclusive Death NPC trophy!
Old School RuneScape is available now on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android, complete with cross-platform progression and play on PC and mobile.
About Jagex
Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, Jagex: The RuneScape Company, is a leader in creating deep and engaging forever games that empower communities across PC and mobile. Our MMORPG franchise, RuneScape, is played around the world and has welcomed over 300 million player accounts.
As RuneScape enters its 25th year in 2026, we are accelerating our strategy to expand RuneScape into a broader ecosystem of forever games and connected experiences, grounded in a renewed commitment to integrity and fair play. This includes the reduction of monetisation mechanics, as well as the launch of RuneScape: Dragonwilds into Steam Early Access in 2025, representing a major step in building a multi-genre future for the RuneScape universe. Jagex: The RuneScape Company remains focused on building enduring worlds, empowering player-led innovation, and laying the foundations for the boldest era in RuneScape’s history.
