Black Knights walk these halls, and they hold the line against their once-trusted allies - Zamorakian Mages. As paranoia and fear eroded the shared bond of this place, and the shadows lengthened, the Keep is now fragmented. Splinter groups of each order hold their ground with cruel ferocity, and they certainly won't like someone just walking in and nosing around. Drawing on the rich history of Zamorakian lore in Gielinor, Dowdun Reach is bringing a new challenge to our adventurers to see if they're truly ready for what lies ahead. We'll be sharing more about the kinds of rewards and gear you'll uncover throughout March, on the Road to Dowdun.

As part of Dowdun Reach, we'll be actioning a long-requested community feature. We'll be raising the level cap of all skills to 99 - even though the skills aren't finished yet. We've heard from you about wanting to grind out levels and not waste XP, even with the content still due to be added as we continue to grow and develop Ashenfall. With that in mind, we'll be raising the level cap and then continually backfilling content into these skills. If you've already reached the required levels, these will automatically unlock as we add the content in. Enjoy not worrying about XP waste! And, yes, of course - you'll be able to claim a Skill Cape when you get that final ding!

That's not all - we're also refactoring Runecrafting to be more of an activity. We've all spent plenty of time in the Rune essence mines or the Runespan or generally farming Rune Essence and filling chest after chest with delicious, moreish runes. Between you and me, I reckon they've got the texture of shortbread. We're creating a more dynamic experience where your inputs and actions affect your yield. Beyond that we've added Anima Vents. These are attuned to particular elemental types of the Anima that surges forth from the heart of Ashenfall, and you'll be able to use these to your advantage, hone your skills and produce a wealth of runes as a result.

Umbral Sands

Coming this summer, our next Major Update brings you to the Umbral Sands. In the sand oceans beyond Dowdun Reach, the Red Dragon reigns supreme. 

From the very beginning, Gielinor has had its fair share of desert regions and we want to honour the heritage of these wonderful regions of RuneScape. We're drawing heavily from the rich history of Kharid-Et, Menaphos, and Sophanem to create a ruined landscape that feels innately RuneScapey, while offering you something different. 

In the daytime, the sun itself is the greatest threat. It's corrupted rays drain life with every moment of exposure. Only shade or night offer safety. Build shelter, move carefully, and plan your steps carefully under the burning sky - but beware... Fuzan, the fiery Red Dragon rules with tempestuous, incandescent fury. The winged monstrosity that rules the night isn't the only thing you need to worry about, though.

These once thriving lands now shiver with the chittering whispers of Kalphites - great chitinous insects that burrow within the sands of Ashenfall, and emerge to pluck unsuspecting victims from the surface. RuneScape players will know Kalphites well, but for those of you new to all this - they're mean, green, biting machines. Fighting through the life-sapping sun and overcoming the Kalphite brood will bring you to Fuzan's Tower, rising from the heart of a volcano. A dark spire encircled by rivers of magma and obsidian, and at the base, a cavern, rife with Kot-Haar. Golem-like creatures of living stone, wrought into existence by an Elder God's magic. 

There are also a handful of NPCs that will offer some respite from the isolation of the dunes. A sect of Garou, weathered against the inclement and Anima-infused weather have driven into the Sands and have forged a life in the desert. Earn the trust of these hardened nomadic travellers who have endured, take on quests and arm yourself for battle, or... just mine Adamant Ore and gather Yew Wood and arm yourself. 

There are whispers of a place lurking within the Umbral Sands, twisted by the sinister corruption of the sun, where evil lurks in innumerable droves and great warriors have fallen in battle. Those seeking the glory of combat call it... The Nightmare Crucible. More on that later this year.

Scorned Wilderness

The end of Kuldra's Saga is coming - but we're still very early in developing our ideas here. We want this to represent a cataclysmic site of ancient power, where Anima has ravaged the landscape and uprooted the very elements from the earth. What form that takes, and how it challenges you, is something we're developing, testing and exploring as you read this very blog. What we can tell you is this: Kuldra must die. 

Face off against the God-Eater and bring down their tyrannical reign as you muster your allies, drive into the wilderness to acquire Rune Armour and delve into the heart of the Anima storm. We're very excited to bring players along for the ride with how we round out Kuldra's Saga, and we'll be sharing more as we get a clearer vision of what this looks like. 

Beyond The Spire

We've set ourselves a challenge with this year's roadmap. It's ambitious, exciting and the kind of roadmap we can be really proud of. We have a vision for what we want RuneScape: Dragonwilds to become and it's been informed and guided by your feedback, discussions and suggestions. What comes after is the next chapter of Dragonwilds, and we can't wait to share more with you at RuneFest. For your feedback, support and being part of this community - thank you so much.