Runescape's worst feature is finally being removed, and I'm feeling hopeful for Jagex's modernized MMO for the first time in over a decade

Runescape's Evolution of Combat is broadly considered the most divisive update to ever come to Jagex's MMO. The fundamental reworking of the game's core combat mechanics in 2012, largely driven by feedback from prospective players at a time when Runescape's existing playerbase was dwindling, alienated much of its old guard. However, while this was a play to keep the game alive, the introduction of pay-to-win system Squeal of Fortune earlier that year, which was later replaced by Treasure Hunter in 2014, was a push to maintain profitability that fundamentally called the studio's integrity into question. Now, over a decade later, Jagex has announced that, following the conclusion of a poll signed by over 120,000 players, Treasure Hunter and associated MTX elements will be removed from Runescape completely. But this is just the beginning for Runescape's new era.

I'm going to level with you, I never really bothered with Runescape post-EoC. I was one of those veterans that felt they'd been left high and dry back in the day, though you can bet your ass I came rushing back as soon as Old School Runescape arrived in 2013. Though, yes, gold-providing Bonds exist in the revamped version of Runescape 2, I'd rather players bought gold from Jagex directly than from bot farms. Additionally, they are not nearly as egregious as what's been going on in modern Runescape. Treasure Hunter effectively allows you to bypass huge swathes of the Runescape experience, providing prizes like skill XP and in-game items on top of cash bags. While you'd get a handful of keys each day for free, those who coughed up the cash would have a substantial leg-up over others.

While Old School Runescape has continued to soar, this year breaking its all-time concurrent record, and with an exciting new skill in Sailing on the way, Runescape just about meanders through. As shown in the chart above, while OSRS averages well over 100,000 players at any given time, RS barely crests 20k at points. Ironically, the iteration of Runescape that was previously deemed 'boring' by potential newbies is the one that's pulling in fresh blood in their droves. For RS, something dramatic has had to change.

Earlier this year, Jagex CEO John Bellamy admitted that RS's monetization was "harming Runescape," and that its systems would "materially change." Though we didn't quite know the extent of what the studio was planning, few could have ever imagined that its golden goose would potentially be on the chopping block. In July, Jagex did a trial run of disabling MTX entirely. Then, in late October, a poll was posted announcing that, if 100k players voted 'yes,' Treasure Hunter would be axed for good. Unsurprisingly, the poll passed with flying colors.

Now, making good on its promise, Jagex has today confirmed that Treasure Hunter, alongside "225 Direct XP and skilling related items," will be removed on January 19, 2026.

We are so back.

"January 19th is the start of a new era for RuneScape, powered by a shared desire to see this game grow for decades to come," Bellamy says in a press release. "The removal of Treasure Hunter is just one part of a wider transformation across Jagex, which is seeing a renewed commitment to delivering deeper value, greater fairness, and long-term improvements for players across all our games.

"We have all been delighted to see the passion and encouragement that the player vote represents for RuneScape, and over the next year, we will be delivering an Integrity Roadmap that tackles some of the game's biggest friction points head-on, alongside one of our best content roadmaps in RuneScape history. I can't wait for our talented team to give players a detailed look at our plans during an era-defining RuneScape Ahead on January 19th, and to celebrate the year ahead with the brand's 25th anniversary."

So, what does this Integrity Roadmap entail? According to Bellamy in the accompanying 'Say Goodbye to Treasure Hunter' post, we can expect to see Jagex "addressing core issues like UI, UX, Dailyscape, and visual identity," which will be delivered alongside one of the "best content roadmaps in Runescape's history."

Suffice it to say, this could be the renaissance moment (or year) that modern RS has desperately needed since its inception. Considering the loss of revenue from Treasure Hunter, I do wonder how Jagex will try and make up the shortfall. With a bit of luck, a potential reinvigoration of interest from players both new and old would lead to an uptick in subscriptions, but the studio's clearly taking a gamble on its success. Nonetheless, this is categorically the correct direction to take Runescape, and I'm already considerably more likely to give it a go… once I've maxed Sailing in OSRS, of course.