RuneScape Dragonwilds: The Next Valheim or an Enshrouded Successor?
RuneScape Dragonwilds: The Next Valheim or an Enshrouded Successor?
Introduction
In the ever-growing world of survival-crafting games, a new contender has entered the arena: RuneScape Dragonwilds. With clear inspiration drawn from genre staples like Valheim and Enshrouded, this game is already turning heads in early access. But is it a worthy new adventure, or just a remix of familiar formulas?
Blending the Best of Both Worlds
RuneScape Dragonwilds appears to fuse elements from both Valheim and Enshrouded. Visually, it shares much in common with the latter—likely running on the same engine—with a similarly moody, stylized aesthetic. Mechanically, however, it leans heavily into Valheim's design.
From chopping down trees to constructing your homestead, the core gameplay loop will feel instantly familiar to fans of that Norse-inspired world. The building system offers a good balance between accessibility and creative freedom, allowing players to construct impressive structures without overwhelming complexity.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| World Size | Medium-large procedurally generated map |
| Multiplayer | Up to 10 players co-op |
| Building System | Grid-based with snap points, similar to Valheim |
| Combat Options | Melee, Ranged, and Magic |
| Progression | Skill-based with crafting tiers |
| Early Access Price | $24.99 |
Combat and Magic That Hold Up
The combat in RuneScape Dragonwilds is surprisingly solid for an early access title. Magic, in particular, stands out with a decently developed system that complements the more traditional melee and ranged options.
While there's still room to grow, the foundations are already more polished than one might expect at this stage. Enemy variety is decent, with different creatures requiring different tactical approaches.
Early Access Worries? Maybe Not
Early access can be a gamble, but RuneScape Dragonwilds might be worth the risk. While some games linger in development for years, this one launches with a decent amount of content. For comparison, Valheim—even with its slow update cycle—still offers a rich experience, especially when enhanced with modpacks.
If RuneScape Dragonwilds follows a similar trajectory, it could evolve into a must-play title for fans of the genre.
A Fresh Break for Veterans
For players who've poured countless hours into Valheim and are looking for a break without abandoning the genre entirely, RuneScape Dragonwilds offers a refreshing alternative. It feels like a smoother Enshrouded layered with Valheim's satisfying mechanics—a blend that could keep you hooked until your favorite titles get their next big update.
And if you're on the hunt for other under-the-radar gems, don't overlook Grounded, another excellent survival experience with a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
RuneScape Dragonwilds might not reinvent the genre, but it refines and combines familiar elements in a way that feels fresh and fun. It's reasonably priced, easy to jump into, and might just be your next survival obsession.
Pros:
- Solid building mechanics
- Interesting magic system
- Good performance for an early access title
- Reasonable price point
- Promising developer roadmap
Cons:
- Some derivative elements
- Limited biome variety at launch
- Occasional balancing issues with progression
For fans of Valheim, Enshrouded, or survival-crafting games in general, RuneScape Dragonwilds is definitely worth keeping an eye on—and possibly worth diving into right now, even in its early access state.
Rating: 8/10 - A promising new entry in the survival-crafting genre that builds on what came before while adding enough of its own identity to stand out.