In a decisive move that reflects community sentiment and Jagex’s commitment to improving gameplay integrity, RuneScape will remove the controversial Treasure Hunter microtransactions permanently starting January 19, 2026. This decision follows a staggering 124,985 votes from the player base, signaling strong opposition to pay-to-progress mechanics that disrupted the core gameplay and player economy.
What Does Removing Treasure Hunter Mean?
The removal means no more purchasable direct experience point (XP) gains or skill boosts from the Treasure Hunter system, which has long been criticized for unbalancing progression and creating barriers for non-paying players. In total, 225 Direct XP and skill-related items and items that disrupted the player economy will be taken off sale. However, players will continue to have access to bonus XP bundles and cosmetics purchasable in the game’s Marketplace, focusing on aesthetic rather than gameplay advantages.
There’s a grace period for the removal of these items, with several consumables and keys remaining usable until January 2027 to ease transition. Jagex stressed that this is part of a broader Integrity Roadmap designed to restore balance, reduce microtransaction dependence, and put the core RuneScape gameplay back in the spotlight as they plan for the next 25 years of development.
Roadmap Highlights and UI Improvements
As part of the Integrity Roadmap, Jagex will focus on fixing long-standing issues with UI, visuals, balance, and more. One notable change is a decluttering and restoration of iconic areas, including Lumbridge’s castle walls, the removal of the Lumbridge Crater, returning the Shattered Worlds temple, and restoring Lumbridge Swamp caves and Water Runecrating Altar to their original locations.
Jagex also plans to make Edit Mode an opt-in advanced experience, improving customization flow without breaking player immersion. The goal is a more cohesive, immersive, and fair world that players can fit into their lifestyles and enjoy at their own pace.
Community Engagement and Future Outlook
Jagex is committed to maintaining transparent communication with players about upcoming content, updates, and ongoing feedback. The RuneScape Ahead showcase scheduled for January 19, 2026, will reveal more details about the next big steps, including new content, quality-of-life improvements, and how the community shapes the game’s future together.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Treasure Hunter be removed?
Treasure Hunter microtransaction items and direct XP boosts will be removed from sale starting January 19, 2026.
What stays after the removal?
Bonus XP bundles and cosmetic items remain purchasable through the Marketplace, emphasizing look rather than pay-to-win advantages.
Will existing consumables be usable?
Yes, many existing items will still be usable until January 2027 during the grace period.
What is the Integrity Roadmap?
A year-long initiative focusing on restoring balance, improving UI, polishing visuals, and addressing gameplay issues to shape RuneScape’s future.
Will there be new content in 2026?
Yes, Jagex plans significant content updates, including new quests and areas, to be announced in January’s RuneScape Ahead event.
Final Thoughts
Jagex’s removal of Treasure Hunter marks a pivotal moment in RuneScape’s evolution—acknowledging player feedback, addressing long-criticized systems, and investing heavily in the game’s long-term health. This move aims to balance monetization with fair play and rejuvenate a beloved MMORPG as it continues into a new era starting January 19, 2026. It’s a bold step that underscores the importance of community voice shaping game futures.