The RuneScape Community Made the Decision
The world of RuneScape is about to change forever. Today, Jagex has announced that the Treasure Hunter microtransactions of the game will be removed permanently on January 19, 2026, marking one of the biggest changes in the MMO’s history. The decision follows a massive community vote in which more than 120,000 players demanded the removal of the feature.
Treasure Hunter, introduced in 2014, lets players win in-game prizes such as XP boosts, gold, and items that accelerate progress. While everyone receives a few free keys each day, many buy extra keys with real money, making the feature a key part of RuneScape’s monetization for more than a decade.
When Jagex removes Treasure Hunter, it will also withdraw 225 Direct XP and skilling-related items from sale. The studio plans to eliminate all purchasable items that give direct gameplay advantages, aiming to create a fairer and more balanced experience for all players.
This change is part of Jagex’s year-long Integrity Roadmap, which focuses on improving the foundation of RuneScape. The team will address long-standing issues in combat, the user interface, daily activities, and early and mid-game content. It also plans to refresh the game’s visual identity and modernize core systems that have shaped player experience for years.
Jagex says these updates represent a renewed promise to strengthen RuneScape’s integrity and rebuild player trust. By removing gameplay shortcuts and emphasizing genuine progression, the studio hopes to bring the game closer to its community-driven roots. RuneScape is available now on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android, with full cross-platform play and progression.