Jagex dropped one of the most anticipated updates for RuneScape: Dragonwilds in March 2026 — dedicated server support. Update 0.11 “Dowdun Reach” not only added a massive new region to explore, but also gave players the ability to host their own persistent servers. Here’s everything you need to know about how Dragonwilds dedicated servers work.
What Changed with Update 0.11
Before 0.11, Dragonwilds multiplayer worked through peer-to-peer connections — one player hosted and the world was only online when they were playing. Dedicated servers change that completely:
- 24/7 persistence — Your Ashenfall world stays online even when no one is playing
- Up to 6 players — Expanded from the previous 4-player co-op limit
- No host advantage — All players connect to the server equally, eliminating host lag
- Server browser — Players can find and join public servers through the in-game browser
- Admin controls — Owner and admin roles with ban/unban capabilities
How Dragonwilds Servers Differ from Other Survival Games
Unlike games like Rust or Valheim that support dozens or hundreds of players, Dragonwilds is designed around a tight co-op experience. The 6-player cap reflects the game’s focus on cooperative skill leveling, crafting, and dragon boss encounters rather than massive PvP servers. Jagex has indicated they’re working to increase this cap in future updates.
The Skill System on Dedicated Servers
One of Dragonwilds’ most compelling features is its RuneScape-inspired skill system. On a dedicated server, all 10 skills persist and progress carries over between sessions:
- Attack — Melee combat proficiency
- Ranged — Ranged weapon damage
- Magic — Spellcasting with runes (Rocksplosion, Tempest Shield, Surge, and more)
- Mining — Ore extraction and resource gathering
- Woodcutting — Timber harvesting
- Cooking — Food preparation at cooking ranges
- Construction — Base building and fortification
- Farming — Crop cultivation
- Artisan — Crafting at specialized stations
- Runecrafting — Creating runes at altars
With skills going up to level 99 and the Anima magic system adding RuneScape’s signature fantasy depth, a dedicated server ensures your group never loses progress on their grind.
Exploring Ashenfall Together
Dragonwilds features a hand-crafted world with multiple distinct regions, each offering unique resources, enemies, and challenges:
- Brynmoor — The starting region with introductory enemies and basic resources
- Ghornfell — A harsher environment with tougher creatures
- Fellhollow — Dense, dangerous territory
- Dowdun Reach — The newest region added with update 0.11, featuring advanced content
Having a persistent dedicated server means your group can explore these regions at their own pace, with the world continuing to exist between play sessions.
Server Types: Vanilla vs. Moddable
Jagex supports two types of dedicated servers:
- Vanilla (Secure) servers — Cannot be modified, ensuring a consistent gameplay experience
- Moddable servers — Allow customization and community mods via the UE4SS framework (Nexus Mods)
This dual approach lets competitive groups play on a level playing field while giving creative communities the freedom to customize their experience.
Get Started
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