RuneScape: Dragonwilds Confirms Prayer, Hunter and Slayer

Jagex has confirmed that RuneScape: Dragonwilds will receive three more skills—Prayer, Hunter and Slayer—as part of its content plans through 2027. The announcement matters because skills remain central to Dragonwilds' identity, even as the game adapts RuneScape traditions for a survival-crafting world built around exploration, resource gathering and player-made bases.

What happened: three familiar skills join Dragonwilds

The newly confirmed additions are Prayer, Hunter and Slayer. Prayer is first on the schedule, set to launch in December 2026 with the free Luminance update. Hunter is planned for 2027 alongside Song of Rebellion, the opening chapter of the Blood Crystal Saga. Slayer is also on the roadmap, but Jagex has not announced a release window or explained its progression structure.

The lineup continues Dragonwilds' approach of bringing recognizable RuneScape systems into a substantially different genre. Existing progression pillars such as Mining, Woodcutting and Magic have been reshaped for an open-world game where survival, construction and crafting carry far more weight than they do in the longstanding MMORPG.

Why it matters: progression is becoming broader and more connected

Prayer appears designed to touch several parts of the Dragonwilds experience rather than simply add another combat stat. Players will be able to use bones and ashes for training, construct altars at their bases, and unlock passive prayers. Those effects can improve fighting ability, restore health, enhance gathering efficiency and offer resistance against specific damage. Altars will restore Prayer points, while certain enemies can drain those points, giving the system an active combat role.

Hunter should further strengthen exploration in the 2027 content cycle. Jagex says players will stalk creatures, place traps and collect animals across the world. The area around the elven city of Ailddinas is expected to introduce Implings, additional Kebbit types, grizzly bears and birds. That makes Hunter a potential bridge between roaming, crafting and regional discovery.

What to watch next: the Blood Crystal Saga takes shape

The skills are part of a wider roadmap that extends into 2027. Following Luminance, the Blood Crystal Saga is expected to move players into territory controlled by the Nos Clan. Jagex has also outlined new gear, quests and locations as part of the game's ongoing expansion.

The studio intends to support Dragonwilds with monthly content releases alongside larger quarterly updates. The key unknown is Slayer. In traditional RuneScape, the skill is strongly associated with assigned monster targets and structured progression, but Jagex has not said whether Dragonwilds will follow that model or build a version tailored to its survival systems. Its eventual design may reveal how closely the game wants to mirror its MMO roots.

Key takeaways for Dragonwilds players

  • Prayer arrives first in the free Luminance update in December 2026.
  • Base-built altars will be important for restoring Prayer points and supporting its progression loop.
  • Hunter is scheduled for 2027 with Song of Rebellion and new wildlife near Ailddinas.
  • Slayer is confirmed, but its launch timing and gameplay details remain unannounced.
  • The roadmap combines regular monthly drops with larger quarterly expansions through 2027.

Confirmed skill roadmap

Skill Planned timing Known details
Prayer December 2026 Arrives with Luminance; includes altars, passive prayers and Prayer point management.
Hunter 2027 Launches with Song of Rebellion; features tracking creatures, traps and animal collection.
Slayer Not specified Confirmed for the roadmap, with no detailed mechanics or release date announced.

Expert View

Adding three iconic skills is a smart way for Jagex to deepen Dragonwilds without abandoning what makes it distinct. Prayer and Hunter already look integrated into base building, combat and exploration rather than copied from the MMO. Slayer is the real test: if Jagex can adapt it with the same confidence, Dragonwilds' progression system could become its strongest long-term advantage.