RuneScape has kicked off Havenhythe, the first half of what Jagex says is the biggest area expansion in the MMORPG’s 25-year history. Part 1 launched today, March 23, 2026, bringing a new quest series, a Hunter expansion, two mid-level bosses, fish farming and more besides.
More importantly, Havenhythe sounds like a deliberate shift in tone. Rather than gods, apocalypses and the usual world-ending drama, this new region leans back towards a more classic RuneScape feel. You know, local trouble, muddy boots and things trying to bite you in the countryside.
Havenhythe opens with quests, Hunter upgrades and new bosses
This first update introduces the opening chapters of a new quest series, alongside a sizeable expansion for the Hunter skill. Havenhythe’s wilderness adds new giant-creature encounters to Big Game Hunter, with players needing to stay hidden while tracking their targets across the region.
Those hunts reward extra Hunter XP and materials used to craft high-level ranger armour. The update also raises the Hunter level cap to 110, while a new clockwork trapping method lets players catch multiple creatures in a single trap. Which sounds handy, assuming the creatures are less enthusiastic about the arrangement than you are.
Quest-wise, Part 1 adds two main story quests: Visions of Havenhythe and Hearts of Sanguine. These set up the new region and the threat hanging over its people. There are also two standalone quests, Wiz Kid and Hermit Permits, the latter of which involves helping the crabs of Wendlewick sort out a housing issue. Peak RuneScape, honestly.
Fish farming joins the mix too
For combat players around level 40 to 50, Havenhythe also adds two new bosses in Silverquill: the Dreadhog and Ivar, King of Bones. Between them, they introduce mechanics such as telegraphed attacks, weapon pairing and protection prayers. Silver spikes dropped by the Dreadhog will also tie into the wider conflict at the heart of Havenhythe.
Elsewhere, the update introduces fish farming as a new skilling activity. Players can stock between one and four pools using starters including level 45 lobsters and level 55 swordfish, then harvest them once the population reaches capacity.
It is not quite a set-and-forget job, mind you. Pools can get dirty, algae can build up and your fish stock can suffer if you ignore it for too long. So yes, even the fish need a bit of admin.
A second part of Havenhythe is due later in 2026. For now, Part 1 is live in RuneScape on PC, Steam, iOS and Android, with cross-platform play and progression across PC and mobile.