Should You Buy RuneScape: Dragonwilds?
Does RuneScape: Dragonwilds truly warrant the investment? This is a question resonating among OSRS veterans and those unfamiliar with the world of Gielinor. Contrary to popular perception, Jagex's latest offering departs from the MMO genre, delivering an intense cooperative survival experience for up to four players or solo, reminiscent of titles like Valheim and The Forest, yet deeply rooted in the familiar realm of RuneScape.
Long-time adventurers of RuneScape or OSRS will encounter recognizable elements and characters. However, the distinctive factor elevating Dragonwilds above other survival games lies in its innovative approach to magic. This is not confined to merely launching fireballs at anything that crosses your path; instead, it seamlessly integrates into various facets of gameplay, allowing players to reach greater heights with magical leaps, summon powerful spectral axes for efficient logging, or conjure fire spirits to illuminate the darkness. This versatile application of magic not only introduces a unique strategic layer but is also inherently fun.
Overview
Given its genuinely early access state, the world of RuneScape: Dragonwilds features a limited scope and lacks procedural generation. You will encounter distinct, pre-defined areas that offer approximately +20 hours of immersive exploration, provided the map's discovery is approached deliberately and without haste. Regarding the fauna, the majority of creatures inhabiting this environment exhibit aggressive behavior or will adopt a defensive stance simply upon the player's presence, adding a constant challenge to the survival experience. In addition to the large number of secrets and fun moments alone or with friends, it gives it a plus and I repeat the game is just taking shape and now it needs to add content.
Regarding resource acquisition, the experience is remarkably satisfying. Activities such as felling trees, mining ores, gathering herbs, or hunting animals for provisions are perceived as gratifying. This sensation intensifies significantly when incorporating the diverse applications of magic, transforming it into the ultimate gathering experience. Nevertheless, the considerable quantity of materials required for crafting essential items can undeniably feel excessive. Despite this aspect, the immersion in a completely unknown environment, dedicated to resource collection with the uncertainty of encounters to come, generates a profoundly stimulating and absorbing sensation.
Now, regarding its gameplay, what's the feeling of fighting goblins like? Well, the mechanics are simple: "left-click to attack, right-click to block, strafe with the control key." I won't claim it's the Dark Souls of survival games because enough is enough. Its gameplay is undoubtedly entertaining, featuring the possibility of parrying if you're skilled, which practically guarantees victory in combat if you manage to pull it off. However, I'm not saying the game is easy; don't try to fight multiple enemies simultaneously, or you'll be walking all the way back to retrieve your belongings.
Speaking of a negative aspect I must mention is its death system, as you lose all your items and must walk back to your grave to recover them. This can be a frustrating experience due to the amount of time it can take if you die far from your respawn point.
I perceive that the hunger, thirst, and particularly the stamina indicators deplete excessively quickly. Fatigue, in particular, is slightly frustrating, as a lack of sleep leads to a progressive limitation of the character's stamina bar. Considering that rest is only possible during the night, this mechanic can feel somewhat restrictive, as one often wishes to continue exploration without the need to interrupt the adventure to return to the shelter and sleep, thus limiting the flow of discovery.
It should also be highlighted that the game vividly encourages exploring every corner of its world and rewards you very well; there are many chests and hidden dungeons where you can get the resources for your armor and weapons, strengthening your progress. The progression of Dragonwilds is very satisfying; seeing your character with increasingly better equipment is very engaging and only makes you think about what the next tier will be like, sparking great curiosity and ambition.
Price and where to buy it
Now, how much does Runescape Dragonwilds cost? Currently, its price is $30; however, there are regions where it only costs $20, but it might be a bit high when compared to other cooperative survival games. Even so, I give them credit that the developers will do a good job and that with the money obtained, they will have more motivation to continue dedicating more love to this game, ensuring future updates and content. You can easily get this game on Steam, so if you are really interested in having a good time, here is the link for its purchase or at least to add it to your wishlist, keeping you informed of possible offers.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1374490/RuneScape_Dragonwilds/
It's worth it?
Ultimately, the answer to the question heading this analysis is affirmative: RuneScape: Dragonwilds is indeed worthwhile. Despite being in its early access stages, the game has demonstrated a promising start, suggesting a bright future and significant improvements with each upcoming update. Therefore, I consider it appropriate to give Jagex a vote of confidence, anticipating the creation of a playful and absorbing experience that will provide us with countless hours of enjoyment, whether solo or in the company of friends. For those who still harbor doubts or are not entirely decided, I would strongly recommend adding it to their wish list and staying attentive to its evolution. I intuit that this title will undoubtedly become one of those gaming experiences that one must experience at least once in a lifetime, due to its innovative proposal and its immersion in the already familiar yet renewed universe of Gielinor.