You probably saw the peeks on Twitter last night, but it’s officially official now: RuneScape’s Archaeology skill is finally launching on March 30th as part of what Jagex is calling a “major expansion” for the game.
“Skills are a key feature in RuneScape, enabling players to train and level up various abilities to shape their character, and the introduction of Archaeology will begin a major expansion with both a deeply integrated new skill and five massive new locations to explore. RuneScape’s 28th skill has players journeying into and excavating five vast dig sites in search of artefacts and relics. Archaeology will also dive deep into the game’s lore and sets up a new and epic storyline that’s connected to the world’s original creators, the Elder Gods. The new Archaeology skill has a 120 level cap and is available to both RuneScape members and free players as soon as it launches. Players will excavate and restore artefacts using their gathering talents. Furthermore, discovery of ancient relics will unlock powerful perks such as adrenaline boosts, infinite run energy and much more.”
The official site has more:
“In Archaeology you’ll use your mattock and your wits to solve some of the biggest mysteries of Gielinor’s past. You’ll excavate strange artefacts, restore them, and gain their powers. You’ll rediscover the art of ancient Summoning, reinvent bygone technologies – and ultimately earn the right to call yourself an Archaeology Master. Archaeology is absolutely rammed with content – it’s a Gathering and Manufacturing skill, it has six large explorable areas, and it’s bursting with rewards that offer significant gameplay benefits. And we have big plans for post-release support and updates for it throughout the year.”
The studio is also talking up the race to 120 on the new skill, plus “ancient training methods” for other skills, including Ancient Summoning and Ancient Invention; Jagex vows that this update “lays the foundation for a dramatic year ahead.” The Archaeology update will be “free-to-play cap set at level 20, allowing for around two hours of play.”
Get a first in-game look at Everlight, one of the five epic new locations you'll explore with Archaeology on March 30th!
Impressive? You haven't seen it all. It hides a large dig site underneath the surface, and secrets to unearth⛏️ pic.twitter.com/cowJRybYOr
— RuneScape (@RuneScape) February 26, 2020
