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Signup + An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletterJust shy of two months ago, Jagex made the bold move of getting rid of RuneScape's microtransactions. It was a decision celebrated throughout the community. Now, the developer's revealed that premier subscriptions for the long-running MMO are going up, and fans are considerably less enthused.
As of April 9, the cost of a monthly membership for current subscribers is rising from $13.99 to $14.99, while a yearly bulk sub jumps from $99.48 to $131.88, breaking down to $10.99 per month, an increase of $2.70. Those are noticeable jumps, and they come lass than two years since the last round of increases.
Those on the Grandfathered rate – monthly subs started before September 27, 2024 – will stay on that price, however, if you've since switched to the annual tier, then you can no longer access this legacy tier. "The ability for 12 Month Membership subscribers to switch between discounted-value 12 Month Membership and inactive Grandfather Rate memberships has also been discontinued," Jagex says in the announcement.
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"We will continue to offer a 14-day grace period to protect your Grandfathered rate in the event of a billing issue."
Six-month memberships have been removed from sale, though existing ones will continue to rollover until canceled. Bonds are still useable against subs, but they're getting more expensive in lieu of the price changes.
These prices are in use as of now, March 10, for any new sign-ups. Players are unhappy, to say the least. "Way to show appreciation to your loyal players," says one commenter on Reddit. "I can understand them trying to remove Grandfathered rates, but forcing you onto the new rates underhandedly is going to double the cost of RS and people are going to actively make a financial decision," another adds.
A comparison between modern and Grandfathered rates shows a steep climb in pricing. "Thanks to Grandfathered rates, I currently pay 8 AUD per month," one Redditor states, "while the new 12 month price is 15.49 AUD per month. That right there is nearly double."
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ NewsletterContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.There's a throughline of frustration as players realize they can't access cheaper pricing any more. Jagex states this is to make further developments across RuneScape and its Old School sibling more feasible. "We're genuinely grateful you choose to spend your time in RuneScape," the developer says.
"Your long-term support is a big part of why we can invest in RuneScape's future, and our commitment is to keep delivering a membership that feels fair, rewarding, and built to last."
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Anthony McGlynnSocial Links NavigationContributing WriterAnthony is an Irish entertainment and games journalist, now based in Glasgow. He previously served as Senior Anime Writer at Dexerto and News Editor at The Digital Fix, on top of providing work for Variety, IGN, Den of Geek, PC Gamer, and many more. Besides Studio Ghibli, horror movies, and The Muppets, he enjoys action-RPGs, heavy metal, and pro-wrestling. He interviewed Animal once, not that he won’t stop going on about it or anything.
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