From the Vault: Heists & Thieving Skill Increase
Hey everyone,
Today, we’re taking a quick look at something a little different. Thieving is the next skill in line for an update, but this time, we’re taking a new approach.
A content-first approach: creating fresh gameplay, leaning into the fantasy of becoming a true master thief, and expanding the skill with that gameplay as new experiences that feels meaningful. As part of this process we will be raising the level cap but this is more to facilitate the gameplay then be the focus of the update.
Currently, the plan is to bring Thieving up to 120, but first we want to make that journey a conversation with you.
So, let’s talk about Heists.
What Are Heists?
Heists are brand-new, repeatable “solo-together” active piece of content. By 'solo-together', we mean that your progress is entirely individual - however you'll be able to observe others progressing throughout the heist, learning from their successes (and failures). Think in the spirit of Big Game Hunter, but reimagined for Thieving.
Each Heist is built around the idea of sneaking into a high-security location and making it out with precious loot. To achieve this you’ll:
- Infiltrate a secure facility.
- Sneak around the guards and traps.
- Use core Thieving skills like pickpocketing, looting chests or safecracking to make progress.
- Reach the final vault and secure a prize.
- Earning XP and loot proportionate to your efforts.
These heists are designed to be active, engaging, and rewarding and where possible, your existing Thieving equipment will contribute to your success.
Where we hitting first?
Heists are being designed with the flexibility to be created across various skill levels and locations, but to start, we’re introducing two very different Heists:
The Vault of Hereditas (Level 95 - 105)
Hidden within a sealed wing of Kharid-et, this vault is protected by ghostly guards, spirits trapped inside when the doors were shut long ago. They’re not exactly thrilled about intruders, but hey… they’re not using the treasure, right?
The Asuran Arsenal (Level 108 - 118)
Ever wondered where the Dragonkin siege cannons were stored before Kerapac marched his forces across Gielinor? This Heist focuses less on stealth and more on timing, as you navigate machinery, cannons, and flamethrowers. A very different flavour of break-in.
As you progress in levels you will unlock additional paths and loot sources to improve the runs as you improve your skills!
Heists: A New Fantasy for Thieving
Up to now, Thieving has mostly meant XP-focused: cakes, farmers, dwarves, elves. You know the drill. With Heists, we're looking to change that up.
The goals with this project are to:
- Deliver the fantasy of being a master thief
- Create high-stakes, high-reward gameplay that feels exciting to repeat
- Move away from purely AFK loops
Loot you say?
Every Heist needs a good payoff. With this update, you’ll see:
- A fresh money-making method for Thieving, something the skill has really needed
- Brand new rewards, like you'd expect from a big game hunter creature or skilling boss
- An active way to earn XP
- New Unique (and Deadly) Rewards
We’ll be talking more about these rewards in the future, but the aim is clear: Heists should feel worthwhile every time you pull one off.
Expanding Thieving to 120
The current plan for this update is to launch with the level cap pushed up to 120 instead of the usual 110. Internally, we have been discussing and it, but here’s where we landed:
- Thieving isn’t like Fletching, Crafting, or Smithing, where you need to create new “tiers” of gear every time the level cap goes up.
- A 120 cap gives us room to grow, adding more Heists and additional content over time.
- Community feedback has been clear: when we raise caps, it should be content-driven. That’s the approach we’re taking here.
Planned Level Bands
Initially we would want to focus the heists on the higher skill levels with the Vault of Hereditas aimed around the mid 90s while the Asuran Arsenal would focus on the 100 - 110 space, with the intent as your gain levels that runs become more efficient.
The Usual Suspects: Core Thieving Content
Heists aren’t the only thing on the table. We’re also giving traditional Thieving some love with:
New NPCs to pickpocket, approximately 30 new pickpocketing NPC including:
- Vyre Lords
- Archaeology Professors
- Wizard Tower Mages
- Fairy Traders
- And Goebies!
New high-level stalls, full of various items such as Fish/Gems/Herbs found in:
- Zanaris
- Darkmeyer
- Menaphos
New thievable chests in 15 locations, using a reworked chest system that:
- Provides a low to mid-intensity training option
- Adds variety to the ways you train day-to-day
While a significant portion of this content is geared toward the late game, not everything is reserved for post-99 play. Some new additions are aimed earlier in the progression curve. For example, around level 50 you’ll be able to pickpocket Trainee Archaeologists for extra materials, swipe potion ingredients from stalls in Zanaris, and plunder chests for seeds, stone spirits, ores, and more!
What’s Next?
That’s everything we’re ready to share for now, but this is just the beginning of the journey for Thieving. We’d love to hear what you think. Does the Heist system capture the kind of high-stakes thieving you’ve been waiting for? Are the rewards hitting the mark, and how do you feel about us pushing the skill all the way to 120?
Jump in, share your thoughts, and let’s shape this update together.