We’re getting ready to make the full transition to Jagex Accounts later this year! Today, we want to give you a heads up on what to expect and a little of the why behind it.
Our old account system, as much as it has evolved over time, lacks a lot of the modern features to protect your characters. We’ve all heard those horror stories of phishing, social engineering and breaches – both in our games and across the gaming world – and we wanted to step up our game.
The launch of Jagex Accounts back in 2023 was our big effort to fix this, built on a modern codebase including things like more secure passwords, improved 2FA options and additional security notifications for logins or account changes.
We took three years to iterate and improve our systems based on your feedback, slowly watching as the share of players using Jagex Accounts increased (we’re at over 85% of active players as we write this!).
At some point, we were always going to need to commit to a full transition to ensure RuneScape is a more secure, safe place for all our players. We wanted to let you know as early as possible that this will happen this year – no exact date right now, but we are looking at around November or December.
At this point, Jagex Accounts will be required to play RuneScape & Old School RuneScape (except for Steam, Apple, Google & Game Center logins).
If you’re not on a platform that supports Jagex Accounts today, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be making changes to our Launcher to ensure all players retain access to our games across all our supported operating systems.
This isn’t the end of improvements to Jagex Accounts by any stretch. We know there’s some great ideas for features you’d love us to explore, and we’ll continue building on the many years of work we’ve taken to get here after the full transition is sorted.
Do I Need to Do Anything?
If you’re already on a Jagex Account, or use Steam, Apple, Google or Game Center logins, you’re all set for this change and don’t need to do anything.
If you’re not on a Jagex Account or any of the excluded account types listed above, we recommend upgrading before it’s required. It only takes a few minutes, and it means no unexpected upgrades at an inopportune time!
If you haven’t migrated over by the switch-over date, your game progress will remain safely saved - but you will need to complete the upgrade on your next login before you can continue playing.
We’ll confirm our final date for the full transition to Jagex Accounts closer to the time, along with details for those playing on non-Windows & Mobile platforms.
This is a big step forward towards a more secure RuneScape – and we want to say thanks again to everyone who’s shared feedback on Jagex Accounts over the last few years. Your feedback has been a huge part of making sure Jagex Accounts are right for the future, and we won’t stop here!
We’ll be back to you with more details later this year,
FAQs
Should I upgrade now?
We recommend it! You’ve got plenty of time between here and the full switch over date, so fit it in whenever best suits you and avoid the disruption on the full switch over date. You can do this here.
When will I need to switch to a Jagex Account?
Later this year. We’ll give you a firm date as soon as we can, but we are targeting November or December this year.
What happens if I don’t switch to a Jagex Account before the switch over?
Your accounts and characters will be safely stored. Once you next attempt to login, you’ll be prompted to complete the upgrade process before you can continue playing.
Why are you making this switch over mandatory?
Introducing Jagex Accounts has been a concerted effort to ensure your precious accounts have stronger protection and support systems than our old legacy login systems.
Switching all accounts to this system ensures everyone benefits from the best security possible. It also enables us to deliver future improvements built on a modern technology base, which with the current divide in account types, are just not possible today.
Will I still be able to play via Approved Third Party Clients?
Yes! You’ll continue to be able to access Approved Third Party Clients and, for example, use plugins on RuneLite as you do today.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a Jagex Account?
RuneScape accounts were built a long time ago and no longer meet today’s security standards. Known as ‘legacy accounts’, these are the accounts players use to login through less secure methods.
Getting all RuneScape-based logins onto Jagex Accounts will mean all players will benefit from much stronger protection, without impacting the ways you choose to play today. Upgrading helps keep the game and your progress much safer than through our legacy accounts. This includes:
- Easier Access: One login gives you access to up to 20 characters. Launcher-based login sessions last up to 90 days, allowing you to get into the game quickly without another login.
- Improved Security: Modern security features such as stronger password requirements, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), email notifications of logins/account changes and backup codes to help you re-access your account if you lose your MFA.
- Modern Account Management: Manage your subscriptions and account more easily and efficiently.
- Better Support Options: Access Live Chat with a real J-Mod and improved support ticket management.
- In Game Bonuses: Old School RuneScape players receive 20 extra bank slots per associated character and Fancier Boots. RuneScape players receive a 5 minute logout timer extension.
What will happen to my existing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Upgrading will replace your existing Multi-Factor Authentication for your character. If you’re starting a new Jagex Account, this will be set up as email MFA by default – though you can turn on an Authenticator App & Backup Codes in your settings.
Will I be able to continue playing on my platform of choice?
Yes! We’ll be making sure there’s a route to continue playing on any platforms you choose to play on today. Look out for more information later this year along with our switchover date announcement.
The Launcher isn’t currently supported by my platform of choice. Will I be able to play after the switch over?
We’ll be making sure you can continue to play Old School RuneScape and RuneScape on the platforms you use today. We’ll provide more details later this year.
Are Jagex Accounts supported on Mobile?
Yes! We also recently added Mobile Character Switching for Jagex Accounts for Old School RuneScape. We intend to bring this feature to RuneScape in future too.
Can I install the Launcher on controlled devices?
Elevated Permissions have been removed as a requirement for installing the Launcher, allowing you to use the Launcher – and access the game via your Jagex Account – on controlled devices.
I currently use an Apple, Steam, Game Centre or Google login. Should I be on a Jagex Account?
No. We’ll continue to support these login routes given they are paired with extensive, modern security methods – just like Jagex Accounts.
Will this mean I lose my character name?
Your character names are safe! Jagex Accounts host all your characters under one login. While you’ll login with this primary login, you’ll continue to select your character – with its existing name – to play the game.
Can I play on multiple characters at once with my Jagex Account login?
Yes! You can still play on multiple characters at one time, excluding using the same character across both games simultaneously – which is also a limitation on legacy accounts.
How confident are you in Jagex Accounts being ready for this?
Very. The vast majority of active accounts play through Jagex Accounts today. Thanks to three years of work based on your feedback, we’ve delivered plenty of improvements to get us to this point – and this change sets us up to provide even more improvements in future too!