MTX Experiment 1: Disabling Treasure Hunter
A Quick Note from CM
Hey everyone. We've seen some confusion on when you can expect our first Experiment to take place. We committed to communicating early and often, so we've fast-tracked the release of this blog to make sure everything is super clear.
As a reminder, our core three Experiments - 'Disabling Treasure Hunter', 'DXP With Only Bonus XP Available', and the 'Cosmetic Mega Drop' - all last no more than two weeks, with one arriving each month. We'll also have a longer running bonus Experiment with Cosmetic-Free Worlds, which will run for at least four weeks beginning in August.
Still got questions? Head to our official Reddit thread here and we'll do our best to answer!
Our first MTX Experiment on the path to permanent change for the game is on the way. It's time to test out disabling Treasure Hunter!
Not sure what this is all about? This Experiment is part of a series of Experiments, running from July to September, which will help lead us to big changes on our approach to monetisation.
Learn more about what we're doing and what to expect in our full blog here.
What Are We Doing
Treasure Hunter will be deactivated from July 22nd - July 28th 2025. During this time, Keys will not be usable or purchasable.
In place of Treasure Hunter, a limited supply of Bonus XP Bundles will be available in the store.
What Are We Trying To Learn
Our main goal of this Experiment is to provide us a tangible picture of what RuneScape 3 without Treasure Hunter looks like.
While the main focus of this test is Treasure Hunter, this also gives us a great opportunity to get a read on interest and feedback on XP benefits that directly encourage gameplay. We're conscious that we have a growing part of our player base who have less time to play, and in surveys, have signalled the importance of some ability to speed up progression for the game to realistically fit into their life.
As Bonus XP and XP buffs still requires participating in the core gameplay loops of RuneScape, we're exploring some level of availability here - while respecting our commitments to approach MTX in a way that is healthier for the game, and not being more aggressive in offering XP benefits outside the core game loop.
To do this, we'll be launching capped purchases of Bonus XP and Knowledge Bomb Bundles into the Marketplace for the duration of the Experiment. These will be removed when Treasure Hunter returns at the end of the Experiment.
Here's a summary of what we're primarily looking at during this test:
- Player Feedback: How the game feels without Treasure Hunter, it's associated rewards, and the removal of Daily Keys / Earned Keys
- Player Feedback: Thoughts on the Bonus XP Bundles - their value, place in the game, and any other feedback
- Data: The impact to player behavior without Treasure Hunter (whether earned or paid)
- Data: Interest and purchases of the Bonus XP Bundles, especially by time-poor players
Don't worry if these experiments aren’t for you or don’t change as much as you’d like. They are simply the quickest and most straightforward way to gather data and test the key aspects we want to address, while keeping the rest of our roadmap on track.
The data we collect will help us build a clearer picture of what the final solution might look like. In particular, the nuance in your feedback will be invaluable and one of the most important inputs shaping the final outcome. These experiments are just the first step, and one of many opportunities to come for all players to help shape the direction of MTX.
What To Expect
Treasure Hunter will be disabled, but still visible. Attempting to open Treasure Hunter will show that we've disabled it, along with some information on what will happen with Daily Keys (covered in our FAQ below).
Bonus XP Bundles will appear in the Marketplace and will be available for the duration of the Experiment. These are capped at 1 purchase, per bundle, per day.
Star Bundles*
Stars provide a permanent stock of Bonus XP for the Skill you use them on.
| Package | Items | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 4 Large Prismatic Stars | £1.79 |
| Medium | 12 Large Prismatic Stars | £4.99 |
| Large | 25 Large Prismatic Stars | £9.99 |
Knowledge Bomb Bundles*
Knowledge Bombs provide a universal 1.5x XP for 1 hour per Small Knowledge Bomb.
| Package | Items | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2 Small Knowledge Bombs | £4.99 |
| Medium | 6 Small Knowledge Bombs | £9.99 |
| Large | 10 Small Knowledge Bombs | £14.99 |
*Note: The volume of each package and the pricing has been calculated for the purposes of this test, and may not represent our final proposal. We'll be listening to feedback on how much should be available, how often and more throughout the test.
How To Give Feedback
Your voice is critical to every Experiment. We need to know directly how these changes impact you, whatever your perspective, and what you think is right - or wrong - about what we are trying.
The best way to give us your thoughts are through our Survey, which will open the same day the Experiment begins. Look out for a Newspost with a link on July 22nd.
Not the Survey type? All good. Head on over to our official Reddit thread and Discord channel on July 22nd to share your thoughts and participate in discussions with the community.
Whether you are watching from the sidelines or actively playing, please do let us know what you think. Thanks for helping us find a better future for the game, together!
FAQs
What will happen to my Daily Keys?
You will still earn Daily Keys any day you log in during the Experiment, though they will not be visible. You'll see your missed Daily Keys appear once the Experiment is over.
I get extra keys from Premier Membership. What will happen to the keys I should have?
As above, you'll get any missed Daily Keys - including any additional ones from other benefits - once the Experiment is over. As normal, you'll only earn Daily Keys on unique days you log in over the Experiment period.
Can I still earn Daily Challenge Keys and Quest Keys during the Experiment?
Yes! These Keys will be delivered immediately, though you will be unable to use them until after the Experiment ends. We've also made sure to remove the existing cap on the number of Keys you can store during the week of the Experiment so nothing ends up in your inventory.
Why is Treasure Hunter still visible during the Experiment if it's disabled?
While we'd prefer to just hide it for the duration of the test, we also recognize not everyone will be aware of what's going on. Having it visibly disabled helps us notify players who may have expected to use Keys.
Why is the test 7 days long?
Each Experiment has been planned to give us the optimal length of time to learn what we need to. In the interim, the game will be operating as usual.
Permanent change is coming, but these Experiments are the crucial last steps of learning between today's model and a final proposal we can share with you. We know where we want to go, we just have to validate how to get there.
Can I use the Oddments Store during this time?
No, as the Oddments Store will also be disabled for the duration of the Experiment.
Why are you selling Bonus XP Bundles?
We recognise there are players who purchase MTX to help the game fit into their life with the help of pacier progression.
However, we are committed to changing our MTX in a way that is better for the game health and keeps players within the core gameplay loop. Bonus XP incentivizes playing the game within the core loop, so we're exploring this option for those who may feel the loss of other MTX diminishes their ability to play. We welcome all opinions on this, so please do let us know what you think about us trying it!
Does the Daily Cap insinuate future monetisation may be encouraging Dailyscape?
Not at all. The cap is there to ensure we moderate the amount of Bonus XP and time-limited XP buffs that can be acquired given the short availability.
Would you have some kind of cap on how many Bundles you could buy in future?
Right now we don't know for sure. We'll be looking to community feedback to hear the pros and cons of a capped approach to help inform where we might go. As promised, you'll see any plans we cook up in a final proposal to give us your take before any decisions are solidified.
Do I have to buy the Bonus XP Bundles if I want to show I like them?
Buying the Bundles will absolutely help us get a read on interest, but it's not the only way. If you like them, answering our survey above will help us get a read too. You absolutely do not need to purchase to make your voice heard.
Will you keep the Bonus XP Bundles in the game after the Experiment?
Definitely not. These Bonus XP Bundles exist for the Experiment in a world without Treasure Hunter, and we have no intention to re-introduce them without changes to other monetisation.