RuneScape Opens Combat Beta Weekend To Members

Jagex has opened its Evolution of Combat beta to all RuneScape members this weekend.

50,000 testers have already been working at the new combat system, which includes an action bar, critical hits, unlocked abilities, and new animations. The weekend test – which will run until July 9 at 2am Pacific (10 BST) – will include a Castle Wars challenge, letting players compete against the game’s developers. Players who take part in all four open weekends will earn a Mad Scientist outfit.

RuneScape Gameplay Screenshot

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hordes gather for runescape combat beta Open weekend

Jagex opens doors to all runescape members; combat beta to get put through its paces

Thursday 5^th July 2012, Cambridge, UK – Jagex, maker of the world’s most popular free-to-play MMORPG – RuneScape, today announced the opening of its highly anticipated Combat Beta, Evolution of Combat to all RuneScape members this weekend.

The members will join an elite band of 50,000 testers, who applied for access to the Beta and have been engrossed in game play for the last week, to help shape the development of this significant and immense update.

The open weekend will run from 10am on Friday 6^th July until 10am on Monday 9^th July (BST). This is the first of four open weekends where members will be able to hone their skills and, should players participate in all four and carry out certain tasks, their efforts will unlock a unique player outfit at the end of the Beta.

This weekend’s challenge requires players to complete one full game of Castle Wars, the popularity of which will be bolstered by the chance to do battle with RuneScape’s esteemed team of developers.

“We’re really pleased to be able to announce the first Combat Beta open weekend for RuneScape members.” commented Mark Ogilvie, RuneScape’s Lead Designer. “Not only will they be able to playtest and fine tune their skills, but if they take part in each of the four open weekends, they will be rewarded with the unique Mad Scientist outfit!”

Through the Evolution of Combat, RuneScape has undergone the most significant change in its 11-year history. The developer has promised a totally revolutionary change to the game – upping the level of immersion and player involvement while, critically, retaining the features and overall charm that have made the browser-based adventure so popular.

The Evolution of Combat update includes a host of new features designed to add even more excitement and skill to the game. These features include the ability to dual wield weapons; the introduction of action bars; new abilities which unlock as the battle progresses and the new adrenaline bar fills; the ability to cast buffs and weaknesses on your allies and opponents respectively; the ability to produce critical hits and – finally – a whole host of new character animations.

RuneScape is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most popular free-to-play massively multiplayer online game. Launched in 2001, RuneScape is played by millions of people around the world every day and is racing towards the mammoth milestone of 200 million accounts created.

With the Evolution of Combat update on the horizon, there has never been a better time to begin a RuneScape adventure. Head over to www.RuneScape.com and create a free account today.