Jagex has partnered with Games by Malcs to publish Melvor Idle 2: A RuneScape Adventure, which enters Steam Early Access on PC on November 17, 2026. The deal adds another RuneScape-connected release to the publisher's expanding lineup alongside RuneScape: Dragonwilds.
The original Melvor Idle sold over 1 million units. Its sequel builds on the same RuneScape-inspired skill progression, but returning players have more than another set of levels to chase: Mastery and questing are getting substantial changes, too.
29 skills and a rebuilt Mastery system
Five new skills bring Melvor Idle 2's total to 29, alongside an increased level cap. The skill roster includes woodcutting, smithing, cooking, and farming, giving players interconnected paths to develop at their own pace.
Compared with hands-on action games, Melvor Idle 2 puts the emphasis on planning around that progression. Training ranged, melee, and magic skills prepares players for dungeons, monsters, and bosses, with updated combat mechanics accompanying the sequel.
Games by Malcs is also changing the systems surrounding the skill grind:
- Mastery: A redesigned system applies across every skill.
- Quests: A new Quest system tests combat skills and explores Melvor's history.
- Game modes: A first for the series, the sequel introduces modes designed to challenge players at different skill levels.
Updated graphics, audio, and animations give Melvor Idle 2 a presentation refresh alongside those mechanical changes.
Making the RuneScape connection official
Games by Malcs founder Brendan Malcom describes the original Melvor Idle as a passion project inspired by RuneScape. The publishing partnership, announced on October 29, brings that relationship into the sequel's identity with its official A RuneScape Adventure branding. Malcom highlighted Jagex's support as helping the team expand the skills, Mastery, and Quest systems.
Melvor Idle 2 is already available to wishlist on Steam ahead of launch. For another side of Jagex's RuneScape lineup, browse the RuneScape: Dragonwilds guide collection.
