Jagex’s RuneScape: Dragonwilds has received its latest 0.9 Early Access update, expanding the game with new skills, world settings, creative mode, controller support, and multiplayer improvements.

The biggest addition is the ranged skill, which can be leveled up to 50 like other skills. Alongside bows and crossbows, players can now unlock fresh arrow types, skill spells, and trick shots. The skill tree includes abilities such as Venomous Trapper, which adds poison damage to snares, and Hunter Sense, a passive that lets players crouch and see enemies through walls to plan ambushes. Astral magic also enhances ranged combat, with spectral arrows that pierce multiple targets and can be upgraded for more power.

Combat has been expanded with one-handed crossbows, new bolts, and a timing system for trick shots. Bows now offer critical strikes if an arrow is loosed at the right moment, while crossbows reward perfectly timed reloads with higher damage output. A new fletching bench allows players to craft their own ranged gear, though it must be built under shelter to keep materials in working order. Players can also set up archery targets to practice their aim, complete with a celebratory signal for perfect bullseyes.

Outside of combat, 0.9 introduces creative mode. Starting a world in this mode disables hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and hostile AI, while unlocking all building pieces from the start. Carry weight is removed as a limitation, letting players construct anything they imagine, from small cottages to massive fortresses. To support this, character slots have been doubled and clearly labeled for different world types.

Custom world settings provide another way to shape the experience. Players can now fine-tune more than forty different settings, adjusting survival needs, XP rates, enemy toughness, and even individual enemy types. For example, vault guardians can be weakened without reducing the threat of goblins elsewhere.

Controller support makes its first appearance in this update, including features like lock-on targeting and menu navigation. Keyboard rebinding has also been added for greater flexibility. Both systems will continue to receive updates in future patches.

Multiplayer sees new anti-griefing tools as well. Gravestone protection prevents others from looting your items, build protection totems create safe areas where only the owner can build, and chests can now be locked for personal use. Together, these systems aim to reduce frustration and encourage cooperative play.

Smaller adjustments include reworked herbs and buffs, with Marentil now correctly brewing anti-poison potions and fungal fortitude offering full poison resistance when eaten. Combined, they give players a reliable way to survive longer against toxic enemies.

The update also delivers numerous bug fixes and optimizations. Issues with AI combat, desync in multiplayer, projectiles, sound effects, and icons have been addressed. Notable fixes include the abyssal whip dealing its proper damage to Velgar, improved visibility during storms, and player waypoints now appearing correctly on the compass.

With all the latest additions in the 0.9 update, RuneScape: Dragonwilds is steadily moving toward its major Fell Hollow update this December, which will introduce a brand-new region I’m most looking forward to.