RuneScape Removes Auras System
RuneScape announced the removal of auras with their benefits being integrated into in-game items instead. The change is designed to allow players to "play on your own terms" and reduce anxiety around cooldown management. The shift represents a major gameplay overhaul for the long-running MMO.
- The aura system was introduced on June 28, 2011, as part of the Members Loyalty Programme, which rewards players with points based on the consecutive length of their paid subscription. To purchase every available aura would have cost a player 4,320,000 loyalty points. - This change is part of a larger Jagex initiative called the "Road to Restoration," which previously saw the removal of the controversial Treasure Hunter system in response to player feedback. - Popular auras offered significant gameplay advantages, such as "Vampyrism," which restored health based on damage dealt, and "Penance," which restored prayer points when taking damage. Other "berserker" style auras provided substantial boosts to damage and accuracy in exchange for lowered defense. - Jagex developers stated that auras pressured players to fit their gameplay into specific one-hour blocks and contributed to the problem of "Dailyscape," where players feel obligated to complete daily, time-limited tasks. - The now-empty aura slot on the player equipment screen will be converted into a "Visual Effects" slot for cosmetic items. - Some of the more popular aura effects will be integrated into other parts of the game; for example, many skilling aura buffs may be moved to the totem system on the island of Anachronia. - Certain powerful auras were exclusively available to members of the Premier Club, an annual subscription package, such as the Mahjarrat aura which offered a 5% damage boost.
