Gielinor is feeling the heat—and not from dragonfire. RuneScape’s in-game Bonds have skyrocketed to over 150 million gold pieces on the Grand Exchange, setting an all-time high and shaking the foundation of the game’s in-game economy.
From Modest Prices to Mega Millions
Just a few years ago, Bonds typically hovered around 20–30 million GP. These tradeable items, which can be bought with real-world money or in-game currency, give players access to membership benefits. For many free-to-play players, Bonds have been the lifeline—allowing them to earn their way into premium content.
But with prices now exceeding 150M GP, the system that once empowered dedicated grinders has become a gated fortress. Players would need to commit dozens of hours a week just to afford a single Bond, essentially turning RuneScape into a second job.
What’s Fueling the Price Surge?
Several factors appear to be driving this economic inflation:
- Membership Price Increases: Jagex recently raised membership costs in several regions, nearly doubling prices over the last decade.
- Gold Farming & Merchanting: The high liquidity of Bonds has made them a target for merchant bots and whales, driving up demand.
- Lack of New Incentives: Despite rising costs, there’s been little added value for paying members, frustrating loyal players.
The Rich Get Richer
With Bond prices ballooning, some players are turning the system to their advantage. By buying Bonds with real money and selling them for GP, it’s possible to instantly become a billionaire in-game, disrupting RuneScape’s already fragile economy.
One veteran player noted:
“Back in 2015, I had to grind for weeks to get my first Bond. Now, a few Bonds can buy you nearly everything in the game — and that’s a problem.”
A Breaking Point?
This massive inflation is more than just a number on a marketplace. It’s a symptom of larger issues plaguing RuneScape’s economy and monetization strategy. Free players are feeling locked out, and long-time members question the value of their investment.
As Jagex continues to push monetization features, the question becomes clear:
Is RuneScape becoming pay-to-play in everything but name?
