Dune: Awakening's developer has exciting news for fans: the game will launch fully on May 20 without any monthly subscription fees. Dive into the latest updates from the developer and explore the various game editions available for purchase.
Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20
No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription
Dune: Awakening's developer, Funcom, has confirmed that the game will have its full release on May 20, bypassing an early access phase. In a detailed blog post on Steam dated March 21, Funcom outlined the game's business model, system requirements, and plans for post-launch content.
This highly anticipated multiplayer survival game, inspired by the iconic 1965 science fiction novel, will not follow the subscription model seen in other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Instead, Dune: Awakening will be supported through "free updates, bringing new content, features, and enhancements" to keep the game evolving.
Funcom emphasized their commitment to long-term support for Dune: Awakening, drawing on their successful track record with live service games. They highlighted their experience with Anarchy Online, which is approaching its 25th anniversary, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions well beyond its initial launch.
Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed
In the same Steam blog post, Funcom announced that Dune: Awakening will feature optional paid DLCs and that pre-orders would be available soon. Just a week later, on March 24, the game's official website went live with details on the different editions and confirmed that pre-orders are now open.
Players who pre-order any of the three editions—Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate—will receive two exclusive in-game items: the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, a detailed in-base decoration, and the Sunset Dye Global Swatch, a unique color pattern that can be applied to weapons, vehicles, and armor.
Pre-ordering the Deluxe or Ultimate edition grants players a 5-day head start, allowing access to the game from May 15. The Deluxe edition includes:
- Season Pass: Access to 4 DLCs, with the first featuring placeables inspired by Arrakis' wildlife, including Shai-Hulud. The remaining three DLCs will be released later.
- Sardaukar Bator Armor: The intimidating armor of the Sardaukar, the elite force that hunts players in the game.
- One copy of the base game
The Ultimate edition builds on the Deluxe edition with additional exclusive content:
- Dusk Rider Sandbike Swatch: A unique color pattern for your sandbike.
- Blue Dasher Ornithopter Swatch: A unique color pattern for your ornithopter.
- Caladan Palace Building Set: Building pieces and placeables inspired by the 2021 film.
- Dune 2021 Film Stillsuit: The iconic stillsuit worn by Paul Atreides in the movie.
- Digital Artbook: A 50-page collection of artwork from the game's development.
- Digital Soundtrack: 90 minutes of music from the game.
For more detailed information on Dune: Awakening's pre-order options and DLCs, be sure to check out our comprehensive article below!
