The highly anticipated survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, is set to launch on May 20th, 2025, for PC via Steam, with console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S to follow at a later date. In an exciting move, developer Funcom has opened up the Character Creator and Benchmark Mode ahead of the release, allowing eager players to dive into the world of Arrakis early and prepare for the full game experience.
Character Creation Now Open
Players can now fully customize their characters, tailoring every aspect of their appearance, choosing their home planet, caste, and even selecting a mentor or class. These meticulously crafted characters will seamlessly transfer into the full game at launch. As an added bonus, early adopters who create their characters now will receive an exclusive Frameblade knife skin, redeemable with a special code upon the game's release.
Benchmark Mode for Optimal Performance
Alongside character creation, the Benchmark Sequence offers players a chance to test their PC's performance. This feature will automatically adjust graphics settings to achieve the best possible balance for your hardware. The sequence guides players through a player-built desert base, the vibrant Harko Village, a bustling Harkonnen hub, and culminates in a thrilling encounter with a colossal sandworm.
Dune: Awakening will be available for purchase at USD 49.99. Pre-orders will soon be available on Steam and include a unique in-base decoration, the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, featuring the beloved desert kangaroo mouse from the series.
An Alternate World Awaits
Drawing inspiration from Frank Herbert's iconic Dune novels and the subsequent movie adaptations, Dune: Awakening offers an open-world multiplayer survival experience set in the same universe. Players begin as prisoners tasked with unraveling the mystery of the Fremen's disappearance. As the cinematic storyline unfolds, your character will evolve from an unknown to a pivotal agent, aligning with either the Atreides or Harkonnen factions.
The game's expansive world, Arrakis, is a vast, ever-changing desert that promises endless exploration. Each week, new locations, challenges, and rewards will emerge, spurring players to be the first to uncover them. In Arrakis, you can construct bases, engage in combat, explore uncharted territories, and interact with the local populace. Carve out your own legacy and ascend through the ranks in this dynamic and immersive environment.
