Dune: Awakening is set to revolutionize the MMO landscape with its full release on May 20, and the developer has exciting news for fans: no monthly subscription will be required. Dive into the latest updates from the developer, including details on the game's business model, system requirements, and the various editions players can purchase.
Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20
No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription
Dune: Awakening developer Funcom has confirmed that the game will launch fully on May 20, bypassing the early access phase. The recent Steam blog post dated March 21 sheds light on the game's business strategy, technical specifications, and plans for post-launch support.
Set in the universe of Frank Herbert's iconic 1965 science fiction novel, Dune: Awakening is poised to offer a unique multiplayer survival experience. Unlike many of its MMO counterparts such as Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online, which rely on monthly subscriptions, Dune: Awakening will be free from this model. Instead, the game will evolve through free updates that introduce new content, features, and improvements.
Funcom has a proven track record with live service games, citing their long-term support for titles like Anarchy Online, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions long after its initial release.
Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed
In the same Steam blog, Funcom announced that optional paid DLCs will be available for Dune: Awakening and that pre-orders would soon open. Just a week later, on March 24, the official website of Dune: Awakening detailed the various editions of the game available for pre-order, which are now live.
Players can choose from three editions: Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate. Pre-ordering any edition grants 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 applicable to weapons, vehicles, and armor.
Pre-ordering the Deluxe or Ultimate editions offers a 5-day head start, allowing access to the game as early as May 15. The Deluxe edition includes:
- Season Pass: Comprising 4 DLCs, with the first featuring placeables inspired by Arrakis' wildlife, including Shai-Hulud. The subsequent three DLCs will follow at a later date.
- 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 items:
- 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 film.
- Digital Artbook: A 50-page artbook showcasing artworks from the game's development.
- Digital Soundtrack: 90 minutes of music from the game.
For more details on Dune: Awakening's pre-order options and DLCs, check out our comprehensive article below!
