Dune: Awakening's developer has exciting news for fans eagerly awaiting the game's release. The full launch, set for May 20, will not require a monthly subscription, a decision that sets it apart from other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Read on to discover more about the developer's updates, the game's business model, and the various editions available for 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 an early access phase. This announcement came via a detailed Steam blog post dated March 21, which also outlined the game's business model, system requirements, and plans for post-launch support.
As a multiplayer survival game inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic 1965 science fiction novel, Dune: Awakening aims to keep players engaged with free updates that will introduce new content, features, and enhancements. Funcom emphasized their commitment to long-term support, citing their successful track record with live service games such as Anarchy Online, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive regular free updates, DLCs, and expansions.
Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed
In addition to the no-subscription model, Funcom announced that Dune: Awakening will offer optional paid DLCs. Pre-orders for the game went live shortly after the initial announcement on March 24, with details about the different editions available on the official website.
Players can pre-order one of three editions: Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate. Pre-ordering any edition grants players two unique in-game items: the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, a detailed in-base decoration, and the Sunset Dye Global Swatch, a distinctive color pattern applicable to weapons, vehicles, and armor.
Pre-ordering the Deluxe or Ultimate edition offers an additional perk: a 5-day head start, allowing access to the game starting 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 subsequent three DLCs will be released later.
- Sardaukar Bator Armor: The intimidating armor of the Sardaukar, the elite force hunting players in the game.
- One copy of the base game
The Ultimate edition builds on the Deluxe edition with these additional 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 stillsuit worn by Paul Atreides in the film
- Digital Artbook: A 50-page artbook showcasing artwork from the game's development
- Digital Soundtrack: 90 minutes of music from the game
For more detailed information about Dune: Awakening's pre-order options and DLCs, be sure to check out our comprehensive article below!
