Dune: Awakening MMO Launches Without Monthly Fees

Dune: Awakening is set to launch with a full release on May 20, and the developer, Funcom, has confirmed that there will be no monthly subscription required to play. Dive into the latest updates on the game, including its business model, system requirements, and the various editions available for purchase.

Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20

No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription

Dune: Awakening's developer, Funcom, has announced that the game will launch directly into a full release on May 20, bypassing any early access phase. This information was shared in their latest Steam blog post dated March 21, which also detailed the game's business model, system requirements, and post-launch plans.

This upcoming multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic 1965 sci-fi novel, will not require a monthly subscription, setting it apart from other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Instead, Funcom plans to keep the game fresh and engaging with free updates that will introduce new content, features, and enhancements.

Funcom emphasized their commitment to long-term support for Dune: Awakening, drawing on their experience with live service games. They cited their successful titles, Anarchy Online, which is approaching its 25th anniversary, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive regular free updates, DLCs, and expansions long after its initial release.

Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed

In addition to the business model announcement, Funcom shared details about optional paid DLCs and the availability of pre-orders. Just a week after the initial announcement on March 24, Dune: Awakening's official website revealed the different editions of the game that players can pre-order.

Pre-ordering any of the three editions—Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate—grants players 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 edition provides players with a 5-day head start, allowing access to the game from May 15. The Deluxe edition includes:

• Season Pass: Access to 4 DLCs, starting with one 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 military force players must evade in the game.
• One copy of the base game

The Ultimate edition encompasses everything in the Deluxe edition, plus:

• 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 collection of artwork from the game's development.
• Digital Soundtrack: 90 minutes of the game's music.

For more details on Dune: Awakening's pre-order options and DLCs, be sure to check out our comprehensive article below!