Dune: Awakening MMO Launches Without Monthly Fees

Dune: Awakening's developer has exciting news for fans: the game will launch without any monthly subscription fees. Dive into the latest updates from the developer, including the game's release date 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 confirmed that the game will fully launch on May 20, bypassing the early access phase. In a detailed blog post on Steam dated March 21, Funcom shared insights into the game's business model, system requirements, and plans for post-launch support.

This eagerly awaited multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic 1965 novel, will not follow the subscription-based model seen in other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Instead, Dune: Awakening will be supported through free updates that will introduce new content, features, and enhancements to keep the game fresh and engaging.

Funcom emphasized their commitment to long-term support for Dune: Awakening, drawing on their experience with live service games. They highlighted their track record with other MMOs, 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 the same Steam blog, Funcom announced that Dune: Awakening will offer optional paid DLCs and that pre-orders would soon be available. 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 can choose from three editions of the game: 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 edition also offers 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 subsequent 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 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 artworks 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!