Funcom, the developer behind the highly anticipated Dune: Awakening, has provided clarity on the game’s business model and post-launch strategy, confirming that the May 20 release will be a full launch, not an Early Access version. Inspired by Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi novel and its cinematic adaptations, this multiplayer survival game will not require a subscription, even though it's categorized as an MMO.
The studio plans to keep Dune: Awakening fresh and engaging by offering continuous free updates that introduce new content and features. Additionally, Funcom will adopt a traditional business model with optional downloadable content (DLCs) available for purchase. This approach mirrors the ongoing support seen in their other successful MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which have been receiving free updates, DLCs, and expansions for years post-launch. Funcom assures that Dune: Awakening will follow suit, promising a continually evolving game experience.
The standard edition of Dune: Awakening is priced at $49.99. For those looking for more, the Deluxe Edition at $69.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $89.99 offer additional perks. Both premium editions grant a five-day head start and unique in-game items. The Season Pass, included in the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, will unlock four DLCs over time, starting with the first at launch.
Deluxe Edition buyers will also receive the armor of the Sardaukar, the feared military force from the game. The Ultimate Edition encompasses all Deluxe Edition content, plus Paul Atreides’ iconic stillsuit from the 2021 film, a digital artbook, a digital soundtrack, unique color patterns, and the Caladan Palace Set, complete with building pieces, placeables, and decorations.
Pre-ordering any edition of the game comes with a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, along with the Terrarium of Muad'Dib, an in-base decoration featuring the iconic desert mouse.
Funcom has also detailed the PC features and system requirements for Dune: Awakening, which includes support for advanced graphics technologies like Nvidia’s DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD’s FSR, and Intel’s XeSS 2.
Dune: Awakening PC system requirements:
---------------------------------------Minimum:
OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer)
Processor: Intel Core i5-7400, AMD Ryzen 3 1200
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB), AMD Radeon 5600XT (6GB)
Storage: 60 GB available space
Recommended:
OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer)
Processor: Intel Core i7-10700K, AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB), AMD Radeon 6700XT (12GB)
Storage: 75 GB available space
For a deeper dive into Dune: Awakening, check out IGN’s final preview to learn more about what the game has to offer.
