Dune: Awakening MMO Launches Without Monthly Fees

Dune: Awakening's developer has exciting news for fans: the game will launch without a monthly subscription. Dive into the latest updates from the developer, including details on the game's editions and pre-order benefits.

Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20

No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription

Dune: Awakening developer Funcom has announced that the game will fully launch on May 20, bypassing an early access phase. This information, along with insights into the game's business model, system requirements, and post-launch plans, was shared in a recent Steam blog post dated March 21.

This multiplayer survival game, inspired by the iconic 1965 sci-fi novel, breaks from the norm by not requiring a monthly subscription, unlike its competitors such as Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Instead, Funcom promises to enrich the game through free updates that will introduce new content, features, and enhancements.

Funcom's commitment to long-term support is bolstered by their experience with live service games. They highlight their success with Anarchy Online, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions well after its initial release.

Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed

Following the announcement, Funcom revealed on March 24 that pre-orders for Dune: Awakening are now open. The game is available in three editions: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate, each offering unique in-game items. By pre-ordering any edition, players receive the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, a detailed 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 grants players a 5-day head start, allowing access to the game from 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 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 encompasses all Deluxe edition items, 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 artworks from the game's development.
• Digital Soundtrack: 90 minutes of music from the game.

For a deeper dive into Dune: Awakening's pre-order options and DLCs, explore our comprehensive article below!