Dune: Awakening's developer, Funcom, has exciting news for fans eagerly awaiting the game's release. The highly anticipated multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic 1965 novel, will launch without any monthly subscription fees. Dive deeper into the latest developer updates and discover the various game editions available for purchase.
Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20
No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription
Dune: Awakening is set to launch on May 20 as a full release, bypassing the early access phase. In a detailed blog post on Steam dated March 21, Funcom outlined the game's business model, system requirements, and post-launch plans. Unlike its competitors such as Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online, which rely on monthly subscriptions, Dune: Awakening will offer continuous free updates, introducing new content, features, and enhancements to keep the game fresh and engaging.
Funcom's commitment to long-term support is evident from their track record with other live service games. Anarchy Online, which is approaching its 25th anniversary, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive regular free updates, DLCs, and expansions, showcase their expertise in maintaining and expanding game worlds post-launch.
Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed
The excitement around Dune: Awakening escalated further with the announcement of optional paid DLCs and the opening of pre-orders. Just a week after their March 21 blog post, on March 24, the official website unveiled the different editions of the game and confirmed that pre-orders are now live.
Players can choose from three editions: Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate. Pre-ordering any edition grants access to 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.
Opting for the Deluxe or Ultimate edition also offers a 5-day head start, allowing players to dive into the game as early as May 15. The Deluxe edition includes:
- Season Pass: Featuring 4 DLCs, with the first one introducing placeables inspired by Arrakis wildlife, including the iconic Shai-Hulud. The subsequent three DLCs will follow at a later date.
- Sardaukar Bator Armor: The intimidating armor of the Sardaukar, the elite force that hunts players within the game.
- One copy of the base game.
The Ultimate edition builds on the Deluxe offerings with additional exclusive content:
- 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 filled with artworks from the game's development.
- Digital Soundtrack: A 90-minute collection 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!
