Dune: Awakening Dev Confirms Full Launch Date, No Subscription, Optional DLCs Planned

Funcom, the developer behind the upcoming multiplayer survival game Dune: Awakening, has provided an exciting update on the game's business model and post-launch plans. The game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its movie adaptations, is set for a full launch on May 20, rather than entering Early Access. This means players can dive into the complete experience right from the start.

Unlike traditional MMOs, Dune: Awakening will not require a subscription. Funcom has chosen to adopt a "classic business model" that includes free updates to expand the game with new content and features, alongside optional DLCs. This approach mirrors the ongoing support seen in Funcom's other long-running MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions years after their initial release. Funcom assures that Dune: Awakening will follow suit, ensuring a continually evolving gameplay 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 added value. Both premium editions grant a five-day head start and unique in-game items. The Deluxe Edition includes the armor of the Sardaukar, the elite military force that players will encounter in 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 with various building pieces, placeables, and decorations.

Pre-ordering any edition of the game comes with additional perks, including a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, as well as the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, an in-base decoration featuring the iconic desert mouse.

Funcom has also detailed Dune: Awakening's PC features and system requirements. The game supports advanced technologies like Nvidia’s DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD’s FSR, and Intel’s XeSS 2, enhancing performance and visual quality. The minimum and recommended system requirements are as follows:

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 more insights into Dune: Awakening, be sure to check out IGN's final preview of the game.