Dune: Awakening MMO Launches Without Monthly Fees

Dune: Awakening is set to revolutionize the gaming landscape with its upcoming full release on May 20, and the developer, Funcom, has made an exciting announcement: there will be no monthly subscription required to play this highly anticipated MMO. Dive into the latest updates from the developer about the game's launch and the various editions available for purchase.

Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20

No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription

Dune: Awakening is poised for a full release on May 20, bypassing the early access phase that many games opt for. In a recent Steam blog post dated March 21, Funcom elaborated on the game's business model, system requirements, and plans for post-launch support.

This multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic 1965 novel, sets itself apart from other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online by not requiring a monthly subscription. Instead, the game will be enriched with "free updates, bringing new content, features, and enhancements," ensuring continuous engagement and growth for its player base.

Funcom's confidence in supporting Dune: Awakening long-term is backed by their successful management of other live service games. Anarchy Online, approaching its 25th anniversary, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions, showcase Funcom's commitment to their titles.

Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed

Following their announcement, Dune: Awakening opened pre-orders on March 24, with detailed information on the official website about the different editions available: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate. Pre-ordering any edition grants players 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 players to dive into the game on May 15. The Deluxe edition includes:

• Season Pass: Featuring 4 DLCs. The initial DLC will introduce placeables inspired by Arrakis's wildlife, including Shai-Hulud, with the subsequent three to follow later.
• Sardaukar Bator Armor: The fearsome 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 content and adds:

• 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 from 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, be sure to check out our detailed article below!