The developers of Dune: Awakening have exciting news for fans eagerly awaiting the game's launch. Set to release on May 20, this highly anticipated multiplayer survival game will not follow the traditional monthly subscription model seen in other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Instead, Funcom, the developer behind Dune: Awakening, has confirmed that the game will be fully released without any early access phase and will be supported through free updates, ensuring a continuous stream of new content, features, and enhancements.
Funcom has a proven track record in managing live service games, as evidenced by their long-standing titles like Anarchy Online, which is approaching its 25th anniversary, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive regular updates, DLCs, and expansions. This experience reassures players that Dune: Awakening will be well-supported post-launch.
No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription
The decision to forgo a monthly subscription was detailed in a recent Steam blog post dated March 21. This approach aims to make the game more accessible to a broader audience while still providing a rich, evolving experience through free updates.
Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed
Following the announcement, Dune: Awakening opened pre-orders on March 24, offering three distinct editions: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate. Pre-ordering any edition grants players two unique 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.
Those opting for the Deluxe or Ultimate editions will enjoy a 5-day head start, allowing them to dive into the game as early as May 15. The Deluxe edition includes:
- Season Pass: Comprising 4 DLCs, starting with placeables inspired by the wildlife of Arrakis, including Shai-Hulud, with the next three to be released later.
- Sardaukar Bator Armor: The iconic armor of the elite Sardaukar military force, which players will encounter in the game.
- One copy of the base game.
The Ultimate edition builds on the Deluxe edition 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 showcasing artworks from the game's development.
- Digital Soundtrack: 90 minutes of music from the game.
For more detailed information on Dune: Awakening's pre-order options and DLCs, be sure to check out our dedicated article below!