Dune: Awakening Dev Says Its Release Date Is 'The Full Launch,' and While There's No Subscription, There Will Be 'Optional' DLCs

Funcom, the developer behind the highly anticipated multiplayer survival game Dune: Awakening, has provided an exciting update on the game's business model and post-launch strategy. 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 an Early Access release. This means players will dive into the complete experience right from the start.

One of the key announcements from Funcom is that Dune: Awakening will not require a subscription, despite being classified as an MMO. Instead, the game will adopt a "classic business model" that includes free updates with new content and features, supplemented by optional DLCs. Funcom's commitment to this model is evident in their support for other MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions long after their initial release. Funcom assures that Dune: Awakening will follow suit, ensuring a continually evolving gaming 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 additional perks. Both premium editions provide 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 goes further, adding Paul Atreides' iconic stillsuit from the 2021 film, a digital artbook, a digital soundtrack, unique color patterns, and the Caladan Palace Set, complete with building pieces, placeables, and decorations.

Pre-ordering any edition of the game comes with a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, as well as the Terrarium of Muad'Dib, a decorative item featuring the iconic desert mouse.

Funcom has also detailed the PC features and system requirements for Dune: Awakening. The game supports advanced graphical technologies such as Nvidia’s DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD’s FSR, and Intel’s XeSS 2, ensuring a visually stunning experience on PC.

Minimum System Requirements:

• 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 System Requirements:

• 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 a deeper dive into what Dune: Awakening has to offer, check out IGN's final preview of the game. With its comprehensive business model, exciting editions, and robust PC support, Dune: Awakening promises to be a thrilling addition to the world of multiplayer survival games.