In a thrilling announcement for gamers and sci-fi enthusiasts alike, Funcom has officially revealed that “Dune: Awakening,” the highly anticipated open-world survival MMO, is set to launch on May 20, 2025. This immersive journey into the sands of Arrakis will be available on PC via Steam, with versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S to follow at a later date.
A New Chapter in the Dune Universe
Drawing inspiration from Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi novels and Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptations, “Dune: Awakening” transports players to the perilous desert planet of Arrakis. Here, they must navigate treacherous environments, harvest the coveted spice melange, and contend with colossal sandworms. The game promises a vast, seamless world shared by thousands of players, blending survival mechanics with large-scale, persistent multiplayer gameplay.
Character Creation and Benchmark Tools Now Available
In anticipation of the full release, Funcom has made a character creation tool and benchmark mode available for download on Steam. Players can customize their avatars by selecting appearance, home planet, caste, and mentor—a choice that influences starting abilities. These personalized characters can be imported into the game upon launch. The benchmark mode allows players to test their system’s performance, showcasing in-game scenes such as piloting an ornithopter and encountering a massive sandworm.
Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
“Dune: Awakening” offers several editions to cater to different player preferences:
- Standard Edition: Priced at $49.99, this edition includes the base game.
- Deluxe Edition: At $69.99, it features the base game, a Season Pass granting access to four DLCs (the first available at launch), and exclusive Sardaukar armor.
- Ultimate Edition: For $89.99, players receive all Deluxe Edition content, plus Paul Atreides’ stillsuit from the 2021 film, a digital artbook, soundtrack, unique color patterns, and the Caladan Palace Set.
Pre-ordering any edition grants the universal color pattern for vehicles, weapons, and armor, along with the Terrarium of Muad’Dib base decoration.
Business Model and Post-Launch Content
Departing from traditional MMO subscription models, “Dune: Awakening” requires a one-time purchase, with future expansions delivered through free updates and optional DLCs. This approach ensures that all players can experience new content without recurring fees, fostering a unified community.
PC System Requirements
To fully immerse in the world of Arrakis, players should ensure their systems meet the following specifications:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-6300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon R9 280
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 50 GB available space
Conclusion
With its release on the horizon, “Dune: Awakening” is poised to offer an unparalleled gaming experience, blending the rich lore of the Dune universe with innovative survival and MMO mechanics. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, the sands of Arrakis await your exploration.
