"Dune: Awakening Launches as Subscription-Free MMO"

Dune: Awakening is set to revolutionize the MMO genre with its full release on May 20, and the developer has confirmed that there will be no monthly subscription required. Dive into the latest updates from the developer and explore the various game editions available for purchase.

Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20

No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription

Dune: Awakening's developer, Funcom, has announced that the game will launch in full on May 20, bypassing the early access phase. In a detailed blog post on Steam dated March 21, Funcom shared insights into the game's business model, system requirements, and plans for post-launch support.

This eagerly awaited multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic 1965 novel, will not follow the subscription-based model seen in other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Instead, Dune: Awakening will be supported through free updates that will introduce new content, features, and enhancements to keep the game fresh and engaging.

Funcom emphasized their commitment to long-term support, drawing on their experience with live service games. They highlighted their track record with other MMOs, such as Anarchy Online, which is approaching its 25th anniversary, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive regular free updates, DLCs, and expansions.

Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed

In the same Steam blog, Funcom announced that Dune: Awakening will offer optional paid DLCs and that pre-orders are now available. Just a week after the initial announcement on March 24, the official website detailed the different editions of the game and confirmed that pre-orders are live.

Players can choose from three editions: Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate. Pre-ordering any edition grants 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 access to the game from May 15. The Deluxe edition includes:

• Season Pass: Access to 4 DLCs, with the first featuring placeables inspired by Arrakis' wildlife, including Shai-Hulud. The subsequent three DLCs will be released later.
• Sardaukar Bator Armor: The intimidating armor of the Sardaukar, the elite force that hunts players in the game.
• One copy of the base game

The Ultimate edition builds on the Deluxe edition with additional exclusive items:

• 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 comprehensive article below!