Dune: Awakening Set for Full Launch, Optional DLCs Planned

Funcom, the developer behind the highly anticipated Dune: Awakening, has recently provided an update on the game's business model and post-launch strategy. The studio has confirmed that the game will have a full launch on May 20, without an Early Access period. This multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its subsequent movie adaptations, will not require a subscription, despite being classified as an MMO.

Instead, Funcom plans to support Dune: Awakening with free updates that will bring new content, features, and enhancements to the game. The studio will also adhere to a "classic business model" by offering optional DLCs. Funcom's commitment to long-term support is evident in its handling of other MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions well after their initial release. Funcom assures that Dune: Awakening will follow a similar path.

The standard edition of Dune: Awakening is priced at $49.99, while the Deluxe Edition ($69.99) and Ultimate Edition ($89.99) offer additional perks. Both premium editions provide players with a five-day head start and several unique items. The Deluxe Edition and Ultimate Edition include a Season Pass, unlocking four DLCs over time, with the first available at launch. The Deluxe Edition also includes the armor of the Sardaukar, the elite military force that players must evade in the game.

The Ultimate Edition encompasses all the benefits of the Deluxe Edition, along with Paul Atreides’ iconic stillsuit from the 2021 film, a digital artbook, a digital soundtrack, unique color patterns, and the Caladan Palace Set, which includes building pieces, placeables, and decorations. Pre-ordering any edition grants players a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, as well as the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, an in-base decoration featuring the iconic desert mouse.

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

Minimum:

• 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:

• 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 more insights into Dune: Awakening, check out IGN's final preview of the game.