The highly anticipated open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novels and Denis Villeneuve's films, has been postponed to June 10, 2025. Funcom, the game's developer, announced this delay, emphasizing that it will give them additional time to refine the game based on feedback from the ongoing Persistent Closed Beta. They stated, "We need a bit more time to cook," which reflects their commitment to delivering a polished experience.
For eager fans looking to dive in early, Funcom has confirmed that players who purchase the Deluxe Edition or Ultimate Edition can start playing on June 5, 2025. This early access opportunity is a significant perk for those willing to invest in these higher-tier editions.
In addition to the delay, Funcom plans to host a large-scale beta weekend next month. This event aims to involve more players in the testing process, allowing them to experience Dune: Awakening and provide valuable feedback that could further enhance the game before its official launch.
While the delay might disappoint some fans, Funcom is keeping the community engaged with a combat livestream scheduled for today at 12pm ET/9am PT. This stream will offer a deeper look into the game's PvP and PvE mechanics, archetypes, and skills, providing fans with fresh insights into what they can expect from Dune: Awakening.
IGN's hands-on preview of Dune: Awakening expressed enthusiasm, stating, "It's easy to be skeptical about an MMO survival game set in the Duniverse, but after a few bouts of dehydration and sunstroke, the day I spent in Arrakis convinced me that Dune: Awakening is one to watch." This sentiment highlights the potential and excitement surrounding the game.
For those interested in more details, be sure to explore the MMO's business model, post-launch plans, and the in-depth gameplay trailer that was unveiled at Gamescom ONL last year.