Funcom, the developer behind the highly anticipated multiplayer survival game Dune: Awakening, has shared crucial updates about the game's business model and post-launch strategy. The game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its cinematic adaptations, is set for a full launch on May 20, rather than entering Early Access. This means players will dive into a complete experience from day one.
Contrary to expectations for an MMO, Dune: Awakening will not require a subscription. Instead, Funcom plans to support the game with free updates that introduce new content, features, and enhancements. Additionally, players can opt for additional content through optional DLCs, aligning with a "classic business model" that Funcom has successfully used with other long-standing MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles. These titles continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions years after their initial release, and Dune: Awakening is set to follow this tradition.
The standard edition of Dune: Awakening is priced at $49.99, while the Deluxe Edition at $69.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $89.99 offer players additional perks. Both premium editions include a five-day head start and exclusive items. The Deluxe Edition includes the armor of the Sardaukar, the feared military force from the game. The Ultimate Edition encompasses all Deluxe Edition content, 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 features various building pieces, placeables, and decorations.
Pre-ordering any edition rewards players with a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, plus the Terrarium of Muad'Dib, an in-base decoration featuring the iconic desert mouse from the Dune universe.
Funcom has also detailed Dune: Awakening's PC features and system requirements. The game supports advanced graphical technologies like Nvidia's DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD's FSR, and Intel's XeSS 2, enhancing visual performance across different hardware setups.
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 a deeper dive into what Dune: Awakening has to offer, check out IGN's final preview of the game.
