Dune: Awakening MMO Launches Without Monthly Fees

Dune: Awakening is set to launch with a full release on May 20, and the developers at Funcom have confirmed that there will be no monthly subscription required to play. This exciting news, along with details on various game editions and pre-order bonuses, was shared in their latest updates.

Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20

No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription

Dune: Awakening will not follow the early access model, opting instead for a complete launch on May 20. In a Steam blog post dated March 21, Funcom elaborated on the game's business model, system requirements, and plans for post-launch content. Unlike other MMOs such as Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online, Dune: Awakening will not require a monthly fee. The game will be supported through free updates that introduce new content, features, and enhancements.

Funcom emphasized their commitment to long-term support, drawing from their experience with other live service games like Anarchy Online, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, and Conan Exiles, which continues to receive updates, DLCs, and expansions well after its initial release.

Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed

Following the announcement, Dune: Awakening opened pre-orders on March 24, detailing three different editions of the game: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate. Pre-ordering any edition grants players 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 editions 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 remaining three DLCs will be released later.
• Sardaukar Bator Armor: The fearsome armor of the elite Sardaukar military force.
• One copy of the base game.

The Ultimate edition encompasses all Deluxe edition items and adds:

• 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 from the 2021 film.
• Dune 2021 Film Stillsuit: The stillsuit worn by Paul Atreides in the film.
• Digital Artbook: A 50-page artbook filled with development artwork.
• Digital Soundtrack: 90 minutes of music from the game.

For more detailed information on pre-orders and DLCs for Dune: Awakening, be sure to check out our comprehensive article below!