Dune: Awakening Dev Says Its Release Date Is ‘The Full Launch,’ and While There’s No Subscription, There Will Be ‘Optional’ DLCs

Dune: Awakening developer Funcom has issued an update on the game’s business model and post-launch plans, confirming the May 20 release date is the “full launch” rather than Early Access.

The multiplayer survival game inspired by Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi novel and the movie adaptations will not have a subscription, despite being billed as an MMO.

Instead, Funcom will continue to expand the game through free updates with content and features, and “follow a classic business model” of optional DLCs.

Funcom pointed to the support it provides its existing and long-running MMOs such as Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which still receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions years after launch. “Dune: Awakening will be no exception, and it will continue to expand with free updates bringing new content, features, and enhancements,” Funcom said.

Dune: Awakening’s standard edition is priced at $49.99, with the Deluxe Edition ($69.99) and Ultimate Edition ($89.99) both offering players a five-day head start and several unique items. Available as part of the Deluxe Edition and Ultimate Edition, Dune: Awakening’s Season Pass unlocks four DLCs over time, with the first unlocking at launch.

In the Deluxe Edition, you also get the armor of the Sardaukar, the elite military force that players find themselves hunted by in the game. The Ultimate Edition adds everything above, plus Paul Atreides’ iconic stillsuit from the 2021 film, a digital artbook, a digital soundtrack, unique color patterns, and the Caladan Palace Set featuring building pieces, placeables, and decorations.

Pre-ordering any of the editions awards players with a universal color pattern that can be applied to vehicles, weapons, and armor, as well as the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, an in-base decoration which houses the iconic desert mouse.