Dune: Awakening MMO Launches Without Monthly Fees

Dune: Awakening is set to redefine the MMO genre with its full release on May 20, 2025, and the exciting news that there will be no monthly subscription required. Developer Funcom shared these updates and more in their latest blog post on Steam, providing a comprehensive look at the game's business model, system requirements, and future plans.

No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription

Dune: Awakening will launch directly into a full release, bypassing the early access phase that many games utilize. Funcom emphasized that the game will not follow the traditional subscription model seen in other MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Instead, players can expect continuous free updates that will introduce new content, features, and enhancements to keep the game evolving.

Funcom's experience with live service games, such as Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, underscores their commitment to long-term support for Dune: Awakening. Both titles have enjoyed sustained updates, DLCs, and expansions well beyond their initial launches, setting a promising precedent for Dune: Awakening.

Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed

In addition to the subscription-free model, Dune: Awakening will offer optional paid DLCs. Pre-orders for the game opened on March 24, with three editions available: 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.

Players who opt for the Deluxe or Ultimate editions will enjoy a 5-day head start, with access to the game beginning on May 15. The Deluxe edition includes:

• Season Pass: Featuring 4 DLCs, starting with placeables inspired by Arrakis' wildlife, including Shai-Hulud, followed by three more DLCs to 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 everything in the Deluxe edition, plus:

• 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 iconic 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 Dune: Awakening's pre-order options and upcoming DLCs, be sure to check out our comprehensive article below!