The spice flows once again. Funcom has officially opened pre-orders for Dune: Awakening, the upcoming open-world MMO survival game set in the iconic sci-fi universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune. With a global release date of May 20, 2025, excitement is ramping up among fans of both the books and the films. After several promising playtest phases and strong community engagement, Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
A Survival MMO Built for Dune Fans
Dune: Awakening blends open-world survival mechanics with the scale and depth of a massively multiplayer online game. Set on the harsh desert planet of Arrakis, players take on the role of survivors trying to navigate the politics, warfare, and environmental threats of this dangerous world. From sandstorms and spice harvesting to combat with other players and NPC factions, the game promises a deeply immersive Dune experience.
What sets Dune: Awakening apart is how it leverages the lore of the franchise. The game offers players the freedom to carve their own path, whether through politics, warfare, economics, or exploration. Players can ally with Fremen tribes, battle Sardaukar elites, or craft their own guilds to dominate spice production.
Pre-Order Editions and Exclusive Content
Starting today, players can pre-order Dune: Awakening in three editions:
- Standard Edition ($49.99)
- Deluxe Edition ($69.99)
- Ultimate Edition ($89.99)
Both Deluxe and Ultimate Editions include a 5-day early access head start. The Deluxe Edition includes the Sardaukar armor set, a Season Pass unlocking four post-launch DLCs (with the first launching at release), and additional cosmetics. The Ultimate Edition expands on that with Paul Atreides’ stillsuit (from the 2021 film), a digital artbook and soundtrack, unique customization options, and the Caladan Palace Set for base building.
Every edition includes a pre-order bonus: a universal color pattern for gear and vehicles, and the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, an in-game decorative item featuring the beloved desert mouse.
Business Model and Long-Term Support
Creative Director Joel Bylos addressed the business model in a recent developer update video, clarifying that Dune: Awakening will not launch in Early Access and will not require a subscription. Instead, the game will follow a classic buy-to-play model, with free updates and optional DLCs expanding the game world post-launch.
Funcom has proven its long-term commitment to live-service games with titles like Conan Exiles and Anarchy Online, the latter of which is approaching its 25th anniversary. That track record gives fans confidence that Dune: Awakening will continue to evolve with meaningful content for years to come.
Behind the Soundtrack: Knut Avenstroup Haugen
To celebrate the announcement, Funcom released a behind-the-scenes video featuring composer Knut Avenstroup Haugen, who recorded Dune: Awakening‘s sweeping 90-minute orchestral soundtrack at the renowned AIR Lyndhurst Studios in London. The full soundtrack is included with the Ultimate Edition.
Watch the making-of video here: Behind the Music of Dune: Awakening
PC Specs and Next-Gen Tech Support
Funcom has also shared the PC system requirements and tech features coming at launch:
Minimum Specs:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i5-7400 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 (6GB) / AMD Radeon 5600XT (6GB)
- Storage: 60 GB
Recommended Specs:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (8GB) / AMD Radeon 6700XT (12GB)
- Storage: 75 GB
The game will support DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS 2 for improved performance. For full immersion, Dune: Awakening will also include support for Razer Chroma RGB lighting and Sensa HD Haptics, bringing the sensation of flight and combat into your hands and your gaming space.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dune: Awakening?
With the launch set for May 20, players can already download the Character Creator & Benchmark Tool on Steam to test their systems and design their avatar before stepping onto Arrakis.
Funcom will also be hosting a developer livestream today, March 24, at 1PM EST / 6PM CET on Twitch and Steam, featuring gameplay, a Q&A session, and live music commentary.
For more information, visit the official Dune: Awakening website.
Whether you’re a longtime Dune fan or an MMO enthusiast looking for a new world to conquer, Dune: Awakening offers a fresh survival experience in one of science fiction’s richest universes. With its unique blend of exploration, strategy, and community-driven storytelling, Arrakis awaits.
“He who controls the spice controls the universe.” Will you be among them?
