Dune: Awakening, developed by Funcom, has provided an exciting update on its business model and post-launch strategy, solidifying that the game's release on May 20 will be a full launch, not an Early Access period. This highly anticipated multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its cinematic adaptations, will not require a subscription, despite its classification as an MMO.

Funcom has committed to expanding the game through free updates that will introduce new content and features, adhering to a traditional business model that includes optional DLCs. The developer highlighted their track record with long-standing MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions long after their initial release. "Dune: Awakening will be no exception, and it will continue to expand with free updates bringing new content, features, and enhancements," Funcom stated.

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 a five-day head start along with various exclusive items. Both the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions include a Season Pass that unlocks four DLCs over time, with the first becoming available at launch.

Purchasing the Deluxe Edition grants you the armor of the Sardaukar, the elite military force that hunts players within the game. The Ultimate Edition encompasses all of the above, plus Paul Atreides' iconic stillsuit from the 2021 film, a digital artbook, a digital soundtrack, unique color patterns, and the Caladan Palace Set, which features building pieces, placeables, and decorations.

Pre-ordering any edition rewards players with a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, as well as the Terrarium of Muad'Dib, an in-base decoration showcasing the iconic desert mouse.

Funcom also confirmed the PC features and system requirements for Dune: Awakening, noting that the game supports Nvidia's DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD's FSR, and Intel's XeSS 2 technologies.

Dune: Awakening PC system requirements:

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 an in-depth look at the game, check out IGN’s final preview of Dune: Awakening.