Dune: Awakening MMO Launches Without Monthly Fees

Author : Scarlett May 23,2025

Dune: Awakening Will Be an MMO With No Monthly Subscriptions

Dune: Awakening is set to redefine the MMO genre with its upcoming full release on May 20, promising players a rich gaming experience without the burden of monthly subscriptions. Dive deeper into the latest updates from the developers and explore the various game editions available for purchase.

Dune: Awakening Coming on May 20

No Early Access and No Monthly Subscription

Funcom, the developer behind Dune: Awakening, has officially announced that the game will launch on May 20 as a full release, bypassing the early access phase. A recent blog post on Steam dated March 21 provided detailed insights into the game's business model, system requirements, and plans for post-launch support.

In a departure from traditional MMO business models like those of Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online, Dune: Awakening will not require a monthly subscription. Instead, the game will evolve through free updates that introduce new content, features, and enhancements. Funcom has a proven track record with live service games, as evidenced by their continued support for Anarchy Online, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, and Conan Exiles, which regularly receives free updates, DLCs, and expansions.

Pre-Orders Live Now and Game Editions Revealed

Dune: Awakening Will Be an MMO With No Monthly Subscriptions

Following their announcement, Funcom opened pre-orders for Dune: Awakening on March 24, detailing three distinct editions of the game on their official website: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate. Pre-ordering any edition grants players two exclusive in-game items: the Terrarium of Muad'Dib, an intricate in-base decoration, and the Sunset Dye Global Swatch, a unique color pattern applicable to weapons, vehicles, and armor.

Dune: Awakening Will Be an MMO With No Monthly Subscriptions

Opting for the Deluxe or Ultimate edition offers players a 5-day head start, allowing access to the game starting 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 subsequent three DLCs will be released later.
  • Sardaukar Bator Armor: The formidable armor of the Sardaukar, the elite force that players will encounter in the game.
  • One copy of the base game

The Ultimate edition encompasses all Deluxe edition content and adds:

  • Dusk Rider Sandbike Swatch: A distinctive 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 comprehensive 50-page artbook showcasing the game's development.
  • Digital Soundtrack: An immersive 90-minute soundtrack from the game.

For a detailed look at Dune: Awakening's pre-order options and DLCs, be sure to check out our dedicated article!