"Dune: Awakening Dev Confirms Full Launch Date, No Subscription but Optional DLCs"

Funcom, the developer behind the eagerly anticipated Dune: Awakening, has recently provided an update on the game's business model and post-launch strategy, confirming that the game will see its full launch on May 20, bypassing the Early Access phase. This multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its subsequent movie adaptations, will not require a subscription, despite being categorized as an MMO.

Instead, Funcom plans to keep the game fresh and engaging by rolling out free updates packed with new content and features. Additionally, the developer will adopt a "classic business model" featuring optional DLCs. Funcom's track record of supporting its other MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles—which continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions long after their initial release—serves as a testament to their commitment to Dune: Awakening. "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. For those looking for more, the Deluxe Edition at $69.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $89.99 offer a five-day head start and a range of unique items. The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions include a Season Pass that unlocks four DLCs over time, with the first one available at launch. The Deluxe Edition also comes with the armor of the Sardaukar, the feared elite military force that players will encounter in 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 includes building pieces, placeables, and decorations.

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

Funcom has also detailed Dune: Awakening's PC features and system requirements. The game supports cutting-edge technologies such as Nvidia's DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD's FSR, and Intel's XeSS 2, enhancing the visual experience for players.

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 a deeper dive into Dune: Awakening, check out IGN's final preview of the game.