Funcom, the developer behind the much-anticipated Dune: Awakening, has provided an exciting update on the game's business model and post-launch strategy. The multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its film adaptations, is set to fully launch on May 20 without an Early Access phase. Importantly, Dune: Awakening will not require a subscription, despite its classification as an MMO.

Funcom plans to keep the game evolving through free updates that will introduce new content, features, and enhancements. Additionally, the studio will adhere to a "classic business model" by offering optional downloadable content (DLCs). Funcom's commitment to continuous development is evident in its support for other long-standing MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions years after their initial release. Dune: Awakening will follow suit, ensuring a dynamic and expanding gaming experience.

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 additional perks, including a five-day head start and exclusive items. The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions include a Season Pass, which grants access to four DLCs over time, with the first available at launch.

The Deluxe Edition includes the armor of the Sardaukar, the elite military force that players will encounter in the game. The Ultimate Edition encompasses all Deluxe Edition content, 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 of Dune: Awakening comes with a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, along with the Terrarium of Muad'Dib, an in-base decoration featuring the iconic desert mouse.

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

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.