Funcom, the developer behind the much-anticipated Dune: Awakening, has provided clarity on the game's business model and post-launch strategy, confirming that the game will fully launch on May 20, without an Early Access period. This multiplayer survival game, inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its movie adaptations, will not require a subscription despite being categorized as an MMO.

Instead, Funcom plans to enrich Dune: Awakening through a series of free updates that will introduce new content and features. The studio will also adhere to a "classic business model" by offering optional DLCs. Funcom cited its track record with 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 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. 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. The Season Pass, included in both the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, unlocks four DLCs over time, with the first available at launch.

Purchasers of the Deluxe Edition will also receive the armor of the Sardaukar, the elite military force featured in the game. The Ultimate Edition encompasses all the aforementioned benefits, 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 of the game grants players a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, as well as 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.

**Minimum System Requirements:**

• 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 System Requirements:**

• 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 what Dune: Awakening has to offer, check out IGN's final preview of the game.