Funcom has officially revealed the worldwide launch schedule for Dune: Awakening.
Inspired by Denis Villeneuve and Legendary Entertainment's cinematic masterpieces, Dune: Awakening is an open-world survival MMO that transports players to the treacherous sands of Arrakis - the most perilous planet in the known universe. For the first time in gaming history, explorers can freely roam this iconic desert world.
Survival demands mastering Fremen techniques while expanding capabilities through combat, spice harvesting, construction, and commerce. Originally slated for late May 2025, the launch was postponed three weeks to June 10 (June 5 for early access players) to address issues uncovered during beta testing.
Our hands-on experience left us impressed, as noted in IGN's Dune: Awakening beta preview: "For Dune enthusiasts, exploring this richly detailed interpretation of Frank Herbert's universe proves exceptionally rewarding. Funcom demonstrates remarkable dedication to worldbuilding, even while establishing Awakening within an alternate canon separate from the books and films."
Recently, Funcom hosted an extensive livestream showcasing mid-to-late game content and a comprehensive tour of Hagga Basin - highlighting the diverse environments players will encounter. These ranged from the fertile O'odham region to the imposing Jabal Eifrit rock formations. Beta testers had previously only accessed 25% of this expansive zone.
"Before venturing into the deadly Deep Desert, players will experience a complete survival simulation," Funcom explained.
"They'll advance through faction ranks (Atreides or Harkonnen), construct formidable bases, risk Imperial Testing Stations, unlock advanced crafting blueprints, and traverse varied terrain in specialized vehicles." The innovative Landsraad system allows both PvE and PvP-oriented players to collectively influence their faction's standing.
For additional details, explore the MMO's monetization strategy and future content roadmap.
