The harsh deserts of Arrakis are now open for early explorers as Dune: Awakening kicks off its head start phase for Deluxe and Ultimate Edition players. Developed by Funcom, this multiplayer survival RPG promises intense battles for spice, towering sandworms, and a vast open world. With the full launch just around the corner, here’s what players need to know to survive the unforgiving planet.
Head Start Access and Full Launch Details
Players who snagged the Deluxe or Ultimate Editions are already carving their path through Arrakis with exclusive early access. This head start offers a significant edge, with progress carrying over to the full launch set for June 10, 2025. Standard Edition players will join the fray on that date, with fresh servers ready to host new adventures. Deluxe Edition owners also get perks like a 5-day head start, Sunset Dye Swatch, Season Pass, and Sardaukar Bator Armor, while Ultimate Edition adds exclusive swatches for sandbikes and ornithopters.
Choose Your Path with Unique Schools
From the moment you set foot on the desert planet, you’ll pick a starting School—Bene Gesserit, Trooper, Swordmaster, or Mentat—each offering distinct abilities. Over time, you can unlock and blend powers from other Schools, crafting a playstyle uniquely suited to your survival strategy. Whether you’re mastering combat or mental prowess, the choice is yours.
What’s New in Dune: Awakening Events?
Funcom is rolling out exciting events to spice up the launch. A Twitch Drops event runs until June 24, 2025, rewarding exclusive Observer building pieces for your desert fortress. Additionally, the Support a Creator event, active from June 10 to July 8, 2025, offers a sleek Atreides Officer Suit. Keep an eye on these limited-time goodies!
Exploring Arrakis: Servers and Story
The game’s servers are grouped into Worlds, sharing Social Hubs and the Deep Desert, while the Hagga Basin remains unique to each server. Private servers are also an option for those seeking a tailored experience. Set in an alternate timeline where Paul Atreides never existed, Dune: Awakening challenges players to navigate political intrigue and deadly sandworm encounters—with harsh penalties for death after your first brush with these beasts.
How Does the Content Model Work?
Forget subscriptions or in-game shops—Funcom opts for a DLC and Expansions model. Expect free updates alongside paid content to keep Arrakis evolving. For more details, check the official announcements on the Dune: Awakening website.