Dune: Awakening MMO Reveals Release Date with Stunning New Trailer

Funcom, the Norwegian developer behind the popular survival MMO Conan Exiles, has finally broken their silence with a new trailer for Dune: Awakening, revealing its official release date. The highly anticipated open-world MMO, based on Frank Herbert's legendary novels, is set to launch on May 20, 2025, initially for PC, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions following at a later date.

Survival in the Deadly Deserts of Arrakis

Players will begin their journey as prisoners stranded in the endless sands of Arrakis, where water becomes the most precious resource for survival. The unforgiving desert planet presents numerous threats: scorching sunlight, bandit attacks, and the infamous Shai-Hulud sandworms that can permanently destroy a player's inventory if they become prey to these massive creatures.

Advanced Crafting and Base Building

Survival on Arrakis depends heavily on the game's comprehensive crafting systems. Players start by creating essential equipment like stillsuits and personal shields, eventually advancing to construct complex bases and vehicles designed for rapid desert traversal. The progression system allows players to develop various survival skills, from Bene Gesserit voice training to superhuman Mentat computational abilities.

An Alternative Dune Timeline

Priced at $49.99 for pre-order, Dune: Awakening presents an intriguing alternate timeline that diverges significantly from both the books and films. In this version:

Paul Atreides was never born, with Lady Jessica instead giving birth to a daughter

Duke Leto remains alive, with House Atreides having survived the Harkonnen attack

The Emperor has stationed Sardaukar forces on Arrakis to protect spice production

The Fremen have mysteriously vanished from the planet

Collaborative Survival Experience

The game offers both solo and multiplayer experiences, allowing hundreds of players to simultaneously navigate the dangers of Arrakis. Working closely with the Herbert Estate to ensure authenticity, Funcom promises to deliver a faithful representation of the universe while introducing innovative survival mechanics. Players must contend with numerous environmental hazards, including treacherous quicksand, devastating sandstorms, and the constant threat of dehydration under the burning sun.