Dune: Awakening is set on Arrakis and takes inspiration from both Frank Herbert’s novels and Denis Villeneuve’s Academy Award-winning film while exploring exciting new possibilities in the franchise. 

Dune: Awakening combines the grittiness and creativity of survival games with the social interactivity of large-scale, persistent multiplayer games to create a unique and ambitious Open World Survival MMO. Rise from survival to dominance in a vast and seamless Arrakis shared by thousands of players.  

Head into unmapped sectors and be the first to discover secrets and riches before the coriolis storms once again shift the sands and alter the landscape. Narrowly escape colossal sandworms, build your home from shelter to mighty base, and traverse the dunes in iconic vehicles from the universe. 

Hunt for spice blooms and deploy your harvester, then protect it from rival factions in fast-paced, deadly combat that shifts seamlessly from armored groundcars to ornithopters in the sky. Plot your rise to power and build your influence within the Landsraad through careful intrigue. 

Since the early ‘90s, Funcom has honed its craft creating unforgettable experiences in existing IPs and persistent online worlds with games like Anarchy Online, Age of Conan, The Secret World, and Conan Exiles. Now, Funcom sets its eyes on Arrakis, for its most ambitious project yet. 

Developer Funcom revealed what it has in store for the future of Arrakis.

Set to arrive on September 10th, Chapter 2 will be Dune: Awakening’s first free major content update, continuing the gripping main story – which ended on a cliffhanger - and adding new world content and contracts. Releasing in parallel, The Lost Harvest DLC, priced at $12.99, brings a new standalone story and unique cosmetics.

Funcom also announced today that a Free Trial is now available to download for the duration of Gamescom (August 20th – August 24th). Anyone can play the game for 10 hours, and character progress is kept if the game is purchased, even after the Trial has ended.

Chapter 2 (Free Update)

The journey continues in the free Chapter 2 update, picking up after the sinister revelations at the end of the base game’s storyline. Meet new and familiar characters, explore new locations, and delve deeper into the past as you unravel a web that stretches into the darkest corners of the Imperium.

Chapter 2 also brings exciting new world content, including contracts, dynamic encounters, items, activities, and more character creation options such as new hairstyles, which can be accessed by existing characters by using the brand-new character re-customization feature.

The Lost Harvest DLC ($12.99)

The Lost Harvest DLC brings a new and complete standalone storyline. Following the crash of a Miner’s Guild spice harvester, you find out it holds a secret cargo that could change everything. Your job is to find it.

The DLC also unlocks several new cosmetics, including the first new cosmetic vehicle with unique animations – the Treadwheel. Other cosmetics include the new Dune Man building set, new decorations, armor sets, weapons, and more.

The vehicle and other cosmetics provide no significant advantage compared to their base-game counterparts, and must be crafted like all other items. This is included in the Season Pass ($24.99) which in turn is included in the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions of the game.

Free Trial and Vinyl Pre-Orders

To celebrate Gamescom, the Dune: Awakening Free Trial is now available on Steam until August 24th, letting players play for free for 10 hours in the entire Hagga Basin map. Although the trial does not let you play with those who own the game, you will encounter other players in the free trial, and keep your character progress and inventory if you purchase the game after the trial.

Funcom is also excited to announce that the Dune: Awakening soundtrack vinyl is now available for pre-order. Be transported to Arrakis by award-winning composer Knut Avenstroup Haugen’s music, which was recorded at the famous AIR Studio’s Lyndhurst Hall, in London.

Key Features:

• Survive the most dangerous planet in the universe. Build shelters against sandstorms, maintain your stillsuit, and master the old ways to walk even the deepest deserts. Avoid or be devoured by the colossal sandworms that dwell beneath the sands.
• Explore the ever-changing face of Arrakis. Walk the ruins of long-forgotten biological testing stations, scavenge the wreckage of fallen spaceships, and wander the dusty halls of abandoned sietches. Head into unmapped sectors and be the first to discover secrets and riches before the coriolis storms once again shift the sands and alter the landscape.
• Control the spice, control Arrakis. Hunt for spice blooms and deploy your harvester, then protect it from opportunistic raiders and rival factions. Soak the sand in blood as massive battles shift seamlessly from foot to vehicles and from ground to ornithopters in the sky.
• Make plans within plans. Make a name for yourself among the inhabitants of Arrakis. Wield intrigue and force to influence the Landsraad and impact the world. Build your own faction through spice harvesting, trade, subterfuge, and open conflict.
• Awaken the sleeper. Tailor every aspect of your character. Consume spice to conquer your senses and acquire powerful abilities. Hone your craft to become sought out for the finest creations. Construct your fortress in the style of your choosing. The journey is yours to shape.

Currently available for PC (Steam), Dune: Awakening is coming PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2026.