Funcom's upcoming survival MMO set in the Dune universe is shaping up to be an ambitious recreation of Frank Herbert's iconic desert planet. With the release date now confirmed for May 20, 2025, the developer has unveiled new details about the game's exploration mechanics and dynamic world systems that promise to deliver a truly immersive Arrakis experience.
Dune Awakening Key Features:
- Release Date: May 20, 2025 (PC via Steam)
- Genre: Open-world survival MMO
- Setting: Planet Arrakis from Frank Herbert's Dune universe
- Key Exploration Features: Vehicle scanning modules, survey probes, Shigawire Claw, Suspensor Belt
- Dynamic World Elements: Weekly Coriolis storms that reshape the Deep Desert areas
- Pre-Launch Tools Available: Benchmark Mode and Character Creator on Steam
- Confirmed Platforms: PC (May 2025), PS5/Xbox Series X|S (date TBA)
Exploring the Vast Deserts of Arrakis
The latest trailer from Funcom provides an in-depth look at how players will navigate the harsh environment of Dune Awakening's open world. Survival on Arrakis begins with the basics – collecting materials to craft essential items like shelters and Stillsuits. As players progress, they'll gain access to vehicles necessary for crossing the vast desert expanses. The exploration system includes specialized tools like scanning modules that detect nearby resources, while climbing to elevated positions allows for launching survey probes that reveal larger areas, including shipwrecks and abandoned imperial testing stations hidden across the landscape.
Advanced Traversal Mechanics
Movement across Arrakis won't be limited to ground vehicles alone. The trailer showcases several traversal options that add vertical gameplay elements to the experience. Players will utilize tools like the Shigawire Claw, functioning as a grappling hook, and the Suspensor Belt, which enables hovering above the ground. These mobility options will allow access to difficult-to-reach areas, adding another layer to exploration. Additionally, vehicles can be upgraded with various modules to enhance their capabilities as players venture further into the dangerous desert.
Revolutionary Dynamic World System
Perhaps the most intriguing feature revealed is the implementation of Coriolis storms in the game's end-game PvP area known as the Deep Desert. These massive planetary storms regularly sweep across the map, fundamentally altering the terrain with each occurrence. Rather than being merely visual spectacles, these storms serve a gameplay purpose by uncovering new resources and locations after they pass. This creates what Funcom describes as infinite exploration opportunities, as players race to discover and map newly revealed areas following each storm event.
Player-Driven Economy and Preparation Tools
The storm system ties directly into Dune Awakening's player economy. After discovering new locations post-storm, players can create maps to sell to others through the in-game Exchange. This player-to-player commerce adds depth to the game's economic systems. In preparation for the May launch, Funcom has already released two tools for PC players on Steam: a Benchmark Mode to test hardware compatibility and performance, and a Character Creator that allows players to design their in-game avatars ahead of time, with the ability to import these creations at launch.
Platform Availability
While Dune Awakening is confirmed for a May 20, 2025 PC release via Steam, console players will need to wait longer. The game has been announced for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, but specific release dates for these platforms have not yet been revealed. This staggered release approach suggests Funcom is focusing on optimizing the PC experience first before expanding to consoles.