Dune: Awakening hits pre-order phase, launching on PC this May

Fans of the reinvigorated property might want to get their pre-orders in, as Dune: Awakening is heading to a full PC launch this May.

Rise and shine

One of a pack of Dune titles that’s either seen launch or will soon, Dune: Awakening continues to look like one of the most impressive. The upcoming game from Funcom is a multiplayer survival adventure, set in the sands of Arrakis, that’ll task players with surviving the arid world. But much like the publisher’s Conan title, Dune: Awakening won’t be ‘live service’ or similar.

Creative Director Joel Bylos has just released a video to describe what fans will find if they buy a copy, and it’s kind of refreshing. The game will eschew an ‘early access’ period, instead heading to a full launch for the the PC (via Steam) on May 20th. It’ll also have no subscription, so have no ‘live service’ fears, and will be expanded for free post-launch. Drops sound meaty too, and will bring additional “content and features” according to the company, as well as expand the game’s story.

That’s not to say that Dune: Awakening won’t have paid downloadable content though, as you’ll also be able to add to it via traditional DLC (complete with a season pass). However it’s also worth noting that Bylos notes such packs will be optional, so it doesn’t sound like you’ll have to buy DLC to get more story.

Here’s the Creative Director to explain:

Options and a surprise soundtrack

If you’re down to return to Arrakis, then you might want to know about just what you’ll be able to grab in terms of editions. As you might imagine, Dune: Awakening has a few that spin off of its standard version, and all of them are eligible for some pre-order bonuses.

Other than the base, additional options include both Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, with all three being posted right now for pre-order via Steam for the PC. Want a full breakdown of what’s included with the each? Check out the graphic below.

While you’re deciding too, why not check out a video delving into the soundtrack for Dune: Awakening? Included with the Ultimate Edition, the soundtrack runs for 90s minutes, and was created at AIR Lyndhurst studio in London, under composer Knut Avenstroup Haugen.