Dune: Awakening, the highly anticipated open-world survival MMO inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novels and Denis Villeneuve's films, has been postponed to June 10, 2025. Funcom, the game's developer, announced this delay, citing the need for additional development time to enhance the game based on feedback from its ongoing Persistent Closed Beta. The studio aims to use this extra time to "cook" the game further and implement requested changes from the community.
For eager fans looking to dive into the sands of Arrakis ahead of the official release, Funcom has good news: those who purchase the Deluxe Edition or Ultimate Edition of Dune: Awakening will be able to start playing as early as June 5, 2025. This early access opportunity is a great way for dedicated players to get a head start on their journey through the Dune universe.
An important update regarding Dune: Awakening: pic.twitter.com/09Ftw4hstj
— Dune: Awakening (@DuneAwakening) April 15, 2025
In addition to the delay, Funcom has planned a large-scale beta weekend next month, offering even more players the chance to experience Dune: Awakening and provide valuable feedback. This move underscores the developer's commitment to refining the game based on player input.
While the delay may disappoint some fans eager to explore the vast deserts of Arrakis, Funcom is keeping the community engaged with a combat livestream scheduled for today at 12pm ET/9am PT. This stream will delve into the game's PvP and PvE mechanics, archetypes, and skills, offering a deeper look at what players can expect when they finally step into the world of Dune: Awakening.
Here at IGN, we're excited about Dune: Awakening. As we mentioned in our hands-on preview, "It's easy to be skeptical about an MMO survival game set in the Dune universe, but after a few bouts of dehydration and sunstroke, the day I spent in Arrakis convinced me that Dune: Awakening is one to watch." The immersive experience and attention to detail in the game's world have left a strong impression.
For more information, be sure to check out details on the MMO's business model and post-launch plans, as well as the in-depth gameplay trailer that was revealed at Gamescom ONL last year. Stay tuned for more updates on Dune: Awakening as we approach its new release date.
