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 and publisher Funcom announced that update 1.4 for Dune: Awakening will arrive on May 19.

Update 1.4 will expand the game with two new Overland Map locations (including one scalable Testing Station) and additional Landsraad Missions, further building on Chapter 3. Meet The Water Shippers in Wind Pass – the old Harkonnen tech hub. Or face the devious Dr. Jalanta in the secret lab in The Old Quarry Testing Station.

The update also debuts The Water Wars DLC ($9.99), featuring building pieces and cosmetics based on the ruthless Water Shippers, the dynasty controlling most of the water trade on Arrakis. The DLC is the final part of the Season Pass ($24.99 / €24.99) and contains a set of Water Shipper–themed building pieces and cosmetics.

Update 1.4 does not add new story content to Dune: Awakening. This allows Funcom to prioritize highly requested systems that enhance player agency instead, with major updates planned for later – including the next chapter of the story.

In the recently released update 1.3.20, Funcom introduced a highly requested new option to choose between PvP or PvE according to playstyle wishes, making PvP in Dune: Awakening fully optional, allowing you to enjoy the full scale and content of the endgame without engaging in PvP. Like the majority of the updates delivered, this came as a response to direct player feedback.

Since launching on June 10, 2025, Dune: Awakening has reached over 189,000 concurrent players on Steam and received more than ten updates, including two story expansions, new maps, and a major endgame revamp in Chapter 3.

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.