Dune: Awakening – The Sci-Fi MMO Finally Coming in May 2025

Not many sci-fi reboots have managed the sort of success we have seen in Dune in recent years. The remake of a movie that had some incredibly mixed reviews saw the Dune franchise reborn and a much grittier and more realistic movie draw in a whole new audience. 

We’re in the age of the franchise, though, and one movie was not enough. Now, the world of Dune is expanding once again, this time into the realm of online gaming with Dune: Awakening, an ambitious open-world MMO that exists on a separate timeline to the movie franchise, and takes players deep into the unforgiving desert of Arrakis.

Developed by Funcom, the studio behind Conan Exiles, this survival-focused multiplayer game blends exploration, strategy, and action in a setting inspired by Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi universe.

With a release date confirmed for 20 May 2025, on PC, Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. Console players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will have to wait a little longer as no console release date has been set. Judging by the trailer and the game’s scale and visual demands, it could be an impressive example of a current-gen console game.

A Survival MMO Set on the Deadliest Planet in the Universe

Dune: Awakening leans heavily into survival mechanics which are really popular in gaming. According to Funcom’s creative director, Joel Bylos, the game is designed as “a survival game, first and foremost,” where players must find water, build shelter, and avoid the planet’s terrifying sandworms. The need to manage the character’s needs and environmental hazards. This all adds a layer of tension that keeps every decision meaningful.

Arrakis is a living, breathing world filled with dangers beyond just the giant sandworms. Sandstorms will shift the landscape, extreme temperatures will test endurance, and quicksand can trap the unwary. Even the act of walking on sand must be carefully considered because too much movement and a sandworm might be drawn to your location.

Survival isn’t the only challenge. Players are also set to compete for power and resources, with spice being the ultimate prize. We have already seen the same developer release a “Spice Wars” strategy game in the franchise and the MMO has some crossover.

In this world, “Spice is power,” and players must stake their claim over spice fields while defending against rival factions and raiders.

Deep Player Choice and Faction Warfare

One of the most interesting aspects of Dune: Awakening is its approach to politics and alliances. Much like Conan Exiles, Funcom has integrated a complex system where players can form factions and influence the world through strategy and diplomacy. Whether siding with House Atreides, House Harkonnen, or carving out their own path, players will have the freedom to shape their destiny.

The game also introduces an alternate timeline where key events from the Dune saga have taken a different turn. Paul Atreides was never born, Lady Jessica followed the Bene Gesserit’s orders and Duke Leto Atreides survived the assault on Arrakeen. 

This divergence creates new storytelling opportunities and gives the developers more free reign with the story while players can experience a new take.

Beyond survival and faction warfare, Dune: Awakening offers a robust crafting and building system. Players can construct shelters to withstand sandstorms and upgrade their stillsuits to improve water retention. They can even create powerful weapons and vehicles to dominate the desert.

Exploration is another major feature, as Arrakis is constantly changing. Sandstorms alter the terrain, exposing new ruins and hiding valuable resources. Unmapped sectors offer hidden riches, but only for those brave enough to venture into the unknown.

The Ongoing Fight for Spice

Dune: Awakening won’t just be about gathering resources and crafting as it will also feature intense combat. Players will wield advanced sci-fi weaponry and even pilot craft across the sand dunes.

One of the biggest challenges will be defending spice harvesters. As in the Dune books and films, harvesting spice isn’t as simple as collecting a resource. Players must deploy harvesters and protect them from raiders. They must also harvest them before a sandworm arrives.

Combat will also take place between rival players, with large-scale skirmishes over territory and resources. 

A Stunning Open World with Changing Conditions

Visually, Dune: Awakening is breathtaking. The game’s trailers showcase sweeping desert landscapes and intricate designs. Funcom has committed to delivering an immersive experience with dynamic weather effects and fluid character animations.

The in-game day-and-night cycle will also impact gameplay, with different threats emerging depending on the time. It all adds to the depth and impact.

Beta Access and Future Expansions

With a closed beta already underway, Funcom is refining the experience before launch. Beta players have reported promising gameplay mechanics, and the studio has been actively engaging with the community to fine-tune features.

While the initial release will focus on survival and faction warfare, Funcom has hinted at future expansions. These could theoretically include new locations beyond Arrakis…

Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious sci-fi MMOs ever created. With its survival mechanics, deep political intrigue, and breathtaking open world, it offers a unique take on the Dune universe that goes beyond traditional storytelling.

For fans of Dune, MMOs, or survival games, this is a title worth keeping an eye on. With a May 20, 2025 release date on PC and console versions coming later, the countdown to Arrakis has begun. 

Will you rise to power or be swallowed by the sands?

Dune: Awakening will retail at $49.99 and is in closed beta at the moment. It is released on 20th May 2025 on PC, with a console launch coming later in the year.