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Something to look forward to: Funcom’s ambitious Dune MMO launches in two months. The studio recently posted videos and blog posts outlining the game’s technical specifications, PC features, and release roadmap to prepare players. Dune: Awakening will abandon some trends that players have come to expect from other live service games.
Pre-orders are now open for Dune: Awakening, Funcom’s ambitious survival MMO based on the planet Arrakis from Frank Herbert’s influential sci-fi novel. Bucking the system, the company recently confirmed that players only pay the game’s one-time $49.99 purchase price, unlike many MMOs, which constantly nag players for microtransactions or subscription purchases.
Another thing that Funcom is shying away from is the early access trend. Dune: Awakening won’t debut in early access. However, customers who buy the deluxe and ultimate editions can join a pre-release server stress test on May 15, with the full game launching on May 20.
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Instead of charging a subscription, Funcom plans to continually update the game with free and optional paid DLC – just like the good ol’ days. Players can buy these packages individually or bundled in a season pass. The first pass, included in the limited edition, grants access to four upcoming expansions. The company previously confirmed that massive storms will periodically reshape Arrakis’ desert landscape to significantly alter the environment for all players, encouraging users to revisit previously explored areas.
The PC system requirements are light compared to some recent high-profile releases. An Nvidia GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT should achieve 30 frames per second at 1080p, an RTX 3070 or RX 6700 XT can reach 60fps at 1440p, and 4K 60fps gameplay should be possible on an RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT.
Funcom didn’t mention whether the recommendations account for upscaling, but Dune: Awakening will support DLSS 4 multi-frame generation, FSR, and XeSS 2. However, the developer didn’t specify whether the game supports FSR 4, which provides the best upscaling image quality on AMD’s recently released RX 9000 GPUs. Interested players can test Dune: Awakening’s performance using the free character creator and benchmark tools. Those tired of 100 and 150 GB games will also be pleased to discover that the MMO will only need between 60 and 75 GB at launch.
Dune: Awakening supports Razer’s Sensa HD haptics, enabling rumble feedback. While using the Freyja gaming cushion, players can feel their seat hum while flying an ornithopter. Other welcome features include FOV adjustment, controller support, ultrawide aspect ratios, and extensive support for alternate keyboard layouts. Funcom also answered additional questions during a recent livestream.
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