Dune: Awakening has brought author Frank Herbert's sci-fi universe of political intrigue and power struggle to life in an MMO setting. Developer Funcom puts players in the heart of Arrakis, with the primary goal being to survive and gain power in this harsh world. Since its launch, Dune: Awakening has attracted both hardcore Dune fans and MMO lovers, but there are still plenty of gamers out there who may be on the fence about whether the game is worth the time or not.

Well, now those who have been curious will soon have the perfect chance to try out Dune: Awakening to see if it's the right MMO for them. On September 11, Dune: Awakening will be completely free to play, but that's merely the tip of the iceberg.

This Weekend is a Big Moment for Dune: Awakening

Dune: Awakening Chapter 2 update and DLC launching sooner than expected.

Dune: Awakening Offers a Free Weekend Plus a Solid Discount

  • Dune: Awakening can be played for free between September 11 - September 15.
  • The game will also be 20% off from September 11 to September 22.

Since the game is usually priced at $50 USD, Dune: Awakening holds a significant price point for those who have yet to be fully sold on the title. Paying $50 for a game that one isn't sure about yet is a big risk, so it's great that the devs are allowing a free weekend. This isn't the first time that Dune: Awakening has been free-to-play for a limited time, but this time around, it isn't nearly as limited. The past free-play event barred players from checking out Harko Village, Arrakeen, and the Deep Desert, but this upcoming free weekend doesn't put any limits on what locations can be explored.

dune awakening chapter 2 update

Beyond zero content restrictions, there also won't be any time limit, aside from the free dates, of course. Curious gamers can dive into Dune: Awakening for as many hours as they wish between the 11th and the 15th, which is plenty of time to allow new players to decide if they want to make the leap and purchase the game.

If Dune: Awakening proves to scratch that MMO itch, then those eager to stick with it will have plenty of time to buy the game for 20% off. In addition to the free weekend and discount, Dune: Awakening is about to get fresh content, too, so this test period is happening at the perfect time.

Dune: Awakening Will Be Free to Play for a Limited Time

Developer Funcom puts players in the heart of Arrakis, with the primary goal being to survive and gain power in this harsh world.

Dune: Awakening's First DLC is Imminent

  • The Lost Harvest DLC arrives on September 9, a day earlier than originally expected.

The Lost Harvest was supposed to launch on September 10, but Funcom decided to surprise fans by releasing it a day ahead of schedule. This will be the very first expansion for Dune: Awakening, and while it's meant for those who have completed the bulk of the game's goals, newcomers who become swayed by the free weekend will also have this DLC to look forward to when they are ready for more content. Also, September 9 also brings forth a free story update, so once September 11 gets here, first-time players can revel in fresh content alongside established fans.

Dune Awakening Endgame Desert Empty

Dune: Awakening's The Lost Harvest DLC will cost $12.99 USD.

Dune: Awakening isn't a perfect game, but it's easy to lose oneself for hours in its world. It's a strong adaptation of Herbert's universe, so whether one is a die-hard Dune fan who is new to gaming or one has been craving a brand-new MMO, this weekend will be the ideal time to see what Dune: Awakening is all about.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Dune: Awakening Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
June 10, 2025
Developer(s)
Funcom
Publisher(s)
Funcom
Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Franchise
Dune
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start
Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Genre(s)
Open-World, Survival, MMO