Fans eagerly awaiting Dune: Awakening will need to wait a little longer. Developer Funcom has officially announced a release date delay for the highly anticipated survival MMO set in the world of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Originally expected to launch in 2024, the team is now targeting a release window of 2025, according to an official update on the game’s Steam News Hub.
Why the Delay?
The delay isn’t due to technical shortcomings, but rather a strategic decision to deepen the game’s core mechanics and ensure that Dune: Awakening delivers a truly immersive experience. The developers explained that feedback from early testing revealed both excitement and areas where improvements could elevate the game to new heights.
“We don’t want to just release another survival game — we want to build a world where every decision matters, where the brutal environment of Arrakis shapes every moment of gameplay,” the team stated.
A Reimagined Survival Experience
Built using Unreal Engine 5, Dune: Awakening merges survival gameplay with MMO elements in a massive, open-world rendition of Arrakis. Players will craft, explore, and fight to control spice in a constantly shifting landscape ravaged by sandstorms and political intrigue.
Funcom says the delay will allow them to double down on player agency, combat balance, and world-building, promising a game that lives up to the epic scale of the Dune universe.
Community Response
Although delays can be disappointing, the gaming community has largely responded with understanding — and even encouragement. Many fans took to social media to applaud Funcom’s transparency and focus on quality.
“Take the time you need. We want Arrakis done right,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
When Can We Expect It?
While no specific launch date has been set, Dune: Awakening is now slated for release in 2025. A new beta testing phase is expected to launch later this year, giving selected players a first-hand look at the updated mechanics and features.
Players can still wishlist the game on Steam to stay up to date on development milestones.