Dune: Awakening Demo Now Live

The highly anticipated open-world survival MMO Dune: Awakening has taken a major step toward its official launch. Funcom has released a playable demo featuring a Character Creator and Benchmark Mode, allowing players to design their in-game avatars and test their PC’s performance before the full release on May 20, 2025​

Create Your Own Warrior

Players can now download the Character Creator on Steam and begin customizing their in-game persona. This tool offers extensive personalization, including:

• Facial features and appearance adjustments
• Home planet selection
• Caste and mentor choices (e.g., Swordmaster, Bene Gesserit, Mentat, or Trooper)
• Starting abilities, which will evolve throughout the game​.

Completing the character creation also rewards players with an exclusive Frameblade knife skin, which can be redeemed at launch

Benchmark Test – Can Your PC Handle Arrakis?

Alongside the character creator, the Benchmark Mode allows players to test their system’s performance. This feature includes a cinematic fly-through of the game’s world, showcasing:

• A player-built base in the desert
• Harko Village, a major Harkonnen-controlled hub
• A breathtaking encounter with a sandworm

This test helps players fine-tune their settings for an optimal experience when Dune: Awakening launches.

What We Know About Dune: Awakening

Developed by Funcom, Dune: Awakening is an ambitious open-world survival MMO set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi series. Players will explore Arrakis, harvesting spice, building shelters, and surviving massive sandstorms. The game combines elements of survival crafting, RPG storytelling, and large-scale faction warfare.

A Brief Look at the Dune Story

The Dune franchise follows Paul Atreides, a noble heir who becomes embroiled in the political and mystical struggles over the desert planet Arrakis. The planet’s spice—an invaluable resource—drives conflicts between powerful factions like House Harkonnen and the indigenous Fremen. This setting provides the perfect backdrop for Dune: Awakening, where players will shape their own destinies in the harsh desert

Are you ready to test your survival skills on Arrakis? Download the Dune: Awakening demo now and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Watch the Trailer here!