OSLO, Norway – For any fan of Frank Herbert's seminal sci-fi universe, the question has always been: when do we get to walk the sands of Arrakis? Developer Funcom is answering that call with an incredibly generous offer. The team has just launched an extensive 10-hour free trial for their highly anticipated open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, and it's live right now on Steam.
This isn't just a fleeting demo. Funcom is offering a full, deep dive into the harsh and beautiful world they've built, allowing players to experience the early hours of their journey on the most dangerous planet in the universe. Even better, all progress made during this trial period will carry over if you decide to purchase the full game.
A True Taste of Arrakis Without the Risk
The scale of this trial is what sets it apart. Ten hours is enough time to truly get a feel for the core gameplay loops that define Dune: Awakening. Players can:
- Establish their first base: Harvest precious resources like spice and stone, and construct a shelter from the blistering sun and deadly sandstorms.
- Craft iconic equipment: Build your first stillsuit to conserve water, forge initial weapons, and create a vehicle to traverse the vast dunes.
- Experience the threat: Feel the constant tension of survival, from managing your water levels to avoiding the seismic approach of a world-ending sandworm.
- Test the social fabric: Interact with other players, deciding whether to form temporary alliances for mutual survival or to engage in open-world PvP skirmishes over valuable resources.
"This free trial is designed to give players a genuine experience of what it means to survive on Arrakis," said a Funcom representative. "We want them to feel the sun on their necks, the sand in their boots, and the adrenaline rush of hearing a worm sign. It's about making an informed decision to join this world, and we're confident that once players get a taste, they'll be hooked."
Isolated Servers Ensure a Fair and Focused Experience
A key concern with MMO trials is how new players are integrated into a world dominated by established veterans. Funcom has cleverly sidestepped this issue by deploying isolated servers specifically for the free trial.
This means all trial players will be exploring Arrakis alongside others who are also just beginning their journey. It creates a level playing field where everyone is discovering the game's mechanics, dangers, and wonders at the same time. This eliminates the potential for being overwhelmed by high-level players and allows for a more authentic, community-driven survival experience from the very first step.
The developers shared the exciting news directly with the community. For all the details straight from the source, you can read the official announcement on the Steam news page.
This strategic move allows newcomers to learn the ropes together, fostering a sense of shared discovery that is often lost in live-service games.
Your Progress Matters: Full Carryover to Launch
Perhaps the most compelling reason to jump into this trial is the full progress carryover. Every resource gathered, every blueprint learned, every structure built, and every level gained during your 10-hour session will be waiting for you if you purchase the game.
This eliminates the dreaded "demo grind" feeling. Your time investment is protected and valued. The outpost you painstakingly built as a trial player will become the foundation of your empire in the full game. This seamless transition respects the player's time and incentivizes deep engagement right from the start.
Building on a Foundation of Major Updates
Dune: Awakening is not a static experience. The game is already building upon a strong foundation laid by recent major content drops. This free trial follows the recent launch of the game's Chapter 2 update and its accompanying DLC, The Lost Harvest.
These updates introduced a wealth of new content, including a new high-level biome, the fungal-rich Mount Ebony, new story missions, fearsome Coriolis storm enemies, and a host of new weapons, vehicles, and base-building options. Trial players are stepping into a world that is already rich, complex, and constantly evolving.
For a deeper look at the new threats and features that await, you can explore the detailed patch notes on the official website.
How to Claim Your Free Trial on Steam
Claiming your spot on Arrakis is simple:
- Navigate to the Dune: Awakening Steam store page.
- Look for the "Download Demo" button on the right side of the page.
- Click it, and the game will be added to your Steam library for download.
- Once installed, launch the game and create your character. Your 10-hour timer will begin the moment you first set foot on the sands.
The vast deserts of Arrakis are calling. Will you answer? With a 10-hour free trial, isolated servers for a fair start, and all your progress saved, there's never been a better time to see if you have what it takes to survive the spice-rich world of Dune: Awakening.
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About Funcom: Funcom is a developer and publisher of online games for PC and consoles. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and is best known for its iconic Conan Exiles, as well as a rich portfolio of multiplayer titles including The Secret World and the Anarchy Online series. Funcom is part of the Tencent Games family.
Note to Editors: Assets and logos are available upon request.
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