Dune: Awakening Editions Explained – Which Version Should You Buy?
Dune: Awakening is one of the most anticipated MMO survival games of 2025, and with the release date drawing near, many players are asking the big question: Which edition should I pre-order?
In this guide, we break down the differences between the Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate editions of Dune: Awakening, including pre-order bonuses, early access details, exclusive cosmetics, and post-launch DLC plans—all officially confirmed by Funcom. And if you are looking for more information about the game, be sure to check out our post Everything You Need to Know About Dune: Awakening. And if you are not sure which class to choose at the beginning, here is the Dune: Awakening starting class guide!
All Editions Compared
Feature | Standard | Deluxe | Ultimate |
---|---|---|---|
Base Game | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
5-Day Head Start (May 15) | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Pre-order Bonus: Terrarium of Muad’Dib | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Pre-order Bonus: Sunset Dye Swatch | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Season Pass (4 DLCs) | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Sardaukar Bator Armor | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Caladan Palace Building Set | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Dune 2021 Film Stillsuit | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Dusk Rider Sandbike Swatch | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Blue Dasher Ornithopter Swatch | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Digital Artbook (50 pages) | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Digital Soundtrack (90 min) | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Pricing
- Standard Edition: $49.99
- Deluxe Edition: $69.99
- Ultimate Edition: $89.99
Early Access – More Than Just a Head Start
The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions grant players 5-day early access starting May 15. This isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a real gameplay advantage.
Early players will:
- Establish bases and harvest spice ahead of others
- Level up and unlock blueprints, gear, and faction reputation early
- Claim key locations and access the Deep Desert while it’s less contested
Funcom confirms this head start will also help spread server load. Players who want a “Fresh Start” experience can still join servers opening on May 20 with the global release.
Is the Deluxe Edition Worth It?
Absolutely, especially if you want to dive deep into the game at launch. For just $20 more than the base game, you get:
- 5-day early access
- First season pass with 4 DLCs (including Shai-Hulud themed content)
- Cosmetics like Sardaukar Bator Armor
It offers fantastic value for active MMO players who don’t necessarily need the collectibles from the Ultimate bundle.
What About the Ultimate Edition?
It’s the definitive edition for fans who want the full package. Alongside everything in the Deluxe, it adds:
- Unique skins for your Ornithopter and Sandbike
- A 50-page digital artbook featuring behind-the-scenes development artwork
- A 90-minute orchestral soundtrack composed by Knut Avenstroup Haugen
If you’re a long-time fan of the Dune universe or enjoy premium digital bonuses, the Ultimate Edition delivers an immersive experience.
How DLC Will Work
Dune: Awakening won’t have a monthly subscription. Instead, it will receive free major updates that expand the story and add new gameplay features. With each major update, a paid DLC will also be released. These can be bought separately—or all at once via the Season Pass included in the Deluxe and Ultimate editions.
Final Recommendation
- Casual Players: Standard is fine if you just want to try the game and don’t care about early access or cosmetics.
- Core MMO Fans: Deluxe is the best value, with content, cosmetics, and a strong start.
- Collectors & Lore Fans: Ultimate is worth it for soundtrack, artbook, and exclusive swatches.
And remember, you can always upgrade later if you start with Standard and fall in love with the game.
D T
Please note that the graphic indicates that the Caladan Palace Building Set is only in the Ultimate Edition, it is not in the Deluxe Edition as stated in this article.
Karel Vik
Hello. Thank you for the comment, you are right and we just fixed it in the text 😉