Dune: Awakening launches on PS5 and Xbox Series: what to know before buying

Funcom has released Dune: Awakening on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The console launch took place on September 22, 2026, more than a year after the game first arrived on PC.

Alongside the console versions, the developers introduced a full single-player mode, completed the first part of the story, expanded the game world and reworked several core systems. Dune: Awakening is also available through Game Pass on Xbox.

Which platforms support Dune: Awakening?

Following the console launch, Dune: Awakening is available on:

• PlayStation 5;

• PlayStation 5 Pro;

• Xbox Series X;

• Xbox Series S;

• PC through Steam and the Microsoft Store;

• Xbox Cloud Gaming;

• ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices;

• GeForce Now.

There are no versions for PlayStation 4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch 2.

The Xbox edition supports Play Anywhere. A digital purchase provides access on both an Xbox console and a PC through the Microsoft Store, with shared progress between them.

Dune: Awakening is also included with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass. Xbox and PC players should therefore check their current subscription before purchasing the game separately.

What is Dune: Awakening about?

Dune: Awakening is an open-world survival game with role-playing elements. It takes place on the desert planet Arrakis in an alternative version of the Dune universe.

The key difference in this timeline is that Paul Atreides was never born. The player must investigate the mysterious disappearance of the Fremen, uncover the truth about their own past and choose whether to join House Atreides or House Harkonnen.

Familiar characters appear throughout the story, including Duke Leto and Feyd-Rautha. The game combines elements from Frank Herbert’s books with imagery inspired by the modern Dune films.

The update released alongside the console editions adds the concluding chapter of the first story arc. The entire story can now be completed from beginning to end in either single-player or multiplayer.

How the gameplay works

Survival in the harsh conditions of Arrakis remains the foundation of Dune: Awakening. Players must manage their water supply, stay in the shade, avoid sandstorms and try not to attract enormous sandworms.

While exploring the world, players can:

• gather resources;

• craft weapons, equipment and tools;

• build and customize a base;

• harvest and refine spice;

• construct ground vehicles and ornithopters;

• complete story missions and optional assignments;

• join House Atreides or House Harkonnen;

• develop combat, crafting and exploration skills.

Character development is connected to the Schools of the Imperium. A Trooper can specialize in heavy firepower, a Bene Gesserit disciple can control enemies with the Voice, a Mentat can deploy deceptive traps, and a Swordmaster can focus on close-range combat.

Since the original PC release, the developers have added new weapons, improved enemy AI, rebalanced stamina and made parrying more forgiving. Arrakis has also been expanded with seven new mission locations, six Imperial Testing Stations, additional contracts and dynamic encounters.

How single-player mode works

The most significant addition is a full single-player mode. Dune: Awakening was previously built around shared servers, even when someone chose to complete most activities alone.

The full story, locations and primary gameplay systems can now be experienced without other players. Funcom had to redesign several mechanics that previously depended on an active online community.

For example:

• the Exchange works like a regular in-game store;

• the Landsraad system automatically simulates the involvement of rival factions;

• endgame progression no longer requires joining a large guild;

• high-level equipment requires fewer rare materials;

• Coriolis storms are less destructive to player bases;

• lost vehicles can be recovered for a limited period.

When creating a single-player game, players can select one of three difficulty presets or configure the experience manually. Adjustable settings include enemy strength, experience and resource-gathering rates, item durability, storm intensity and building limits.

Progress made with a single-player character is kept separate from the official multiplayer servers.

A PlayStation Plus subscription is not required for single-player on PS5. However, the PlayStation Store lists an internet connection as mandatory, so single-player should not automatically be treated as a completely offline mode.

Which graphics modes are available on consoles?

The console editions feature an interface and controls redesigned for gamepads.

The standard PlayStation 5 offers:

• Performance mode — 60 frames per second with frame generation;

• Quality mode — 30 frames per second.

On PlayStation 5 Pro, Performance mode runs at 60 frames per second without frame generation. Both PS5 consoles use upscaling to 4K in Performance and Quality modes.

The Xbox versions also provide two options:

• Performance — 60 frames per second with dynamic resolution up to 4K;

• Quality — 30 frames per second with dynamic resolution up to 4K.

Xbox Series X uses a higher internal resolution and includes additional visual enhancements. The official description does not specify the exact internal resolution for each console.

The PS5 edition also supports haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller. The game is optimized for both PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X|S.

Is there cross-play between PS5, Xbox and PC?

Full cross-play between every platform is not available at launch.

Shared multiplayer and cross-progression currently work between:

• Xbox Series X|S;

• the Microsoft Store version for PC;

• Xbox Cloud Gaming;

• compatible Xbox handheld devices.

PS5 players cannot join Xbox or PC users. The Steam version also does not share servers with the console editions.

Funcom has confirmed that full cross-play will be added after launch, but the company has not announced a release date for the feature.

How much does Dune: Awakening cost?

Three digital editions are available in European stores:

• Standard Edition — €49.99. Includes the base game;

• Deluxe Edition — €69.99. Includes the game, a pack of four DLCs and Sardaukar armor;

• Ultimate Edition — €89.99. Also includes the 2021 film stillsuit, the Caladan Palace building set, vehicle color variants, a digital art book and the soundtrack.

Prices may vary depending on the country and account region. Xbox players do not need to purchase the game separately while it remains available through an eligible Game Pass subscription.

A physical edition is also available for PS5. The Xbox version is distributed digitally.

How does the console version differ from the original PC release?

The console edition includes the major updates released since Dune: Awakening debuted on PC. It is not simply a port of the original launch version.

By the time of the PS5 and Xbox release, the developers had:

• introduced a full single-player mode;

• completed the first story arc;

• expanded Arrakis with new locations;

• reworked the Landsraad;

• added specializations and equipment augmentations;

• improved combat and enemy behavior;

• reduced the penalties for dying;

• made it easier to restore bases and vehicles;

• added the option to create fully PvE servers;

• adapted the interface and controls for consoles.

Funcom also plans to release the free Polar Cap update later in 2026. It will add an icy region of Arrakis with new survival mechanics, resources, equipment and a standalone story.

Is Dune: Awakening worth buying?

Dune: Awakening is primarily intended for fans of Dune, open worlds, base building and survival games with extensive resource and progression systems.

The single-player mode makes the game more approachable for people who do not want to depend on other players, participate in PvP or join a guild. On Xbox, the easiest way to try Dune: Awakening is through Game Pass.

However, this is not a linear story-driven action game. A considerable amount of time is devoted to survival, gathering materials, crafting equipment, building and gradually developing a character.

Before buying the PS5 version, players should also remember that single-player does not require PlayStation Plus, but the game is still listed as requiring an internet connection. Cross-play between PlayStation, Xbox and Steam is not available at launch either.