Funcom has announced that its MMO survival game, Dune: Awakening, is set to launch on Steam on May 20. However, players can start customizing their avatars now with the newly available Character Creator and Benchmark Mode. This allows you to spend time refining your character’s appearance—whether you want to resemble Zendaya or Timothée Chalamet—so you can jump straight into gameplay when the game officially releases, rather than getting lost in the character customization options for hours.
Your custom character can be transferred into the game upon its release. Funcom has stated that you will have the ability to adjust various details about your character, select your home planet, caste, and mentor, among other choices. Your initial selections will impact your character’s starting abilities, but rest assured, you’ll have access to all classes by the end of the game, giving you the flexibility to choose the skills you prefer.
The Benchmark Mode lets you assess how the game performs on your hardware. This is especially useful for determining if any upgrades are necessary, as Dune: Awakening comes with fairly high system requirements.
Additionally, Funcom has unveiled preorder incentives. By preordering, you’ll receive the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, complete with a cute desert mouse inside. If you plan on exploring Dune: Awakening, this adorable companion might just make the preorder worthwhile—after all, he is described as being “wise in the ways of the desert.”
Players can also earn bonuses by simply downloading the Character Creator and Benchmark Mode, such as a code for the Frameblade knife skin valid at launch.
Dune: Awakening is priced at $50 on Steam, with preorders projected to open soon. Even if you’re not a dedicated Dune enthusiast, the game promises to cater to a variety of players. Funcom is known for its successful titles like Conan Exiles and Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in this new offering.
