Dune: Awakening is a new online survival and action-adventure game set in the popular Dune universe. It was released for Windows PC on June 10, 2025, and is expected to come to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. In this game, you play as a prisoner on the desert planet Arrakis, trying to survive and uncover the mystery of the missing Fremen tribe.
The game mixes action, exploration, and tough survival. Players fight using weapons like guns, swords, and even magic abilities. You must also survive harsh desert storms, gather supplies, and interact with other players in this online world.
The story takes place in a different timeline where Paul Atreides never existed. Because of that, the planet is torn by war and chaos. You play as an undercover agent working for the Bene Gesserit, trying to influence the future of Arrakis.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Dune: Awakening |
| Developer & Publisher | Funcom |
| Release Date | June 10, 2025 (Windows PC) |
| Platforms | Windows PC (now), PS5 & Xbox Series X/S (2026) |
| Genre | Online Multiplayer Survival MMO |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Mode | Multiplayer (Online only) |
| Setting | Planet Arrakis (sci-fi desert world) |
Dune: Awakening Age Ratings
| Region | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| ESRB (USA) | Mature 17+ | Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language |
| PEGI (EU) | PEGI 16 | Violence, Drugs, Horror, Bad language |
Is It Safe for Kids?
No. Dune: Awakening is not safe for children. Both ESRB and PEGI have rated it for older teens and adults only.
- Kids under 16 should not play because of gory violence, alcohol use, and strong language.
- It is best for players aged 17+, especially those comfortable with intense combat and mature themes.
Age-Wise Viewing Guide
| Age Group | Suitable? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Under 13 | No | Contains graphic violence and mature themes |
| 13–15 years | No | PEGI 16+ and ESRB 17+ rating; includes alcohol, gore |
| 16–17 years | Caution | May be okay with parent guidance if mature enough |
| 18+ | Yes | Designed for adult players with mature content tolerance |
Dune: Awakening Parents Guide
1. Violence & Gore
The game has strong and realistic violence. Players use blades, hooks, dart rifles, and magical abilities to fight enemies. Some scenes include:
- Severed limbs and torsos
- Corpses hanging from ceilings, some covered in blood
- Burning piles of bodies
- A cannibal feasting on a human corpse
- Stabbing, slashing, and slow-motion effects during fights
- Moderate blood splatter from attacks
These scenes are graphic and not suitable for children.
2. Strong Language
The F-word (“fk”)** is used in the game. Bad language may also be heard in online multiplayer voice/text chat.
3. Use of Alcohol
Players can buy and drink spice-infused beer in the game. This increases their energy (“spice level”). The alcohol use is clearly shown and may influence younger players.
4. Scary and Dark Themes
The game includes horror elements, such as:
- Burning corpses
- Dark, violent environments
- Mentions of self-mutilation (like off-screen eye gouging)
These elements make the game emotionally intense and not suitable for sensitive or young players.
Tips For Parents
- Watch gameplay videos first to see how violent or intense it looks.
- Use parental controls to manage multiplayer settings and block inappropriate voice/text chat.
- Talk to teens about alcohol use and strong language shown in the game.
- Avoid if your child is sensitive to horror, blood, or intense action scenes.
FAQs
Q1. What is the ESRB age rating for Dune: Awakening?
A: The game is rated Mature 17+ by ESRB due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, and Strong Language.
Q2. What is the PEGI rating for Dune: Awakening?
A: It has been rated PEGI 16, meaning it is not suitable for players under 16 years of age.
Q3. Does Dune: Awakening contain alcohol?
A: Yes, players can purchase and drink spice-infused beer to increase their in-game stats.
Q4. Is there nudity or sexual content in Dune: Awakening?
A: No nudity or sexual content has been confirmed in the game.
Q5. Can kids under 13 play Dune: Awakening?
A: No. The game contains very mature and violent content. It is not recommended for kids.
Q6. Is this game scary?
A: Yes, some parts include dark environments, burning bodies, and gory visuals that may be scary.
Q7. Is Dune: Awakening multiplayer only?
A: Yes, it is a massively multiplayer online game (MMO). Players must play online with others.
Q8. What platforms is it available on?
A: As of now, it is released for Windows PC (June 10, 2025). Console versions will come in 2026.
Dune: Awakening is a deep, mature, and violent online game. It is made for adult players who enjoy survival, exploration, and strong storytelling in a sci-fi setting. But due to its blood and gore, alcohol use, and harsh combat, it is not suitable for children or younger teens.
Parents should only allow older, mature teens to play it with full understanding of the content and online risks.
