New expansion for Dune: Awakening
Funcom has announced Blood and Ice, a major free expansion for Dune: Awakening, set to launch on December 1st. This update will bring new content and gameplay features to the multiplayer online game, focusing on survival and exploration in a new area of the fictional desert planet Arrakis.New map and survival mechanics
The expansion introduces the Polar Sink, a new map located on the North Pole of Arrakis. This icy region will add survival elements such as body temperature management and ground combat, with two distinct biomes: a tundra with powerful water transporter family fortresses and an ice cap where players can gather pure ice for cooling and production purposes.New features and cosmetic ties
Blood and Ice will also bring new vehicle modules, avatar specializations, and cosmetic items inspired by the Dune feature films from Legendary Pictures. These items will be available in a new cosmetics store, which Funcom plans to use to fund future free updates to the game.Synchronization with Dune: Part Three
The expansion’s release date coincides with the theatrical debut of Dune: Part Three, directed by Denis Villeneuve, which is expected to open in December 2026. This timing suggests a thematic and promotional link between the game and the film.Future updates and player growth
Funcom also announced plans for an offline solo mode in November 2026, with crossplay and character transfers from multiplayer to solo mode expected in January 2027. Since its launch on PS5 and Xbox Series, Dune: Awakening has attracted over a million new players, following the addition of a solo campaign and the game’s transition to consoles.
