Dune: Awakening Gets Offline Mode, Crossplay, and Blood and Ice

Funcom is making significant changes to Dune: Awakening. In a new developer update, the studio announced several new features: an offline mode, crossplay, and a free ice-themed expansion. A new shop will also be introduced.

Artwork from Dune: Awakening featuring a character in the desert of Arrakis — Image source: PC Games

When Is the Offline Mode Coming to Dune: Awakening?

The offline mode for single-player is expected to arrive as early as November. You'll then no longer need an internet connection to traverse Arrakis alone. Funcom has not yet provided an exact date.

Things continue in January 2027. You'll then be able to transfer your character from a multiplayer server to single-player mode. The reverse will also work: to selected private servers. On PC, this also applies to self-hosted servers if the operator allows it.

Will There Be Crossplay Between PC, PS5, and Xbox Soon?

Yes. Funcom has announced full crossplay for January 2027. Players on PC, PS5, and Xbox will then be able to play together. The studio plans to provide more details before the release.

What Does the Free Blood and Ice Expansion Bring?

On December 1, 2026, Blood and Ice will be released for free on all platforms. Instead of heat, the new Polar Sink map awaits you, featuring tundra and an ice cap. Here's what's new:

Cold becomes a danger; you'll need to adapt your desert gear.
Funcom promises approximately 35 hours of additional content.
Collected ice cools facilities and accelerates production.
New vehicle modules, enhancements, and specializations will also be added.

The official overview trailer for the expansion provides a glimpse:

How Will Funcom Finance Dune: Awakening in the Future?

Funcom is introducing a shop with optional cosmetic items, including outfits, vehicle variants, and decorations. The revenue generated will fund further free updates. Additional regions and mechanics are planned for 2027.

Find more about the game on the official Dune website, at Funcom, and on the Steam Store.

What Does This Mean for Players?

From our perspective, the offline mode is the biggest step. The online-only requirement was a persistent issue for many. With character transfers between single-player and servers, your progress becomes more flexible. How well this works in practice will only become clear once the feature is live.

Crossplay primarily helps groups of friends on different platforms. And free updates are a definite plus. The shop will need to prove itself: if it truly remains purely cosmetic, that's a fair deal. The promise has been made; practice will show the reality.