Dune Awakening, set against the harsh backdrop of Arrakis, is poised to become a significant contender in the survival MMO genre, joining titles like Enshrouded and Once Human. This new installment brings forth an alternate storyline that promises to captivate not only loyal fans of the franchise but also new players venturing into the sands of this iconic world.
Scheduled for release in May 2025, players have ample time to ready themselves for the adventure ahead. For those eager to dive into the game, Funcom offers a character creator tool on Steam, allowing players to customize their characters’ appearance and select their starting class.
For an in-depth look at the game mechanics and features, continue reading below.
Survival Essentials in Dune Awakening
In Dune Awakening, survival is paramount. Initially, players must focus on securing enough water, as hydration is critical to your existence in the grueling environment of Arrakis. While water becomes slightly more accessible as you advance, the early stages of gameplay are fraught with challenges.
Your first objectives will include gathering resources, finding shelter, and constructing a base. It is advisable to establish your base away from the treacherous dunes to avoid encounters with the colossal Sandworms that roam the landscape.
Hydration management is an essential facet of the game, emphasizing the need to stay shaded during your adventures. The longer you remain exposed under the blazing sun, the more challenging it becomes to maintain your hydration levels.
However, thirst isn’t your only adversary. Players must be cognizant of NPC interactions and the threat posed by lurking Sandworms. Stealth is crucial while traversing the dunes, but the game provides insight into sandworm attacks, offering a fighting chance against these monstrous creatures. Should a sandworm swallow you, it will consume everything in your possession, resulting in a permanent loss of items.
Complicating your survival further is the responsibility of tax payments. Neglecting to pay taxes on your property could lead to the Sardaukar removing you from the map entirely. Thus, while managing hydration is vital, you must also satisfy the Emperor to retain your presence in the game.
Crafting Mechanics in Dune Awakening
The crafting system in Dune Awakening shows great potential, providing players with the ability to create weapons early on, a necessity for survival. From crafting rudimentary healing items and tools to constructing elaborate fortifications and specialized equipment, the crafting process offers a variety of engaging gameplay elements. Personally, one standout feature is the use of a laser cutter for resource gathering.
Initially, crafting is straightforward, but as players progress, they will require advanced technology such as Fabricators—both standard and large models. Even if your gameplay style leans toward PVE or PVP, dedication to researching and crafting will be beneficial for enhancing your arsenal.
Prioritizing your crafting choices is crucial, as survival hinges on making strategic decisions. One intriguing aspect is the ability to save your base design as a blueprint, which can then be sold or traded with other players, adding a unique social dynamic to the crafting system.
Combat Dynamics in Dune Awakening
Combat in Dune Awakening is crafted to be exhilarating, featuring four distinct fighting styles: Melee, Ranged, Abilities from Great Schools, and Vehicular Combat. Given the presence of shields in the Dune universe, a well-rounded approach employing both melee and ranged weapons will be invaluable; shields can nullify projectiles, making range attacks tricky without strategy.
Players can expect a wide array of weapons, from swords and crysknives for melee combat to lasguns and scatter guns for ranged assaults. Moreover, heavy weapons like flamethrowers will add a thrilling element to combat scenarios.
Each character class will also have access to unique special abilities, which expand as players level up and engage with various trainers throughout the game, allowing for deep customization of combat styles.
While details on vehicular combat are still limited, it is confirmed that players can expect diverse options ranging from Ornithopters to armored tanks, primarily serving as safer transportation and essential for collecting resources such as spice.
Collaborative Base Building in Dune Awakening
In Dune Awakening, establishing a base is crucial since surviving solely in a cave is not feasible on Arrakis. Your initial structures need not be overly complex; simply ensuring protection from the elements is essential, especially when facing violent sandstorms. Early builds may consist of basic walls, a roof, and floor.
The game includes a tutorial that guides players through creating a “sub-fief console,” enabling them to claim territory on the map. As you gain experience, your ability to construct larger and more fortified bases will grow. Notably, the game encourages collaborative building, allowing allies to join in on the construction process.
Players can also save their base designs as blueprints, facilitating easy replication for themselves or others, provided they possess the necessary materials. However, keep in mind that larger bases come with increased taxes payable to the Emperor. Sustaining your property will require a robust spice harvesting strategy, adding another layer to the survival complexity in Dune Awakening.