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# Dune: Awakening — An Exciting New Frontier in Survival Gaming

Funcom, the creators of titles like Conan Exiles and The Secret World, is gearing up for the release of its eagerly awaited multiplayer survival game, Dune: Awakening, set to debut on May 20, 2025. Located on the legendary desert planet of Arrakis, Dune: Awakening seeks to enhance and transform the survival gaming experience while providing a deeply immersive, lore-rich adventure that embodies the essence of Frank Herbert’s iconic universe.

Having dedicated 13 days to exploring the beta version — encompassing the initial 20–25 hours of gameplay — it’s evident that Funcom is crafting an incredible experience. As a devoted fan of the Dune series, I’m thrilled by what I’ve encountered thus far.

## A World as Beautiful as It Is Harsh

Beta testers were allowed to explore three of the game’s twelve zones: Hagga Basin South, and the Eastern and Western Wermilius Gap. Even within this small segment, the variety of landscapes and the meticulous attention to environmental storytelling were remarkable. Funcom has succeeded in making a desert planet feel diverse and vibrant, a noteworthy achievement.

The world design instantly reflects the harsh conditions of Arrakis. Scorching temperatures, limited water resources, and the ever-looming threat of Shai-Hulud — the enormous sandworms lurking beneath the sands — foster an ongoing atmosphere of tension. The mechanic of thirst constantly propels players to traverse the terrain in search of vital water sources.

Vertical exploration plays a crucial role. Thanks to a climbing system reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players can ascend cliffs and plateaus right from the beginning, revealing stunning views and exhilarating moments of near exhaustion. This feature adds an invigorating dimension to exploration, making the world feel vast and rewarding.

In contrast to the expansive desert, tighter, more enclosed environments such as abandoned ships and natural caves present opportunities for intimate exploration and combat. Funcom’s grasp of Dune’s atmosphere and lore is manifested in every nook of the map.

## A Multiplayer Experience with MMO-Lite Characteristics

Although the beta emphasized solo exploration, Dune: Awakening is fundamentally designed as a multiplayer survival endeavor. Community hubs will allow hundreds of players to engage, trade, and forge alliances. These hubs need to be discovered initially but can be accessed later through transport services at trading posts scattered throughout the world.

While it doesn’t aspire to be a full MMO, Dune: Awakening integrates several MMO-lite elements that promise to enrich the multiplayer experience without overwhelming those who prefer a more contained playstyle.

## Extensive Customization and Agile Combat

Character creation is comprehensive yet user-friendly, offering a range of races, presets, and sliders. It strikes a commendable balance between depth and accessibility, enabling players to craft unique avatars without being overwhelmed by excessive options.

Combat in Dune: Awakening feels dynamic and responsive. Players can select from four distinct class paths during character creation, each presenting unique combat approaches. I chose the soldier class, which emphasizes ranged combat. Shooting mechanics are precise, featuring basic cover systems and shoulder swapping, reminiscent of The Division series but at a faster tempo.

In contrast, melee combat is more calculated, emphasizing timing, dodging, and parrying. Other classes, such as those employing the Voice or specializing in melee weapons, offer even greater diversity. PVP will be present but limited to certain clearly designated areas, making it an optional aspect for players who prefer cooperative play.

## Crafting, Base Construction, and Movement

Crafting and base construction are essential elements of Dune: Awakening. Both systems are linked to a tiered research progression that evolves as players gather resources and progress through the story. Crafting provides an impressive variety within each technological tier, allowing players to customize their gear and equipment to suit their preferred playstyle.

While base building is extensive, it currently appears somewhat cumbersome. The process of rotating and snapping structures into place can be irritating, and the control scheme could benefit from refinement. However, the system’s promise is evident, and with some enhancement before launch, it could emerge as a standout feature.

Traversal is another aspect where Dune: Awakening excels. In addition to climbing, players can unlock mobility tools such as grappling hooks early in the game, allowing them to access otherwise unreachable areas. Vehicles also play a significant role. In the beta, I unlocked a blueprint for a sandbike — a game-changer for traversing the vast desert. Vehicles can be customized, including adding a second seat for a companion or a storage unit for transporting resources, adding another layer of strategic complexity.

## Concluding Thoughts

Dune: Awakening is poised to become a notable addition to the survival genre. Funcom has successfully captured the spirit of Arrakis — its beauty, its peril, and its allure.