Dune: Awakening - An Immersive Survival Journey in the Iconic Sci-Fi Universe

The Dune franchise once dominated the gaming landscape, but a lengthy hiatus left fans longing for more. With the resurgence of Dune through new films, the franchise has once again captured the spotlight. Alongside the announcement of the RTS game Dune: Spice Wars, a second, unexpected title has emerged: Dune: Awakening. This new entry aims to redefine the series by venturing into the survival MMO genre.

First unveiled at Gamescom 2022, Dune: Awakening has remained somewhat enigmatic. However, the snippets of information available paint an intriguing picture of what to expect. Whether you're a devoted fan of the Dune saga or simply a lover of innovative sci-fi games, here's a comprehensive look at what we know about Dune: Awakening.

Platforms & Release Date

Dune: Awakening is slated for release on PC in early 2025. As of now, there is no confirmed release date for console versions. Given the expansive scope of Dune: Awakening, it will be available only on high-performance platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Trailers

The first glimpse of Dune: Awakening came in the form of a CGI trailer at Gamescom 2022. The trailer opens with a man in the desert reciting the iconic line, "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer," as he witnesses enormous insects and a looming sandstorm. The man then encounters a colossal sandworm, and the trailer concludes with him preparing to confront the beast, with the phrase "Only I will remain" signaling the game’s open-world survival MMO format.

Additional details from the official website suggest that while the game’s story remains largely under wraps, it will focus on survival elements in the Dune universe. Players will create and control a custom character, starting as a nameless prisoner who crashes onto Arrakis. From there, you’ll craft your own adventure.

Gameplay

Although the trailer didn’t showcase actual gameplay, the official site offers some insights into what players can expect. Dune: Awakening will blend the gritty survival aspects of the genre with the expansive, social elements of an MMO. The game is designed to accommodate thousands of players within a shared world.

Survival gameplay will involve building shelters to protect against sandstorms, maintaining a stillsuit, and venturing deeper into the desert while evading sandworms. Exploration will lead you to ancient ruins, shipwrecks, and abandoned sietches, with coriolis storms periodically altering the landscape.

Spice, a key element of the Dune universe, will play a significant role. Players can harvest spice or seize it from others, with combat occurring both on foot and in vehicles. NPC factions will offer opportunities for trading, subterfuge, and combat, and players can form their own factions with sufficient resources.

Character customization is a major feature, with spice used to acquire new skills and abilities, potentially leading to strategic decisions about its use.

The latest footage from Opening Night Live 2024 reveals more about Dune: Awakening. The trailer highlights character and base building, faction dynamics, gunplay, vehicular combat, and the crucial role of spice. Players will choose from various guilds, such as Mentat, Trooper, Planetologist, Swordmaster, or Bene Gesserit, and align with either House Harkonnen or Atreides.

Multiplayer

As an MMO, Dune: Awakening will heavily focus on multiplayer. While specific details about player capacity remain unclear, the game promises a dynamic experience where players can engage in PvP combat and join player-driven factions. Whether multiplayer is mandatory or optional for survival remains to be seen, but the game's MMO nature suggests a strong emphasis on online interaction.

Preorder Information

Although Dune: Awakening is approaching its release, preorder options are not yet available. If the game piques your interest, consider signing up for the beta to receive updates and be notified when testing phases begin.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release of this highly anticipated title.