At PAX East 2024, behind the scenes, we were granted an exclusive sneak peek at Dune: Awakening, the highly anticipated game set on the harsh desert planet of Arrakis. This early showcase revealed a world teeming with danger, strategy, and the relentless struggle for survival. From the agility and depth of ornithopter flight—demonstrating swift dives and evasive maneuvers—to the tense and tactical spice mining operations amid PvP skirmishes, the demo provided a vivid snapshot of the game’s dynamic environment and the multifaceted gameplay that awaits players.
We took the time to speak with Funcom’s Senior PR Manager, Natasha, to get further insight into their take on development. However, even after attending multiple press events for the game, it has continued to be a hands-off experience, even behind closed doors. Still, we did get a chance to see some new gameplay, which sadly wasn’t provided to us, but we’ll do our best to share what we learned. Be sure to watch our interview with Natasha for even more details.
The environment of Arrakis itself emerged as a formidable adversary during the presentation. A sudden, blinding sandstorm underscored the planet’s deadly nature, swiftly claiming the player’s life and illustrating the constant vigilance required to survive. The awe-inspiring terror of encountering a sandworm was palpable, with the demo conveying a frantic escape from the colossal beast, a moment that felt like it was lifted directly from the pages of Frank Herbert’s legendary saga. Stealth elements were prominently featured as well, showcasing a player infiltrating an AI-controlled base using a mix of grenades, knives, and ranged weapons, with a stealth drone adding a strategic layer to reconnaissance and engagement.
Resource management and navigation play crucial roles in surviving the desert’s expanse. Players must cleverly harvest what little water they can from plants, a vital act to refill their thirst bar and stave off dehydration. The introduction of levitation and advanced desert navigation techniques highlighted the game’s emphasis on understanding and adapting to the treacherous landscape of Arrakis. Base building also stands out as a key component, with the game introducing “totems”—designated areas that dictate where players can construct their bases. This system not only prompts strategic thinking about location and defense but also injects a unique twist into the survival MMO genre.
Notably, the demo revealed certain limitations: players cannot embody the indigenous Fremen or ride the mighty sandworms, though the developers expressed openness to exploring the sandworm feature post-launch. Additionally, questions regarding the game’s monetization strategy remained unanswered, leaving the community in suspense about the future economic model. Despite these uncertainties, Dune: Awakening promises an ambitious foray into one of science fiction’s most revered universes. The sneak peek at PAX East offered just a taste of the adventures that lie in wait on the dunes of Arrakis, leaving us eagerly anticipating the game’s release to explore its mysteries and embrace the challenges of survival on the desert planet.
