With only five days left before early access players dive into Dune: Awakening’s head start, the developers at Funcom unveiled an exciting livestream showcasing the game’s mid-to-endgame content. This presentation offered a sweeping tour of the expansive Hagga Basin, highlighting the diverse environments players will encounter. From the lush greenery of O’odham to the stark, dangerous terrain of the Hagga Rift, and the towering rock formations of Jabal Eifrit, the variety and scale of the world are truly impressive.
Inspired by the cinematic vision of Denis Villeneuve and Legendary Entertainment’s Dune films, this open-world survival MMO invites players to experience Arrakis like never before. Until now, even those in beta had only explored about a quarter of the Hagga Basin, but the recent showcase revealed the full breadth of these massive and varied landscapes.
Mastering Survival and Building Power
Before venturing into the perilous Deep Desert’s dunes, players will engage in a comprehensive survival experience. Funcom described gameplay progression where players can ascend through the ranks of either the Atreides or Harkonnen factions. Building formidable strongholds, tackling Imperial Testing Stations, crafting sophisticated schematics, and utilizing a range of vehicles for exploration and harvesting are all key elements of the journey.
The game also introduces the Landsraad system, which empowers players to influence their faction’s fate, catering to both PvE and PvP enthusiasts. This feature encourages collaboration and competition, making every player’s contribution meaningful in the broader conflict.
What Players Can Expect from the Official Launch
Set on one of the universe’s most hostile planets, Dune: Awakening challenges players to master survival by adopting the ways of the Fremen. Combat, spice harvesting, construction, and trading form the core gameplay pillars. The official launch is scheduled for June 10, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. This release was postponed by three weeks to address issues uncovered during beta testing. However, those with early access can start their adventure on June 5.
Deep Lore and Immersive Worldbuilding
The game’s dedication to lore and worldbuilding stands out, even though it takes creative liberties by placing the story within a parallel reality distinct from the original books and films. The attention to detail enriches gameplay, with subtle elements influencing nearly every aspect of the experience. This includes the factions players join and the characters they encounter, providing a rich narrative layer that fans of the Dune universe will appreciate.
Beyond the initial release, Funcom has shared insights into the MMO’s business model and ongoing development plans, indicating a commitment to supporting the game post-launch with new content and features. This approach aims to keep the player community engaged and the world of Arrakis evolving over time.
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