Fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune universe and survival gaming enthusiasts have a major event to look forward to this May 20, as Dune: Awakening officially launches. Developed by Funcom, this ambitious open-world, multiplayer survival game transports players to the unforgiving deserts of Arrakis, offering a dynamic and ever-changing environment inspired by both the original novel and Legendary Entertainment’s critically acclaimed film adaptations.
With today’s newly released video, Exploring Arrakis – Secrets of the Desert, Funcom showcases the immense scale and depth of the game world, providing a closer look at the mysteries that lie beyond the horizon.
The Beauty and Danger of Arrakis
Arrakis may be a barren desert world, but it is far from empty. As highlighted in the recent Beauty of Arrakis video, the planet offers a surprising variety of landscapes and secrets waiting to be uncovered. From towering rock formations and deep canyons to hidden ruins and shipwrecks, every corner of the world tells a story of its past and present struggles.
Exploration plays a crucial role in Dune: Awakening. Players can utilize personal scanners and vehicle-mounted modules to locate vital resources, while those seeking a broader view can scale towering cliffs to deploy survey probes. These probes reveal extensive portions of the map, pinpointing valuable points of interest, including ancient ecology labs and abandoned crash sites filled with salvageable technology.
However, the greatest rewards lie within the Deep Desert, a massive, shifting end-game region where the landscape is in constant flux. Here, spice blows coat the sands’ invaluable resources, while Coriolis storms—massive, planet-wide tempests—regularly alter the map. Entire locations are swallowed by the sands, only for new areas to emerge, forcing players to adapt to an ever-evolving world. Survivors who navigate this chaotic environment effectively can capitalize on fresh opportunities, mapping out new routes and selling their findings on the Exchange to other players.
Survival in the Harshest of Worlds
Exploration is only one facet of survival on Arrakis. In a world where water is more precious than gold, players must carefully manage their resources to endure the planet’s extreme conditions. From crafting essential gear to maintaining spice supplies, every decision impacts a player’s ability to thrive.
Beyond the environment, the greatest threat comes from other players and factions. As the game moves closer to launch, Funcom has hinted at a deep, player-driven economy and faction warfare, where alliances can be as dangerous as rivalries. Combat plays a major role, and a dedicated upcoming video will delve into the sandbox-style combat mechanics that define the battle for control over Arrakis.
Prepare for Launch: Character Creator & Benchmark Mode Now Available
To help players gear up for the adventure ahead, Funcom has released the Character Creator & Benchmark Mode on Steam. This tool allows players to design their in-game avatars in advance, ensuring a smooth transition when the game launches on May 20. Those who participate will also receive an exclusive Frameblade Knife skin, a nod to the iconic weaponry of the Dune universe.
With its vast open world, ever-changing landscape, and intense survival mechanics, Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious multiplayer survival experiences to date. Whether exploring ancient ruins, battling fierce storms, or carving out a place in the power struggles of Arrakis, players will face an unrelenting challenge that rewards adaptability, strategy, and courage.
For those eager to dive into the sands of Arrakis, the wait is nearly over. Dune: Awakening launches on May 20, and the desert is calling.
