Dune: Awakening—The Long-Awaited Spice of Life

Dune has always held a special place in the sci-fi universe. Before even the Star Wars era began, it had carved out a rich history with its fanatical following, tirelessly dedicated to its expansive universe.

In an intriguing twist, Dune: Awakening veers away from its famous storyline by exploring an alternate reality. Imagine if Paul Atreides never existed—it’s a bold reimagining of how the saga’s conflicts might have unfolded. Funcom daringly embraces this new direction, carving out more room within the Dune IP while staying true to its essence. This pivot introduces a fresh narrative, where heroes rise from obscurity rather than inheriting legacies.

You’ll find plenty of familiar House politics and epic battles here, with players making pivotal choices about their allegiances. The game offers a battleground where power struggles are inevitable in the world of Dune: Awakening. Let’s dive into it—spoiler-free, of course.

Building and Vehicles Done Right

A key survival feature, Funcom’s building expertise, achieved through Conan Exiles, shines here. Those trusted building blocks—both square and triangular—remain, but with heightened polish and sophistication. Laying out your plans using hologram-like tech before committing resources feels intuitive and rewarding.

You’ll also notice some jaw-dropping bases defying traditional physics. Forget worrying about raid-proof designs; creativity reigns here as players craft impressive inverted structures. The ability to pre-build without constraints allows for endless possibilities.

Vehicle construction follows suit with this innovative spirit. The beta primarily offered the exhilarating sandbike, delivering satisfaction as you navigate expansive dunes. The sense of freedom didn’t wear off as I explored vast territories. Another highlight was stumbling upon the MK3 Buggy, nestled inside an abandoned lab. Collecting parts and vehicles adds an exciting scavenger hunt element to the gameplay.

Map and Exploration – The Sands Will Consume

Given access to just a fraction of the map, my time in Hagga Basin’s zones was immersive. There’s a vast world beyond what I explored, full of zones teeming with life and lore. The southern region serves as a starting point, introducing you to the game’s mechanics in a less intimidating setting.

But venture further, and the environment turns hostile. Drum sands, sand worms, and high-level adversaries present real challenges. Each area showcases unique elements—whether it’s adversaries, resources, or narrative threads—all crafted to keep you engaged.

Certain areas hold precious Intel points, unlocking new crafting blueprints. Players will find these spots peppered across the landscape, offering upgrades and progression that enhance the gaming experience.

Combat and Abilities

Combat forms the backbone of any compelling game, and here, it delivers a satisfying blend. The initial stages focus on melee combat, teaching you to dodge and weave around foes. While one-on-one melees felt repetitive, larger fights demanded strategy—using cover effectively and selecting the right abilities became crucial.

Ranged combat was a versatile dance between pistols, rifles, and abilities, each weapon offering its unique flair. The classes—or disciplines—in the game enhance this diversity. From the tech-savvy Mentat to the agile Swordmaster, each offers different strengths and abilities, inviting experimentation.

PvE remains the game’s core, but budding PvP zones await in resource-heavy areas. It’ll be fascinating to see how player dynamics evolve in these spaces, especially in the PvP-centric Deep Desert, where the most precious resource—spice—is at stake.

Overall Impressions

Wrapping up the beta, Dune: Awakening has rapidly become one of my most anticipated titles. As a seasoned Conan Exiles player, this next step from Funcom feels promising. Their commitment to growth and quality reassures me that the game’s future could be as expansive as the Dune universe itself.

There’s potential for thrilling endgame content, wrapped in House politics and territorial conflicts managed by the Landsraad Board. PvP will thrive with consistent support, while PvE continues exploring vast territories.

Looking ahead, I’m keen to see how these elements unfold and hope for epic raids that bring players together against formidable foes. If you’ve got questions about my experience, drop them in the comments—I’m eager to discuss and share insights.

Mark your calendars: Dune: Awakening launches on June 10, with early access beginning June 5 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5.