Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic “Dune” was a real page-turner in 1965. And since then a series of old and new movies were made, a deckbuilding boardgame on PC, and even a 4X RTS was also released by Funcom. And now we have a massively multiplayer survival game from Funcom that feels like most like “Dune”. Dune: Awakening is not without it flaws, but it flies past anything in the genre to be the most coherent and satisfying survival game, and it’s a damn good “Dune” game, too.
The allure of Arrakis has long captivated imaginations, a desolate, beautiful, and terrifying canvas upon which some of science fiction’s grandest sagas have unfolded. For years, fans have yearned for a true interactive experience that doesn’t just nod to Frank Herbert’s masterpiece but fully immerses players in its intricate, brutal world. Funcom, known for its expertise in the survival genre with titles like Conan Exiles, steps bravely into the thopter, aiming to deliver just that with Dune: Awakening. The first area, Hagga Basin South is a little too cramped. There’s too many contracts for the first area, and not enough POIs. You complete a story mission, or a contract, and the game asks you to go back to the same areas, traverse the same labyrinth to get something new.
From the moment my feet touched the scorching sands, the sheer scale and atmospheric fidelity of Dune: Awakening was palpable. Arrakis isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character, an ever-present antagonist that demands respect, cunning, and an unyielding will to survive. The visual design is breathtakingly stark, capturing the desolate beauty of the desert with impressive fidelity. Massive rock formations, ancient Sietches carved into the landscape, and the endless, rippling dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, occasionally punctuated by the shimmering haze of heat or the terrifying swirl of an approaching sandstorm. The soundscape is equally impactful, from the subtle whisper of the wind across the sand to the bone-rattling rumble that signals a sandworm’s approach. Every element conspires to pull you deeper into this alien world, making you truly feel like a stranger on a hostile planet, armed with little more than your wits and a stillsuit.
Survival on Arrakis is not merely a mechanic; it is the beating heart of Dune: Awakening. Your stillsuit isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s your lifeline, constantly reminding you of the preciousness of water. Managing your hydration is a constant, pressing concern, elevated beyond simple thirst meters found in other survival games. Neglect it, and the sun will claim you long before any blade or beast. Heatstroke is a real threat, pushing you to seek shelter in the shade of rocks or the sanctuary of a temporary tent. Then there are the sandstorms – colossal, disorienting walls of dust and debris that can engulf you in moments, forcing you to hunker down and pray for their passing. These environmental hazards are not just annoyances; they are core challenges that dictate your exploration, resource gathering, and base construction. This is a hardcore game, even if it doesn’t seem that way from the outset. So whether playing in PvE or PvP, your base can be destroyed if the shield is down and it’s not powered. If you die, then you lose everything and have to rebuild.
Resource acquisition forms the backbone of your progression. Beyond the omnipresent spice, which serves as both currency and a critical component in advanced crafting, you’ll be mining precious minerals, scavenging from wrecks, and even cautiously harvesting certain hardy desert flora. The crafting system is robust and intuitive, allowing for a satisfying progression from basic tools and water distillers to advanced weaponry, vehicles, and intricate base modules. Building your first small shelter, then expanding it into a fortified stronghold capable of withstanding the harsh environment and potential raiders, is immensely rewarding. The modularity of the building system allows for creative designs, but more importantly, it emphasizes strategic placement and defensive considerations, turning your humble abode into a vital hub for survival and expansion. It’s a gratifying loop that ties directly into the core gameplay, making every material gathered and every item crafted feel genuinely meaningful.
Combat in Dune: Awakening is a visceral affair, blending melee and ranged engagements with a distinct “Dune” flavor. The personal energy shield, a staple of the lore, plays a crucial role. Blasters become less effective against a raised shield, forcing players to close the distance and engage in tense, parry-and-riposte melee combat. This creates dynamic, skill-based encounters that feel authentic to the source material. Facing off against other players in the open desert, where a well-timed thrust or a perfectly placed shot can mean the difference between life and death, is exhilarating. PvE encounters are equally challenging, ranging from aggressive desert fauna that can quickly overwhelm an unprepared traveler to heavily armed patrols from rival factions like the Harkonnen or the Imperial Sardaukar. And of course, there are the sandworms. The terrifying majesty of these beasts is perfectly translated; their appearance is always an event, forcing players to adapt, flee, or even use their might to gain an advantage in resource extraction. The game masterfully balances the thrill of player-versus-player conflict with the omnipresent threat of the environment and its native inhabitants. From your humble beginnings in the fairly large map of Hagga Basin, you’ll eventually make your way to the Deep Desert for the endgame, this is where PvP can occur and it’s often unbearable and full of griefers. Thankfully Funcom is focused on PvE content, because that’s where the game shines the brightest.
Progression feels organic, tied directly to your actions and discoveries. As you survive, explore, and craft, you unlock new schematics, abilities, and knowledge that deepens your connection to Arrakis. There isn’t a rigid class system, but rather a flexible skill tree that allows you to tailor your character to your preferred playstyle – be it a master gatherer, a cunning warrior, or a resourceful builder. The influence system, allowing you to align with various factions, adds another layer of depth, granting access to unique perks and items, and impacting how NPCs react to your presence. While there isn’t a traditional linear story campaign in this MMO, the lore is woven deeply into the fabric of the world. Encounters with characters, discovery of ancient Fremen secrets, and the political machinations playing out across the desert provide ample narrative hooks, allowing players to carve out their own stories within Herbert’s universe. It genuinely feels like you’re not just playing in Arrakis, but becoming part of Arrakis.
On the technical front, Dune: Awakening on PC is largely a smooth experience. There’s simply too many items you want to hotkey at once, and would be nice to have multiple hotbars. The graphics are impressive, showcasing detailed environments and character models. Performance is solid, even in crowded areas or during intense combat encounters, though occasional frame dips can occur when traversing particularly dense parts of the map or during massive sandstorms. I was able to achieve 102-110fps with DLSS enabled, using the DLAA preset.
My PC Specs:
– Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
– Intel Core i9 13900K @ 5.8GHz
– ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
– G.SKILL TRIDENT Z5 6000MHZ 64GB (32×2) DDR5 RAM
– ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16GB GDDR6X
– WD_BLACK SN850X M.2 (4 TB)
– LG UltraGear 34GP950B-G (21:9 Ultrawide @ 3440×1440)
Dune: Awakening is a compelling and ambitious entry into the survival MMO landscape. Funcom has managed to weave together challenging survival mechanics, engaging combat, and a satisfying progression system within a rich, atmospheric setting. While it might benefit from further content expansion and minor polish to reach its full potential, the foundation here is undeniably strong. Dune: Awakening is best when you’re in the safety net of PvE, but even then, the net has a few holes to be patched up. Though two things are certain in Dune: Awakening, no matter how far you’ve come, you’re never clear of danger or free from death. And that my friends, is the spice of life.
A Steam code was provided in advance by the publisher for review purposes
