Funcom has announced that Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO, will launch for PC via Steam on May 20. The game will cost $49.99. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions will come later.
This game tells a different version of the Dune story. Paul Atreides was never born. Lady Jessica followed the Bene Gesserit’s plan and had a daughter instead. Duke Leto Atreides survived the Harkonnen attack on Arrakeen. Now, he fights the Harkonnen for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Meanwhile, the Fremen have disappeared, and players must solve this mystery.
In Dune: Awakening, survival is key. Players must learn Fremen skills. They must avoid the harsh sun, craft stillsuits to save water, and build shelters to escape deadly sandstorms. The world is large and always changing. Sandstorms reshape the land every week. Players can explore with Dune technology like ornithopters and suspensor belts while avoiding the dangers of the desert.
Players can build weapons, vehicles, and homes. They can trade goods with others in a server-wide market. Some will build simple camps, while others will create strong fortresses. The world is always changing, so players must be smart to survive.
The game has deep combat. Players can use melee and ranged weapons and special skills from the Great Schools of the Imperium. They can train as Bene Gesserit, Trooper, Mentat, Swordmaster, or Planetologist. Spice is the most valuable resource. Controlling it gives players special abilities. The strongest players can even summon the giant sandworm, Shai-Hulud.
The game world is always online. Thousands of players can join at the same time. They can team up or fight against each other. PvP combat is optional. Players can also focus on crafting, trading, or political battles. Guilds can choose to follow House Atreides or House Harkonnen. They can influence politics through the Landsraad and earn special rewards like new weapons and vehicles.
Watch a new trailer below.
