In an exciting development for fans of the Dune universe, Funcom has officially announced the release date for Dune: Awakening, their highly anticipated survival MMO. Set to launch on May 20 this year for on PC, the game promises to immerse players in a unique alternate timeline of Arrakis, where the classic characters and conflicts are reimagined.
Gameplay Insights
The recently released trailer offers a glimpse into the early gameplay that was showcased during a demo last month. Players will assume the role of a minion sent by the Bene Gesserit with the mission to “find the Fremen” and “awaken the sleeper.” This narrative twist unfolds in a world where Paul Atreides never existed, and the rival houses of Harkonnen and Atreides are embroiled in a War of Assassins.
Upon crashing onto the desert planet, players will encounter a helpful figure in a stillsuit, leading them to establish a base, fend off scavengers, and explore dungeons for valuable resources. For those who may have reservations about the survival and MMO genres, the demo experience was surprisingly engaging, allowing players to bypass some of the more tedious tasks commonly associated with these games, such as resource gathering, and instead focus on exploration and combat.
- Engage in exploration and combat reminiscent of the Dune saga.
- Build and customize your own home on Arrakis.
- Experience a rich narrative with political intrigue.
As players progress beyond the initial survival phase, the game delves into the political dynamics of the Dune universe. Players will navigate the Landsraad, Dune’s space-parliament, aligning with various factions to influence laws and procedures that can either benefit their cause or undermine their rivals. This aspect of gameplay could lead to intricate political maneuvering akin to the strategic depth found in EVE Online, where alliances and betrayals shape the landscape of power.
With the full release on the horizon, anticipation is building for what promises to be a captivating blend of survival mechanics and rich storytelling set against the backdrop of one of science fiction’s most beloved narratives.
