Alright, fellow spice-lovers and sandworm dodgers, let’s talk Dune: Awakening! I’ve been keeping my ear to the ground (and not just to avoid Shai-Hulud) and picked up on some early reactions from the beta. While I haven’t played it myself yet, I’ve done enough digging to get the big picture and as someone who’s spent way too many hours surviving the wilds of Conan Exiles (from the same devs, Funcom), I can’t help but feel a little hyped.
A Survival MMO on Arrakis? Yes, Please.
From what I’ve gathered, Dune: Awakening isn’t just another survival game or just another MMO. It’s trying to be both and that combo is what’s getting a lot of attention. Imagine the survival side of Conan Exiles (gathering resources, crafting gear, building your base) combined with a massive online world where you can run into other players, take part in faction wars, and maybe even become a powerful name on the planet.
Honestly, if they can pull this off, it could be a wild ride.
What Players Are Loving So Far
- The World Feels Alive
- Players say the planet itself is a star of the show. Harsh, dry, and dangerous just like Arrakis should be. If you’re a fan of the Dune books or movies, this could feel like stepping right into that world (just watch your step, sandworms are not shy).
- Building in the Desert
- One thing that stood out to me? The base building. A lot of players are loving it. It’s giving off serious Fallout 4 or Conan Exiles energy; build your own desert hideout, tech it up, and make it feel like home. And let’s be real, there’s something satisfying about building your own fortress in the middle of nowhere.
- Survival Mechanics That Actually Matter
- It’s not just about hacking things with a sword. You’ve got to manage your water, suit up in your stillsuit, and deal with the brutal weather. It sounds like survival is more than just a side feature; it’s part of the full experience.
But It’s Still a Beta, So…
- Early Game Feels a Bit Grindy
- Surviving on Arrakis isn’t easy (shocking, I know). Some players feel like the first few hours can be a bit slow, with a lot of gathering and crafting. That’s pretty normal for survival games, but hopefully it doesn’t turn into a chore for solo players.
- Combat Still Needs Work
- A few folks mentioned that combat feels a little stiff or clunky right now. The devs are probably still tuning it, so fingers crossed it gets smoother before launch.
- Tutorial Overload?
- Some beta testers felt like the game holds your hand too much in the beginning. While tutorials are helpful, nobody wants to feel stuck in survival school for hours. Hopefully it allows the option for minimal tutorials for veteran players who are already familiar with this genre.
- Beta Is Pre-Order Only (For Now)
- If you didn’t pre-order the game, you’ll have to wait for the next beta wave. But hey, more time for the devs to polish things!
What You’ll Likely Do in the First Few Hours
- Create Your Survivor: Customization options look pretty decent, so you’ll get to design your character before dropping into the sandstorm.
- Learn the Basics: Crafting your first tools, figuring out how not to die of thirst, and building your first base.
- Early Quests: Story missions guide you through the world, introducing you to survival systems and dangers.
- Set Up a Base: Think of it like your desert HQ where you craft, store loot, and maybe survive a sandworm attack or two.
- Start Interacting With Other Players: You’ll eventually run into other survivors and start to see the MMO elements unfold; factions, bounties, and market systems.
Should Survival Game Fans Care?
If you enjoy survival games and MMOs, or you’re just a sucker for that gritty desert aesthetic (Conan Exiles fans, I see you), Dune: Awakening is worth keeping on your radar. It still needs some polish, but the concept is strong, and the world looks promising.
I’ll definitely be watching how this game evolves and maybe jumping in once it’s a little more stable.
