Review in Progress: Dune: Awakening

If there’s one thing that’s crystal clear after spending, oh, over 35 hours with Dune: Awakening, it’s this: Funcom really geeked out on the Dune-iverse. As someone who’s adored Frank Herbert’s universe since forever, it’s surreal—like, in a mind-blown kind of way. Running around Arrakis has been a rollercoaster of “wow, that just happened” moments. They’ve somehow transformed deserts and empty spaces into, well, parts of the game you need to navigate wisely. It kinda flips weaknesses into strengths. Sometimes, though, sticking too close to the source material was just annoying. Like, it forces you into a nomadic life. In a game genre where building a base is kinda the point? Twists your brain a bit. Oh, and did I mention the bugs? And combat… let’s just say I’m still figuring that part out. Not really nailing it yet, but hey, there’s time. Overall, my friends and I, we’re lovin’ the nerdy vibes it’s giving off.

Ever played a survival game, or caught a Dune flick? Cool, then you’re basically at home here—giant sand worms and all. You hunt for stuff, build a (let’s be real) eyesore of a home, and level up your gear to explore dangerous spots with rare goodies. Like many games, this one’s got players running around on servers, all sunburned and whatnot, juggling cooperation with some friendly PvP scrimmages. Keeps things lively.

But where this game is different? It leans so darn hard into the Dune lore. Any step you take, Arrakis is literally out to get you. Standing in sunlight without protection? You’ll basically roast. Sandstorms? They’re like nature’s death traps if you can’t find cover. And those notorious man-eating worms? Wandering their turf too long, and it’s bye-bye. It’s a wild dance with the planet, constantly. Instead of chilling and gathering stuff, you’re sprinting for cover from the sun, scrounging for water, and playing “the ground is hot lava” while a giant worm nips at you. Fun, right?

All these challenges, they’re hurdles you gotta leap over. Early on, you can’t even get out of the starting zone without crafting a ride, because walking means getting fried or worse, worm food. Soon, you’ll face areas that are too hot or radioactive without the right gear. It’s all designed to keep you on your toes. You’re always thirsty, too—water’s like everything here. It’s clever and it makes the game tougher, but also more rewarding.

Though sometimes, sticking so close to Dune rules? Ugh, it grates on you. Like the moving bases thing. Unlock a new area? Pack up everything or leave it all behind. Then there’s combat. Guns often suck against foes with Holtzman shields. Makes you awkwardly switch between guns and melee on the fly. It’s hectic—props for sticking to the lore, but man, it’s a love-hate situation. Can’t deny the respect I have for that. Even if it does drive me up the wall sometimes.

Speaking of combat, it’s kinda meh. A typical problem in survival MMOs, was expecting it, but doesn’t make it any sweeter to swallow. Unlocking battle options is still ongoing for me. Gunplay’s clunky, melee feels like déjà vu. Just rushing past it mostly. Big blot on an otherwise cool canvas of a game.

But hey, the survival elements? Stellar. There’s this continuous line-up of new gadgets to research, gear to craft, and loot to hunt. Rarely a dull moment. As soon as I craft something neat, there’s some other shiny thing on the horizon. Craft unique with rare mats, or stick to basics and save ‘em for later? Choices, choices. Gotta say, for a desert world with, uh, no trees, they handled the survival loop brilliantly. Instead of tree-punching, you’re crafting dew collectors. It’s refreshing—while still essentially doing the same survival song and dance.

Played the beta for this one, dealt with loads of bugs. Was hoping the extra time pre-launch would polish things. They did improve, somewhat. Still, not perfectly smooth sailing. A few server hiccups, vanishing mountains, and even times when sand worms just… vanished? Cue server players rushing to nab worm-protected resources. Launch was rocky, but not catastrophic by any means.

So there I am, 35 hours in, and this Dune journey’s only really just begun. Still places to see, main quests to finish, PvP to engage in. So much left to do! Expect more updates soon as I edge toward the endgame.