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Dune Awakening: Everything We Know
The Dune universe has captured the imagination of gamers for decades. The classic science-fiction novel by Frank Herbert has been adapted into multiple media, including a new film, a television series, and now, a video game. And now, the much-awaited Dune: Awakening game is set to take the world by storm.
As an open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening promises to immerse players in the vast and dangerous landscape of Arrakis, the desert planet at the center of the Dune universe. From building shelters and searching for water to battling sandworms and controlling the flow of spice, players will face a range of challenges as they strive to survive and thrive in this harsh and unforgiving environment. Here is everything we know about the game so far about Dune: Awakening.
What is Dune Awakening?
Dune Awakening is an upcoming open-world survival massively multiplayer online game (MMO) developed by Funcom. Set on the planet Arrakis, players will take on the role of a Sleeper, a character struggling to survive in one of the most dangerous environments in the universe. The game combines survival elements with MMO gameplay, allowing players to explore the vast and treacherous world of Arrakis, interact with other players, and build their own story within the Dune universe. Additionally, players will need to search for water, build shelters, and engage in combat against other players and deadly sandworms, all while navigating the harsh desert landscape. With deep character creation, crafting, and the ability to control resources and build alliances, Dune Awakening promises to deliver a unique and ambitious gaming experience for fans of the Dune franchise and open-world survival games.
Story
While not much is known about the specific plot of Dune: Awakening, Funcom has stated that the game will feature an original story that takes place in the same universe as Frank Herbert's novels. Players will create their own character and choose their own path through the game, but they'll also encounter familiar characters and locations from the Dune series. According to Funcom, players will “follow the story throughout Dune – meeting characters from the movies and books. Discover new allies and enemies and exploit your relationships to uncover the mystery that lies just beneath the surface of the sands.” This suggests that the game will be a mix of both original content and references to the existing Dune canon.
Gameplay
Dune: Awakening combines the ruggedness and ingenuity of survival games with the communal engagement of a sprawling, persistent multiplayer game. Players will start with nothing and have to gather resources, craft tools, and build a shelter to survive. As they progress, players will be able to develop their skills and abilities, choosing from a range of specializations to suit their playstyle. The game will also feature a range of vehicles and weapons, from tanks to ornithopters, adding an element of combat to the gameplay. Players will be able to engage in third-person combat, utilizing everything at their disposal, from ranged firearms to melee techniques taught by the Great Schools of the Imperium.
Development
Funcom, a Norwegian game studio best known for its MMOs such as Anarchy Online, Age of Conan, and The Secret World, is developing Dune: Awakening. The studio has experience creating large-scale, persistent online worlds, which should serve it well in developing the game. Funcom has stated that it is “weaving together Open World Survival and MMO elements into a Dune tapestry that brings Frank Herbert's sci-fi masterpiece to life in a completely unique way.” The studio has not revealed much about the development process or timeline, but it has stated that it is “trying to push the boundaries of what people expect in the Survival space”.
Trailer
The recently released trailer will have you on the edge of your seat as you witness ornithopters engaging in fierce combat with tanks, while sandworms burst from the desert floor in true Dune fashion. It included scenes of the player character wandering out of the desert wearing a stillsuit, as well as combined arms ground combat featuring tanks and ornithopters. The trailer gives us a glimpse into what we can expect from the game, and it looks like it will be an exciting and immersive experience. Overall, this game is sure to be an exhilarating and immersive experience that fans of the Dune franchise won't want to miss! Check out the trailer above.
Release Date, Platforms & Editions
Currently, the developers have not announced an official release date for Dune: Awakening. However, they have confirmed that the game will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. This means that players will have a range of options for playing the game, from high-powered gaming PCs to the latest console systems.
While it's possible that other platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch or previous-generation consoles, may eventually have the game available, no such announcements have been made yet. It's also unclear if there will be any special editions or pre-order bonuses for the game, but fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye out for any news on this front as the release date draws closer. For now, all we can do is wait and hope that the game lives up to the hype.
The game is currently accepting Beta Signup registrations, allowing players to get an early hands-on experience with the game. Players can visit the official website of Dune: Awakening to sign up for the beta program. The developers have not yet revealed how long the beta program will last, but it's an excellent opportunity for players to get a taste of what's to come. Additionally, players can follow the official social media channels of Dune: Awakening to stay updated on the latest news and updates about the game, including the beta announcement.
Conclusion
Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be an exciting and ambitious game that promises to bring the world of Arrakis to life in a completely unique way. With its combination of survival gameplay, MMO elements, and an open-world setting, the game is sure to appeal to fans of both the Dune universe and the survival genre. While there is still much we don't know about the game, the information that has been revealed so far is promising, and we can't wait to see what the developers at Funcom have in store for us. With Dune: Awakening, it seems that the sleeper is about to awaken once again, and we're ready to join the journey.
Are you excited to explore Arrakis and survive the deadliest planet in the universe? What are your thoughts on this upcoming game? Let us know on our socials here!
