Dune: Awakening, the latest survival MMO from Funcom, has just launched its full version after a head start release, and players are already diving into its expansive world. With approximately 25 hours logged, initial impressions reveal a fresh take on the MMO genre that feels more like a cooperative survival game, particularly in its early stages.
Set in an alternative timeline of the Dune universe, where key events from the lore have not transpired, players find themselves on an Arrakis embroiled in a civil war between House Atreides and House Harkonnen, with the Fremen mysteriously absent. The game’s opening hours focus heavily on survival mechanics, from obsessively seeking water to navigating the dangers posed by the blistering sun.
Early gameplay involves unique survival strategies such as lapping dew from plants and filtering water from NPCs to stay hydrated. This unique twist encourages players to embrace the harshness of the desert environment, which includes avoiding direct sunlight to prevent dehydration.
Crafting plays a significant role in Dune: Awakening, with players able to create iconic tech such as Holtzman shields and stillsuits. The sense of achievement in crafting and using such technology adds a layer of excitement, as players aim for more advanced equipment like ornithopters and spice harvesters.
The map is vast and dynamic, featuring towering cliffs, deep ravines, and a variety of environmental challenges, including dangerous sandworms that pose a significant threat. This encourages exploration while providing a rich, immersive experience. Early impressions show that navigating this substantial terrain becomes a rewarding endeavor as players discover bases, enemy camps, and remnants of war.
Combat, however, exhibits some repetitiveness, with enemies largely fitting a few basic archetypes. While the lack of enemy diversity may be a concern as gameplay progresses, the game offers the flexibility of skill trees that allow for varied approaches to combat. Players have noted frustrations with interface issues, particularly in crafting menus and inventory management, suggesting opportunities for quality-of-life improvements as the game evolves.
On the whole, the excitement for the journey ahead is palpable, with players eager to further explore Dune: Awakening’s intriguing world and engage more deeply with its MMO elements. As this new chapter in the Dune universe unfolds, it’s clear that the ongoing civil struggle for Arrakis is just beginning, and players are optimistic about what lies ahead.