Absolutely — Dune: Awakening has made a massive splash right out of the gate, and for good reason. The game’s explosive launch, fueled by deep lore, immersive worldbuilding, and the legendary Dune universe, has captured the imagination of both fans and newcomers alike.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s happening — and what you should know as a player (or soon-to-be player):
🌍 The Launch Numbers Are Unreal
- 142,050 concurrent players on Steam at launch — that’s not just impressive, it’s historic for a new MMO.
- Ranked #9 most-played game on Steam on launch day.
- The official weekend (June 13–15) could see even higher peaks, especially as new content and endgame systems unlock.
🔥 Pro tip: The game’s servers are handling the load well so far — but if you’re aiming to join a strong faction or claim a prime base location, join early. The first few days are your best chance to shape your legacy on Arrakis.
🕶️ What’s Actually in the Game?
While Dune: Awakening is still evolving, here’s what players are already experiencing:
- Three distinct playstyles (based on your chosen class): Swordmaster, Pilgrim, and Sentinel — each with unique abilities, play mechanics, and faction roles.
- Open-world exploration across deserts, spice fields, and ancient ruins — all modeled after Frank Herbert’s vision.
- PvPvE combat with dynamic faction wars, base sieges, and player-driven politics.
- No sandworm riding (yet) — but players have already found exploits to ride them! (More on that below.)
🐍 The Sandworm Ride Hack (Yes, It’s Real)
Despite being "not an official feature," creative players have discovered a way to ride sandworms using:
- Glitch mechanics involving gravity, movement timing, and specific environmental triggers.
- Modded client exploits (though Funcom has warned against third-party tools).
- Community-led guides circulating on Reddit, Discord, and YouTube.
⚠️ Funcom’s stance: “This is not intended gameplay. We’re investigating the issue.” But fans are loving it — and it’s become a viral moment. Expect a patch to either fix it or officially add worm riding in a future update.
⚔️ Combat & Progression: Early Verdict
Our reviewer noted:
"Even after 35 hours, I feel like I’m still in the early stages of my journey."
That says a lot — and it’s not just hype.
- Gunplay needs polish — some feedback points to inconsistent recoil, delayed reloads, and awkward aiming.
- Close-combat feels stronger, especially with the Swordmaster class and melee combos.
- Endgame systems (like mastery trees, faction reputation, and gear upgrades) are still being unlocked.
✅ Expect a major update this week — our review will be finalized with a full assessment of endgame potential, progression depth, and long-term viability.
🛠️ Resource Guides for New Players
To help you survive on Arrakis, here’s where to find key resources:
- Iron: Mines near the Spice Volcano (Zone 3). Use a pickaxe and scout for veins.
- Steel: Crafted from iron and coal — found in Fremen Outposts and Atriedes Supply Domes.
- Aluminum: Harvested from ruined spacecraft in the Great Dune Rift.
- Spice (The Real Currency): Found in beneath the surface of sand dunes — but only if you’re equipped with a dust detector (unlockable at level 12).
📌 Pro Tip: Join a faction early (Harkonnen, Atreides, or Sardaukar) to unlock exclusive crafting, weapon blueprints, and base construction.
🎮 Console Release: 2026, Not 2024
Funcom confirmed:
“The console version of Dune: Awakening is now scheduled for release in 2026.”
Why the delay? Likely due to:
- Optimization for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- Ensuring the full endgame experience is intact on consoles.
- Building a stable, long-term live service across platforms.
So if you’re on console, be patient — but the wait might be worth it.
✅ What You Should Do Now
- Download the game on PC (Steam) if you haven’t already.
- Pick a class based on your playstyle:
- Swordmaster → Melee + stealth
- Pilgrim → Healing, support, magic-like abilities
- Sentinel → Heavy armor, tanking, long-range focus
- Join a faction and claim a base.
- Explore the dunes — new zones unlock every 5–7 hours.
- Check out our updated walkthrough and resource guides (linked below) to get ahead.
🔗 More Resources
- Dune: Awakening Classes Guide
- Where to Find Iron, Steel, Aluminum & Spice
- Step-by-Step Story Walkthrough (Updated Daily)
- Sandworm Riding Exploit: How to Do It (Spoiler: It Works)
The sands of Arrakis are alive — and they’re calling to you.
Will you rise as a hero, a conqueror, or a legend?
The Dune saga isn’t just a story anymore — it’s your adventure.
🕷️ “The road goes ever on.” — But now, it goes through you.
Stay tuned for our full review, coming later this week.
