Dune: Awakening’s Beta Reveals a Survival MMO Struggling to Capture the Essence of Arrakis
Dune: Awakening, the ambitious survival MMO set in Frank Herbert's iconic universe, recently opened its beta to pre-order customers. However, early impressions suggest the game is facing challenges in translating the deep lore and unique survival aspects of Dune into a compelling gameplay experience.
While the beta offers a glimpse into the harsh world of Arrakis, some critics and players are finding the core gameplay loop to be a familiar, and perhaps uninspired, take on the survival MMO genre. The initial focus revolves around resource gathering, base building, and fending off basic threats, mechanics that feel somewhat detached from the rich narrative and cultural nuances of Dune.
One recurring point of contention is the game's approach to key Dune concepts. The iconic moisture seals, vital for survival in the desert, are currently presented as static points on the map, rather than opportunities for player creativity and strategic placement. As one reviewer noted, "...what if you could place your own moisture seals, rather than just tearing open the ones left by NPCs? I'd love to play a game in which you are constantly reading the barren landscape for the shallowest of shady depressions that can be plugged and converted into shelters."
The lack of emphasis on the Fremen, the native people of Arrakis who have mastered the art of desert survival, is another point of concern. Players instead take on the role of outsiders sent to Arrakis, potentially missing out on the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the world's unique culture and survival techniques.
However, Dune: Awakening does offer some intriguing mechanics. The heat stroke system, forcing players to seek shade and adapt to the day-night cycle, adds a layer of challenge and encourages situational awareness. The presence of sandworms, drawn to sound and movement, creates a constant sense of threat and necessitates careful planning when traversing the open desert.
Funcom is also exploring the influence of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful sisterhood known for their mental and physical discipline. Players can align themselves with the Bene Gesserit to learn specialized skills, including The Voice, an ability to manipulate enemies. The Weirding Way gives you tremendous agility and speed.
Despite these promising features, many feel that Dune: Awakening needs to more fully embrace its source material, moving beyond generic survival mechanics to capture the true essence of Arrakis and its people.
Dune: Awakening is slated for release on PC on June 10, 2025, after a recent delay.
Will Funcom be able to refine the game and fully realize its potential? What aspects of Dune are you most hoping to see in the final product? Share your thoughts and expectations in the comments below.
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When does Dune beta end?
It's available from now until this coming Monday, May 12 u2014 and at first, players had to put their names into Funcom's proverbial hat in hopes of receiving a key for it.
How to get dune awakening beta?
Wishlist and request access on the Dune: Awakening Steam page. Sign up with your email on the official website. Get one of tens of thousands of Beta codes during the Global LAN Party Broadcast on May 10. Catch it on Twitch at 12 PM PDT / 8 PM BST / 9 PM CEST.
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