Exciting News: Dune: Awakening Releases Soon
Dune fans have something to look forward to! After the announcement that the third movie in the Dune franchise will begin filming this summer, Funcom revealed that its new open-world MMO, Dune: Awakening, will be available for PC starting May 20. Gamers can get a head start by trying out the character creator tool, which has already gone live.
What is Dune: Awakening?
Dune: Awakening is an open-world multiplayer online game inspired by Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novels, as well as the more recent film adaptations. While it draws from established lore, it takes some creative liberties. For instance, the game presents an alternate universe where some key characters and events differ significantly from the books and films. In this version:
- The Fremen: The native people of Arrakis have mysteriously disappeared.
- Paul Atreides: He was never born.
- Lady Jessica: She follows the Bene Gesserit’s directives and gives birth to a daughter instead.
This approach allows the developers to create a unique storyline while still featuring familiar settings and elements from the Dune universe.
Narrative and Gameplay
In Dune: Awakening, players will step into the shoes of a prisoner arriving on the desert planet of Arrakis. Your mission? To uncover the truth behind the Fremen’s disappearance. As you explore the vast landscapes of Arrakis, you’ll learn about the powerful secrets the desert holds. The game’s promotional material describes the journey of transforming from an unknown survivor to a leader allied with either the Atreides or the Harkonnen houses.
Character Features
Players can customize their characters using a character creator tool that’s currently available. Here’s what you can adjust:
- Appearance: Change your character’s looks to fit your style.
- Home Planet: Choose where your character originates.
- Caste: Decide on a role such as Swordmaster, Bene Gesserit, Mentat, or Trooper.
To stay true to the Dune experience, players will also face the infamous Gom Jabbar test early in the game. Don’t worry—this isn’t a real-world test but a part of the storyline designed to be executed using a keyboard or controller.
System Requirements and Availability
For those eager to dive into this adventure, Dune: Awakening will launch on May 20 for PC via Steam, priced at $50. Pre-orders will be available soon. If you’re concerned about whether your computer can handle the game, the character creator will include a benchmark mode to help evaluate your system’s capabilities.
Console Releases
While Dune: Awakening is currently set for a PC release, it will also be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. However, release dates for the console versions have not yet been disclosed.
Final Thoughts
Dune: Awakening presents an exciting opportunity for gamers to immerse themselves in the Dune universe and experience the rich lore in a new way. With an engaging storyline, customizable characters, and a vast open world to explore, players can expect an exhilarating adventure on Arrakis. Be sure to check out the game on May 20 and start your journey through the desert!
In the meantime, keep an eye out for more updates and trailers to get a glimpse of what awaits in this new chapter of the Dune saga.
