Dune: Awakening developer Funcom acknowledges player concerns about being excluded from endgame content due to the highly competitive Deep Desert environment.
During a recent AMA, Funcom outlined strategies to enhance Deep Desert PvP, addressing player complaints about toxic behavior, even after removing the ability to crush others with Ornithopters.
In an open letter, creative director Joel Bylos stated: "We are committed to ensuring PvE players can fully engage with endgame content without being forced into unwanted PvP interactions."
"The Deep Desert remains a dynamic, weekly-resetting zone designed to offer rewarding challenges. We envisioned players forming guilds to tackle its dangers collaboratively, navigating the treacherous terrain of the universe’s most perilous planet. However, as Stephen King aptly puts it, 'Wish in one hand, sh*t in the other, see which one fills up first.' Right now, one hand is full—and it’s not with wishes."
Bylos admitted the Deep Desert’s intense competition pushes some players toward unwanted PvP. To address this, select areas will now be designated as "Partial Warfare (PvE)," allowing players to gather rare resources safely. Major spice fields, shipwrecks, and Landsraad control points will stay "War of Assassins (PvP)" for high-stakes rewards.
The game’s design emphasizes guild and group play, meaning solo players may find it "demanding to progress alone," Bylos noted.
Regarding Ornithopter griefing, Bylos explained: "Thopters are vital for desert traversal but shouldn’t dominate combat." Upcoming changes include:
- Reduced speed and maneuverability for Scout Ornithopters with rocket launchers
- Increased heat generation for rockets fired from Scout Ornithopters
- Thrusters granting maximum speed bonuses, making thruster-equipped scouts the fastest vehicles
- A new T5 infantry rocket launcher to improve vehicle-ground combat dynamics
The Landsraad, described as "a framework for all endgame activities," includes dungeons, contracts, and specialized tasks.
"It’s designed to spark factional conflict and guild politics while offering personal and group goals for both PvE and PvP players," Bylos elaborated. "The Landsraad provides daily and weekly objectives, rooted in the political intrigue of the Dune universe, where players earn votes from its houses." Funcom will soon fix critical Landsraad issues, including unintended rewards for stockpiling.
"A live game thrives through collaboration between developers and players," Bylos concluded. "We value your input as we embark on this journey to make Dune: Awakening enjoyable for all."
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Our review gave Dune: Awakening an impressive 8/10, noting: "Dune: Awakening is a stellar survival MMO that vividly brings Frank Herbert’s sci-fi universe to life, though not without flaws. The journey from humble survivor to Arrakis warlord is thrilling, with immersive storytelling and worldbuilding. However, combat feels underwhelming, and the endgame can be chaotic and unrewarding."
Curious to dive in? Explore the Dune: Awakening classes available, follow our evolving Dune: Awakening walkthrough for story guidance, and check our Dune: Awakening resource guides for tips on finding iron, steel, aluminium, and locating Dune: Awakening Trainers.
Dune: Awakening has seen a stellar launch, earning a 'very positive' Steam user rating. Within hours of its June 10 release, it drew over 142,000 concurrent players on Steam, peaking at 189,333 players earlier this month. With over 1 million players, it’s Funcom’s fastest-selling title to date.
