Funcom Highlights Dune: Awakening Gameplay In A Post-Gamecom Showcase Video
Funcom, the creators of Dune: Awakening, has unveiled a new video detailing the game's exciting mechanics and features. This latest sneak peek consolidates everything showcased at Gamescom 2024 last week, highlighting everything from character development to combat systems and faction interactions.
Dune: Awakening’s tag line, “survive, expand, control,” perfectly encapsulates its core gameplay loop. Players must master the art of resource management by gathering essential materials like flour sand and spice, which are pivotal for crafting weapons, armor, and other vital items. Establishing settlements and asserting control over the harsh deserts of Arrakis will also be key to surviving and dominating the unforgiving planet.
Survival on Arrakis isn’t just about harvesting resources; it’s also about developing skills to face the many dangers that lurk in the desert. Players can hone various abilities, ranging from healing techniques to combat skills, allowing them to tackle the harsh landscape and its challenges head-on. The gameplay video emphasizes the role of combat, showcasing the seamless switching between melee and ranged attacks, each offering distinct tactical advantages. According to the game’s Creative Director, Joel Bylos, inhaling spice can boost player abilities and might even trigger visions, adding a mystical element to the survival MMO’s mostly sci-fi theme.
Faction dynamics are another intriguing aspect of Dune: Awakening. While players have the option to join one of the major factions, which grants access to exclusive gear and special building options, it isn’t mandatory. Players can still participate in the Landsraad and take on various contracts even if they don’t join a faction. However, Bylos hinted that not aligning with a faction might mean missing out on some unique opportunities.
Perhaps the most fascinating reveal is the ability for players to betray their faction, introducing a thrilling layer of complexity and unpredictability. This feature promises to keep the political landscape in Dune: Awakening constantly shifting, offering players a dynamic and engaging experience while also keeping them constantly on their toes.
With its blend of exploration, resource management, combat, and political maneuvering, Dune: Awakening promises to deliver an immersive survival experience that will captivate both fans of the Dune universe and survival game enthusiasts alike.
Dune: Awakening is set to launch into early access on PC via Steam sometime in early 2025 and will be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at a later date.
