With “Dune Awakening,” Funcom does more than just transport Arrakis into an open world; they aim to make it a flexible and creative environment for conquest. In a newly released video titled “Building Arrakis,” the developers showcase the base-building system, which is essential for survival in this harsh desert setting where only the most resourceful can succeed. Similar to early scenes in the novel, where even minor errors can be fatal, Dune Awakening maintains an intense pace with no compromises. Players begin with minimal resources — a basic shelter from both sun and raiders — and must swiftly learn to turn chaos into order.
Each base becomes an extension of the player, serving as their refuge. It must be expanded, optimized, and connected to a resource network, particularly for water, electricity, or even rarer: spice. In this unforgiving ecosystem, even blood can be refined into potable water. However, Dune wouldn’t be Dune without its power dynamics. Once sufficiently established, the player must pledge allegiance to a Great House: the noble Atréides or ruthless Harkonnen. This choice is not merely cosmetic; it unlocks unique architectures directly inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s film designs.
Leveraging the base-building system in their new release, Dune Awakening, Funcom goes beyond a simple open-world adaptation of Arrakis; they aim to create a conquerable and creative landscape. In a recently revealed video titled “Building Arrakis,” developers unveil the base construction mechanics, which are central to survival in this harsh sandy environment where only the most resourceful can thrive. Players start with minimal resources—a rudimentary shelter against the sun and bandits—and must quickly learn to transform chaos into structure.
Blueprint: the ability to fully duplicate an existing structure and instantly reinstall it elsewhere. This powerful tool transforms each base into a replicable, monetizable, and shareable prototype. As a result, a base becomes not just a resource but also a commercial commodity.
Solido Projection: Cooperative Building, facilitated by a holographic projection system that enables multiple players to construct together with precision and fluidity.
Before its official release on June 10th, Dune Awakening is hosting a large beta event from May 9th to 12th. To participate, individuals must follow the Global LAN Party, where tens of thousands of access keys will be distributed. Those wishing to gain early entry can preorder the game and receive exclusive items such as the Muad’dib Terrarium and up to five days of early access through Deluxe and Ultimate editions.
