Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Dune: Awakening is shifting focus from PVP to PVE gameplay, as 80% of players prefer PVE content.
- Patch 1.3.20.0 will introduce separate PVE and PVP instances for a customizable experience, with balanced rewards and mod support.
- All official worlds will offer a PVE instance for survival and exploration without player combat, and a PVP instance for high-risk environments and open-world conflict.
- Funcom is supporting self-hosted servers to enable players to create and manage their own customized worlds, fostering dedicated communities and mods.
Recommended products
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Funcom has announced a major shift in direction for the survival MMO Dune: Awakening, de-emphasizing player-versus-player (PVP) combat to focus on player-versus-environment (PVE) gameplay. Funcom made this decision after analyzing game statistics since the game’s launch in June of last year, which revealed that 80% of players preferred PVE content. The studio aims to create a personal conquest experience where players master the harsh Arrakis environment—contending with the scorching sun, water scarcity, and the constant threat of Shaihulud—while having the freedom to customize their experience and connect with like-minded individuals. In a statement, Funcom said, “By combining our goals, game data, and player survey results, it became clear that we needed to reconsider our approach and emphasize the priority nature of PVE in the game. We always imagined Arrakis as a tense place where players need to master the desert to survive the scorching sun, water scarcity, constant presence of Shaihulud, and other dangers. We also want Dune: Awakening to be a personal conquest experience. Players should have the freedom to customize their experience and connect with others who share similar motivations, coexisting within the community.” Patch 1.3.20.0 will implement the following changes:
Dune Awakening Offers PVE/PVP Customizable Worlds with Balanced Rewards and Mod Support
All PVP zones in the Hagga Basin will be disabled on all official worlds. All official worlds will offer separate Deep Desert instances: A PVE instance for survival and exploration without player combat. This instance will have no PVP in any rankings, including shipwrecks. A PVP instance with the original high-risk environment and open-world conflict in ranks B to I. To balance risk and reward, the yield from mining and spice harvesting will be multiplied by 2.5 in PVP areas. Funcom also confirmed support for self-hosted servers, enabling players to create and manage their own customized worlds. The studio anticipates that this functionality will foster dedicated communities and mods, further expanding customization options. Funcom explained, “Although PVP conflict is an important aspect of Dune: Awakening for some, it should be optional and encouraged rather than mandatory for progression.” Dune: Awakening is currently available on PC, with versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S planned for release in 2026.
In Case You Missed It
In a flurry of exciting gaming news, Jonathan Dubinski has been keeping us on the edge of our seats. First, he spilled the beans on an upcoming secret mission in GTA 6, featuring rapper Freddie Gibbs accidentally injuring CM Punk in a mission that promises to add another layer of authenticity to Rockstar’s signature style GTA 6 Leak Unveils Secret Mission Featuring a Famous Rapper. Then, he delved into the intriguing tale of AionGuard from Avalanche Studio, an ambitious open-world fantasy that could have been, complete with dragon-riding and golem transformations, but sadly fell short due to industry struggles AionGuard from Avalanche Studio (Just Cause) Was a ‘Crimson Desert’ Before Its Time, and It Fell Short. Meanwhile, Carlos Mendoza has been hyping up Warner Bros.’ latest, with the final trailer for Mortal Kombat II now selling tickets and promising an R-rated bloodbath as Earthrealm champions face off against Emperor Shao Kahn on May 8 Most Bloody Summer Film Now Selling Tickets, See Final Trailer. It’s shaping up to be an exciting summer in the gaming world!
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | XCOM: Enemy Unknown |
| Brief Summary | XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place you in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, you will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics. The original XCOM is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made and has now been re-imagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. XCOM: Enemy Unknown will expand on that legacy with an entirely new invasion story, enemies and technologies to fight aliens and defend Earth. You will control the fate of the human race through researching alien technologies, creating and managing a fully operational base, planning combat missions and controlling soldier movement in battle. |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, Linux, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Android, Mac |
| Released | October 9, 2012 |
| Genre | Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical |
| Play Modes | Single player, Multiplayer |
| Content Rating | 18 |
| Languages | Czech, English, Spanish (Spain), Japanese |
| Genre | Firaxis Games |
| Genre | 2K Games, Feral Interactive |
| Ratings | 86/100 (560 reviews) |
They also talk about it
Links to external sources for further reading
- Why Dune: Awakening devs say they're going 'PvE-first' for the Dune survival gameWhy Dune: Awakening devs say they're going 'PvE-first' for the Dune survival gamethegamer.com
- Dune: Awakening Is Introducing A PvE-Only Deep Desert, As Just 20 Percent Of Players Engage With PvPDune: Awakening Is Introducing A PvE-Only Deep Desert, As Just 20 Percent Of Players Engage With PvPgamespot.com