Dune: Awakening Gameplay Video
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Dune: Awakening Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Genre | Open World Survival MMO |
| PC Release | 2025-06-10 |
| Developer | Funcom |
| Publisher | Funcom |
| Setting | Arrakis (Alternate Timeline) |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), PlayStation 5 (2026), Xbox Series X/S (2026) |
| Multiplayer | Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) |
| Unique Feature | A blend of deep survival crafting with a persistent MMO structure, featuring a player-driven political system and a world physically changed by weekly Coriolis storms. |
Dune: Awakening System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low/Medium settings, ~30-60 FPS) – Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution.
1440p
tune Recommended (Targets 1080p High / 1440p Medium, ~60 FPS) – High Preset at 1080p or Medium at 1440p, aiming for 60 FPS.
2160p
tune 4K High Settings (Speculative) – Medium/High Preset, 2160p (4K) resolution, aiming for 60 FPS (likely requires upscaling).
Dune: Awakening Laptop Recommendations
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 7845 HX
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4080
storage Up to 64GB DDR5
2799
Model: Dell Alienware M16 Gaming Laptop with RTX 4080
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7845 HX (Score: 2078)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 (Score: 12500)
storage RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
save Storage: 4000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core ULTRA 9 2285 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5080 175W
storage 64GB DDR5-5600MHz
3999
Model: MSI Titan 18 HX AI (2025) with RTX 5080
memory CPU: Intel Core ULTRA 9 2285 H (Score: 1497)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Score: 17000) @ 175W TGP
storage RAM: 64GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 6000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 3840 x 2400 (UHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core ULTRA 9 2275 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5080
storage 32GB DDR5-6400MHz
3999
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (2025) with RTX 5080
memory CPU: Intel Core ULTRA 9 2275 H (Score: 1497)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Score: 17000)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-6400MHz
save Storage: 3000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core ULTRA 9 2275 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5080 175W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
3999
Model: GIGABYTE AORUS Master 16 (2025) with RTX 5080
memory CPU: Intel Core ULTRA 9 2275 H (Score: 1497)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Score: 17000) @ 175W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core ULTRA 9 2285 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5090
storage 64GB DDR5-6400MHz
5499
Model: MSI Raider 18 HX AI with RTX 5090 and Intel U9-285HX
memory CPU: Intel Core ULTRA 9 2285 H (Score: 1497)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5090 (Score: 22000)
storage RAM: 64GB DDR5-6400MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 3840 x 2400 (UHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core ULTRA 9 2275 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5090
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
3999
Model: ASUS Strix Scar 16 (2025) with RTX 5090 and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
memory CPU: Intel Core ULTRA 9 2275 H (Score: 1497)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5090 (Score: 22000)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (2.5K)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p resolution.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 is the minimum requirement. Windows 11 is fully supported.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
DirectX 12 is a mandatory requirement, utilized by Unreal Engine 5 for its advanced graphical features.
- save_altStorage Note: 60 GB available space (SSD Required)
An SSD is explicitly required for the game to handle the streaming of its large, seamless world. Recommended specs call for 75 GB, potentially for higher-resolution texture packs.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: As a modern Unreal Engine 5 title, support for technologies like NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR is expected, allowing players to boost performance at higher resolutions.
Key Settings: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, View Distance, and Effects Detail will significantly impact performance. View distance is particularly important in the vast open deserts of Arrakis.
Dune: Awakening: Map Size and Regions
The world is divided into several large zones. The Hagga Basin is a vast, persistent PvE-focused map where players build their permanent bases. The Deep Desert is an even larger, seamless PvPvE map that is periodically scoured and reshaped by massive Coriolis storms, revealing new resources and points of interest. There are also social hubs like Arrakeen and Harko Village where players from many servers can interact peacefully.
Dune: Awakening: Post-Launch Content / DLC
A Season Pass is available, which includes the first four planned DLCs. The first DLC, 'Wildlife of Arrakis', was scheduled to be released shortly after launch, with three more ('Lost Harvest', 'Raiders of the Broken Lands', 'The Water Wars') planned through mid-2026.
Dune: Awakening Skills & Upgrades Overview
Players can learn skills from various iconic schools of the Dune universe. This includes mastering the persuasive 'Voice' of the Bene Gesserit, the lightning-fast calculations of a Mentat, or the deadly blade techniques of a Swordmaster. Progression is also tied to discovering and crafting schematics for better gear, weapons, tools, and base components.
Dune: Awakening: Game Editions
The game launched with three editions: Standard Edition ($49.99), Deluxe Edition ($69.99 - includes base game, 5-day early access, Season Pass), and Ultimate Edition ($89.99 - includes Deluxe content plus additional cosmetic items like vehicle swatches, building sets, the Dune (2021) Film Stillsuit, and a digital artbook & soundtrack).
Dune: Awakening: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Due to the staggered release schedule, with consoles launching in 2026, there are no plans for cross-platform play at launch. Funcom has not confirmed if it will be implemented in the future.
Dune: Awakening Specific Game Elements
Dune: Awakening Weapons
- securityExplosives (Grenades, Demolition Charges)
Used for area-of-effect damage, breaching structures, or creating tactical advantages in combat.
- securityHeavy Weapons (Lasguns, Flamethrowers)
High-powered weapons for dealing significant damage. Lasguns are extremely powerful but can cause a catastrophic explosion if they hit a shield.
- securityMelee Weapons (Daggers, Swords)
Close-quarters combat weapons, including the iconic Crysknife. Essential for fighting in tight spaces and when stealth is required.
- securityRanged Weapons (Pistols, Rifles)
Standard projectile firearms for engaging enemies from a distance. Effectiveness varies based on range and enemy type.
Dune: Awakening Vehicles
- directions_carGroundcar (Ground Vehicle)
A multi-person, durable ground vehicle, slower than a sandbike but offering more protection and transport capacity.
- directions_carOrnithopter ('Thopter) (Air Vehicle)
An essential flying machine with flapping wings, used for fast transportation across the vast deserts of Arrakis and for scouting from the air.
- directions_carSandbike (Ground Vehicle)
A fast, nimble one-person ground vehicle used for quick traversal over dunes. It's one of the first vehicles a player can craft.
- directions_carSpice Harvester (Industrial Vehicle)
A massive, slow-moving factory on tracks used to automatically gather spice from the sand. Its rhythmic vibrations are a dinner bell for nearby sandworms.
Dune: Awakening Characters
- personBaron Vladimir Harkonnen - Faction Leader (NPC)
The cruel and cunning leader of House Harkonnen, the primary antagonist faction vying for control of the spice trade.
- personBene Gesserit Sisters - Skill Trainers / Political Figures (NPCs)
Members of the secretive sisterhood who can teach players their powerful mental abilities, like the Voice, while pursuing their own mysterious agenda.
- personDuke Leto Atreides - Faction Leader (NPC)
The head of House Atreides. In this alternate timeline, he survives the initial Harkonnen betrayal, continuing to lead his house and fight for control of Arrakis.
- personPlayer Character - Protagonist (playable)
A fully customizable character who survives a 'thopter crash on Arrakis. Players forge their own path, choosing to align with factions, build an empire, or simply survive the desert.
Top 3 Characters:
Player Character: A custom-created survivor who can rise from nothing to become a powerful force on Arrakis. 2. Duke Leto Atreides: In this alternate timeline, the head of House Atreides has survived, creating a major shift in the political landscape players will interact with. 3. Baron Vladimir Harkonnen: The ruthless leader of House Harkonnen remains a primary antagonist and a potential, if dangerous, ally for players.
Dune: Awakening Missions / Objectives
- flagBase Construction
Objective: Gather resources and use schematics to build and upgrade a personal or guild headquarters, from a simple survival shelter to a massive fortress.
- flagFaction Contracts
Objective: Complete various tasks for the lesser houses to earn their favor and influence their allegiance towards either House Atreides or House Harkonnen in the weekly political struggle.
- flagMain Questline
Objective: Follow a narrative that explores the mysteries of the alternate timeline, the reason for your character's arrival on Arrakis, and the secrets behind the spice.
- flagSpice Harvesting Operations
Objective: Locate a valuable spice blow, deploy a harvester, defend it against sandworms and other players, and successfully extract the spice for profit and power.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives:
Harvesting: Locating a spice blow, deploying a harvester, and defending it from both rival players and sandworms. 2. Political Influence: Completing contracts for lesser houses to sway their vote in the Landsraad, ultimately granting your faction server-wide bonuses. 3. Base Building & Survival: Establishing a defensible base to shelter from Coriolis storms, store resources, and craft advanced equipment.
Dune: Awakening Companions / Summons
- groupOther Players (Human)
Ability: As an MMO, the primary 'companions' are other players. Players can form official Guilds (representing minor houses) to build massive bases, harvest spice together, and wage large-scale PvP warfare.
Dune: Awakening Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkLore Databanks
Location/Use: Scattered across Arrakis in abandoned research stations and ancient ruins. They provide insight into the game's alternate timeline and the deep history of Dune.
- collections_bookmarkSchematics
Location/Use: Found in points of interest, looted from enemies, or traded on The Exchange. Essential blueprints for crafting all items.
- collections_bookmarkSpice
Location/Use: Harvested from spice blows in the open desert. The game's most important resource for wealth, power, and character progression.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Blueprints required to craft higher-tier weapons, armor, vehicles, and base parts. 2. Spice: The most valuable resource in the universe, essential for progression, trade, and power. 3. Lore Items: Databanks and artifacts that reveal the history of Arrakis and the events of the alternate timeline.
Dune: Awakening Armor
- shieldCombat Armor
Focus/Stats: Craftable sets of armor that provide physical damage resistance against creatures and other players. Can be aligned visually with faction styles, such as the Sardaukar Bator Armor from the Deluxe Edition.
- shieldEnvironmental Gear
Focus/Stats: Specialized gear designed to offer protection against environmental hazards beyond dehydration, such as the intense heat of the desert or specific storm effects.
- shieldStillsuit
Focus/Stats: The most critical piece of gear. Primarily provides thirst reduction by recycling moisture. Different tiers of stillsuits can be crafted, offering better efficiency and some protection.
Dune: Awakening Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomCosmetic Outfits
Details: Various cosmetic items are available, including the iconic stillsuit from the 2021 film 'Dune' (part of the Ultimate Edition), allowing for visual customization without affecting stats.
- checkroomDyes
Details: Players can use dyes to change the color of their gear and vehicles, allowing for further personalization. The 'Sunset Dye Global Swatch' is a pre-order bonus.
- checkroomFaction Armor Sets
Details: Players can craft and wear armor that reflects their political allegiance, such as armor in the style of House Atreides or House Harkonnen.
Dune: Awakening Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
The game is a full-fledged MMO. It features large-scale PvP in the Deep Desert over resources and territory, cooperative PvE in the Hagga Basin, a player-driven economy via 'The Exchange', and a political system where player guilds (Houses) can influence server-wide laws by aligning with House Atreides or House Harkonnen in the Landsraad.
- labelUser Interface
The UI is designed around survival, prominently displaying thirst levels. It includes standard MMO features like a map, quest log, and crafting menus, as well as a dedicated interface for the server-wide auction house, The Exchange, and political menus for the Landsraad system.
- labelSound and Music
The sound design emphasizes the harsh environment, with the roar of sandworms and the howling of sandstorms being key audio cues for survival. The musical score is inspired by the cinematic universe, aiming for an epic, atmospheric, and alien soundscape.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game features a highly detailed and vast Arrakis. Key visual elements include dynamic weather, massive Coriolis storms that physically alter the landscape weekly, realistic sand physics, and awe-inspiring sandworms that can devour players and vehicles.
- labelStory and Setting
Dune: Awakening is set in an alternate timeline starting in the year 10199 AG. In this reality, Lady Jessica obeyed the Bene Gesserit and bore Duke Leto a daughter, meaning Paul Atreides was never born. This single change creates a power vacuum and a new political landscape. A War of Assassins rages between the Great Houses, and players must navigate this treacherous environment to carve out their own destiny on a dangerous, ever-changing Arrakis.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools
- 1. Crysknife: Iconic melee weapon of the Fremen. 2. Lasgun: Powerful but dangerous ranged energy weapon (beware of shield interactions). 3. Ornithopter: Essential flying vehicle for traversing the vast desert. 4. Spice Harvester: A crucial industrial vehicle for gathering the most valuable resource. 5. Stillsuit: The most important tool for survival, recycling the body's moisture to prevent death from dehydration.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Survival & Crafting: A deep system where players must manage thirst, build shelter, and craft everything from stillsuits to ornithopters to survive. 2. Sandworm Evasion: Players must learn to 'walk without rhythm' and use thumpers strategically to avoid being devoured by the colossal sandworms that patrol the deserts. 3. Political Warfare (Landsraad): Player guilds can align with Atreides or Harkonnen and complete objectives to influence NPC houses, with the winning faction's guilds voting on powerful server-wide laws for the following week.
Dune: Awakening Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What kind of game is Dune: Awakening?It's an open-world survival MMO that combines the crafting, building, and survival mechanics of games like Conan Exiles with the large-scale multiplayer, political, and economic systems of an MMO.
- help_outline When did Dune: Awakening release for PC?The full PC release was on June 10, 2025. Early access for Deluxe/Ultimate edition owners began on June 5, 2025.
- help_outline Is Dune: Awakening coming to PS5 or Xbox?Yes, a release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S is planned for 2026.
- help_outline Do I need to have read the books or seen the movies?No, the game is set in an alternate timeline, making it accessible to newcomers. However, fans of the Dune universe will recognize many characters, locations, and concepts.
- help_outline Is the whole map PvP?No. The starting zone, Hagga Basin, is primarily PvE with small, opt-in PvP areas. The endgame zone, the Deep Desert, is where large-scale, open PvP occurs.
- help_outline Can I play Dune: Awakening solo?You can play solo, but as an online MMO, you will share the world with thousands of other players. The game's challenges and political systems are designed to encourage group play and joining guilds.
- help_outline What happens to my base when the Coriolis storms hit?Your main base in the Hagga Basin is permanent and safe from the storms. The storms only affect the Deep Desert, which resets weekly, destroying all player-built structures there and revealing new landscapes to explore.