Funcom recently addressed Dune: Awakening players in an AMA, confirming plans to enhance Deep Desert PvP—an area some criticized as "toxic" due to persistent griefing, even after removing the Ornithopter's ability to crush other players.
In a frank developer letter, Creative Director Joel Bylos stated, "PvE players should fully experience endgame content without being pushed into unwanted PvP encounters." He emphasized the team's commitment to preserving player choice.
"We remain dedicated to the Deep Desert's core vision—a weekly-resetting danger zone offering high-risk, high-reward gameplay. Our ideal scenario sees players forming alliances to conquer Arrakis' most lethal region. However, we recognize the current competitive climate may alienate PvE-focused players."
Bylos revealed upcoming "Partial Warfare (PvE)" zones in select Deep Desert areas, allowing safe resource gathering. The most valuable locations—major spice fields, derelict ships, and Landsraad strongholds—will retain their "War of Assassins (PvP)" status.
Just two days after this announcement, Funcom began testing significant gameplay adjustments.
These changes coincide with the launch of the Public Test Client, where volunteers can trial experimental builds. Notably, the PvE safe zone near the Shield Wall now encompasses rows A-D and half of E—effectively converting 50% of the Deep Desert from PvP to PvE territory, compared to the current single-row safe area.
As PC Gamer notes, test server implementations don't guarantee final release inclusion, but this demonstrates Funcom's proactive approach to endgame refinements.
Dune: Awakening has achieved remarkable success since its June 10 launch, earning a 'Very Positive' Steam rating. The survival MMO peaked at 189,333 concurrent players shortly after release, surpassing 1 million total players—a franchise record for Funcom.
Our review scored Dune: Awakening 8/10, praising its faithful Herbert-world adaptation and engaging progression system while noting combat limitations and endgame turbulence: "The climb from parched newcomer to Arrakis powerbroker delivers consistent thrills, despite some late-game rough edges."
New players should explore our class breakdowns, story walkthrough, and resource guides covering iron, steel, and aluminum locations. Our Trainers directory also provides crucial survival strategies for navigating Dune's perilous sands.
