Dune Awakening has just received a brand new gameplay trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, along with a PC release date of early 2025.
The exclusive 30-minute trailer begins with a first look at the game’s extensive character creator, allowing players to choose their appearance and background before taking their first steps on Arrakis.
As a mass multiplayer online game (MMO), the world seems vast and we get to see how the planet’s harsh weather conditions affect players. Staying outside in direct sunlight will severely impact your health by giving you heatstroke, so players must stay in the shade while navigating the dunes.
Players will also encounter NPCs along their journey who can be “befriended or betrayed.” Their influence can be expanded through combat, spice supply, building and upgrading bases, crafting vehicles, and trading. You can also develop your character through five classes, including Mentat, Trooper, Planetologist, Swordmaster, or Bene Gesserit.
Survive the brutal desert of Arrakis. Expand your reach with ground and air vehicles. Master spice production at all costs. #DuneAwakening coming to PC early 2025. Wishlist on Steam: https://t.co/J7u4MwnVXq pic.twitter.com/QpbSgQuSBVAugust 20, 2024
Factions also play a big role in the Awakening experience. Players can join a guild and align themselves with House Harkonnen or Atreides, and “fight for precious spices in dynamic guild-versus-guild combat using a variety of vehicles, technology, and specialized warriors.”
“This is your Arrakis. The most dangerous planet in the universe, where the machinations of guilds and powerful houses devour the unprepared as easily as the ancient sandworms that stalk the open deserts,” the Steam description reads.
“Survive, scavenge, and build a home to protect yourself from enemies and the elements. Seek fortune and spices through combat, exploration, trading, and crafting.”
Additionally, Funcom worked closely with the Herbert Estate and Legendary to create an alternate history where Paul Atreides was never born, giving players the chance to experience Arrakis for themselves.
“Revealing gameplay for the first time is always a big moment, especially in a game where the interaction between all these systems can create completely unexpected moments. But the team has done an incredible job and we can’t wait to see how the community responds,” said Joel Bylos, Creative Director at Funcom.
For those wondering when the MMO will come to PlayStation and Xbox, developer Funcom has now confirmed that Dune: Awakening will get a console release later.