Dune: Awakening Devs Detail Endgame, PvP Upgrades

Dune: Awakening developer Funcom acknowledges player concerns about the endgame experience, stating they're aware some feel excluded from Deep Desert content due to its highly competitive PvP environment.

In a recent AMA session, Funcom confirmed they're actively developing solutions to enhance Deep Desert PvP dynamics, an area players have criticized as problematic even after removing the controversial Ornithopter crushing mechanic.

Creative director Joel Bylos addressed these concerns directly: "We want to make this absolutely clear - our goal is to ensure PvE players can fully experience endgame content without mandatory PvP interactions they might not enjoy."

"The Deep Desert's core vision remains intact - a weekly-resetting danger zone offering high-risk, high-reward gameplay. We envisioned players banding together in guilds to brave this ultimate challenge on Arrakis. But as Stephen King's saying goes about expectations versus reality... we're currently experiencing more of the latter."

Bylos announced new "Partial Warfare (PvE)" zones in the Deep Desert where players can gather rare resources safely, while major spice fields and strategic points will remain full PvP zones. He emphasized the game's guild-focused design, noting solo players may find progression slower.

Regarding aerial combat balance, upcoming changes include: reduced mobility for rocket-equipped Ornithopters; increased heat generation from air-to-ground attacks; thruster-based speed adjustments; and new anti-vehicle rocket launchers for infantry.

The Landsraad system, described as "the framework for all endgame activities," will undergo revisions to address issues like unintended stockpiling rewards. Bylos explained it's designed to fuel faction conflicts while providing daily/weekly objectives for all playstyles.

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Our 8/10 review praised Dune: Awakening as "a superb survival MMO that beautifully captures Herbert's universe, though combat mechanics and endgame structure need refinement. The progression from desperate survivor to Arrakeen power player delivers consistently rewarding gameplay."

New players can explore our guides covering character classes, story walkthroughs, and essential resources like iron, steel, and aluminum locations, plus our Trainers locations guide.

The game has achieved remarkable success since its June 10 launch, reaching 142,000 concurrent Steam players initially, peaking at 189,333, and surpassing 1 million total players - making it Funcom's fastest-selling title to date.