What Was Shown In The Dune Awakening Livestream

The first developer livestream from Funcom showed off live gameplay. We got to see a look at the desert, crafting and combat. There will be a day/night cycle with a slight difference. The Sadukuar are hunting for players and, if they’re caught in the ship’s spotlight, they’ll be stunned. A mercenary will then be sent to attack them. However, nighttime gameplay will be integral to progress until players can efficiently gather water.

Surveying will be a big part of gameplay. This is how players will discover schematics. These can be used for crafting building materials, vehicles, etc. Schematics can also be sold to ally NPCs or other players. Locations around the map will use height in various ways to make each one unique. On top of enemies there will be environmental dangers while traveling. There will be quicksand which can “eat” a vehicle, radiation. The world will be separated into maps, but NPCs can be hired later on that fly from one outpost to the next. 

Exploring Arrakis – Secrets of the Desert

Melee classes are getting something a little extra. Only in short range combat players will get a shield that deflects bullets. Though certain weapons will be better at wearing it down. And this shield goes away immediately when firing. There will be turrets that can be placed during combat. It doesn’t appear to deactivate the shield. More about combat could come out at a later date. 

The skill tree in Dune: Awakening will be flexible. NPCs are scattered around the map that teach certain skills. Through exploration and completing their questline, players will be able to unlock their skill tree. While exploring, players may come across shipwrecks and imperial posts. The first will be PVP zones where important weapon material can be found. The imperial posts will mainly hold vehicle crafting materials. But, if players are brave enough, vehicles can be stolen from NPC outposts.

Business Model & Post Launch Plans Explained

Blueprints and other materials will also be found in chests. To find these items, players will have to travel further into each map. Inevitably you will abandon bases as you explore. These locations will then be degraded by passing sandstorms. Vehicles are meant to deal with the tedium of running through large maps. Of course, ground vehicles will attract sandworms so keep an eye on the vibrations meter.