The desert planet, central to Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, is set to become the backdrop for Funcom’s highly anticipated survival MMO, Dune: Awakening. The new details have revealed deeper layers of exploration and environmental intricacies in the game.

Varied Environments

Arrakis is not limited to an identical desert landscape. The planet features a variety of environments, including the towering peaks of Jabal Eifrit, the iron rich terrain of Vermillius Gap, and the expansive area known as the Deep Desert. Newly introduced information indicates that environmental phenomena may cause periodic changes to these landscapes, potentially affecting exploration routes and the gameplay experience.

More than meets the eye

Dune: Awakening is just two months away from release, and the developers have shared a new glimpse of what awaits in the perilous desert world of Arrakis. pic.twitter.com/sP2vgxghq3

— Survival Game News (@SurvivalGN) March 14, 2025

Hidden Secrets

The exploration aspect of Dune: Awakening goes beyond conventional map layouts. The new exploration trailer shows that players may have the chance to uncover hidden relics and access previously uncharted areas. Additional exploration tools and techniques could provide more options for navigating the terrain, while offering a broader range of strategic choices than what was revealed about the game in the past.

Unforgiving World

Surviving on Arrakis requires careful adaptation and efficient resource management. Players will need to contend with extreme heat, quicksand, sandstorms, and the constant risk from sandworms. The game appears to incorporate survival techniques similar to those used by the Fremen, such as crafting a stillsuit to help prevent dehydration. The recent information suggest that weather-driven events might introduce further challenges and opportunities in terms of both PvE and PvP activities.

Traveling

Efficient travel across Arrakis relies on a variety of transportation options and vehicle customization. Players will be able to craft and fine tune vehicles such as sandbikes, buggies, or ornithopters to navigate the planet’s varied terrain. Modular upgrades, including scanners that reveal resources and hidden pathways, are expected to add additional tactical depth. There is also an indication that experimental vehicle modules may offer further capabilities for exploration and combat.

The Deep Desert

One of the more challenging regions in Arrakis is The Deep Desert. In this area, Coriolis storms periodically reshape the landscape, revealing new loot and undisclosed locations like Imperial Testing Stations while obscuring older markers. Developer Funcom has revealed that these storms could trigger dynamic gameplay events, which may offer resource opportunities or introduce additional hazards. This evolving environment requires players to continuously adjust their strategies.

The game is releasing in just 2 months, and the developers keep revealing more and more exciting details. What other things would you like to learn about Dune: Awakening?