As Funcom prepares for the June launch of their ambitious survival MMO set on the desert planet of Arrakis, new details have emerged about Dune: Awakening's impressive base building mechanics alongside concerns about potential environmental clutter that could affect the game's immersive experience.
Base Building Takes Center Stage
Funcom has unveiled an extensive look at Dune: Awakening's base building system, which appears to significantly expand upon the foundation established in their previous title, Conan Exiles. The newly released trailer showcases the depth of customization and functionality available to players. Protection from Arrakis' harsh environment stands as a primary concern, with players needing to construct not just walls but power systems capable of generating protective shields against the planet's devastating sandstorms. Without proper shielding, structures and vehicles will deteriorate over time, adding a strategic layer to base placement and design.
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| A player-built outpost in the harsh desert of Arrakis, demonstrating the game's base building mechanics and environmental challenges |
Faction Allegiance Shapes Your Architectural Style
Player bases in Dune: Awakening will reflect more than just functional needs. By aligning with one of the Great Houses, such as House Atreides, players gain access to unique architectural styles and faction-specific crafting options. This allegiance system promises to create visual diversity across the landscape while tying base aesthetics to the game's political narrative. The bases shown in promotional materials demonstrate impressive scale and detail, suggesting players will have substantial creative freedom in their constructions.
Blueprint Sharing Encourages Collaborative Building
The game introduces a robust blueprint system that allows players to record their creations and share them with allies. These blueprints can be traded or sold on the in-game Exchange, enabling instant projection and replication of complex structures. This feature should facilitate collaborative building efforts and potentially create a player-driven economy around architectural designs, adding another layer of social interaction to the MMO experience.
Environmental Concerns Emerge From Beta Testing
Despite the impressive building mechanics, early beta testing has revealed potential issues with the persistence of player-made structures. PCG's Chris Livingstone reported that during his 25-hour beta experience, the landscape quickly became cluttered with ugly, boxy player-made bases, forcing him to travel far to find unoccupied building space. Even then, he returned to find two large bases constructed just feet from his own, highlighting concerns about territorial crowding.
Developers Plea for Player Responsibility
Addressing these concerns in a recent livestream, Dune: Awakening's chief creative director Joel Bylos made a direct appeal to future players: Clean up your old bases people. Don't leave trash on Arrakis! Bylos explained that the game's tutorial encourages players to dismantle their starter bases as they progress to more advanced structures further into the world. However, without mechanical enforcement, this system relies heavily on player cooperation and responsibility.
The Nomadic Fantasy vs. Persistent Construction
The proliferation of abandoned structures presents a particular challenge for Dune: Awakening's thematic integrity. The Dune universe traditionally emphasizes nomadic travel across vast, untamed deserts—a feeling potentially undermined by landscapes dotted with player constructions. Balancing the appeal of permanent base building with the preservation of Arrakis' desolate beauty represents a significant design challenge that Funcom continues to navigate as the game approaches its June 10 release date.
Testing Opportunities Before Launch
Players eager to experience Arrakis firsthand will have an opportunity during a large-scale beta test scheduled for May 9-12, just weeks before the game's official launch. This testing period will likely provide Funcom with valuable data on how their base building systems perform under increased player load and may inform last-minute adjustments to address environmental clutter concerns.