Funcom has announced significant updates for its survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, with the introduction of Chapter 3. This upcoming chapter promises to deliver a wealth of new content, including a revamped endgame Player versus Environment (PvE) experience, the addition of a new faction, and various gameplay enhancements aimed at revitalizing player engagement.
The development team, led by production director Ole Andreas Hayley and game director Viljar Sommerbak, has acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding the balance between PvE and Player versus Player (PvP) gameplay. Since the game’s launch in June 2023, players have expressed mixed feelings about the current state of endgame content. In response, Hayley and Sommerbak indicated that Chapter 3 will address these issues, enhancing the PvE elements significantly. “With Chapter 3, we’re flushing out the PvE parts of the endgame,” they stated, aligning with their previously shared roadmap.
The anticipated changes extend beyond PvE improvements. A new faction, the Smugglers, will be introduced alongside Chapter 3. This faction will be equipped with an extensive building kit featuring 74 customizable pieces, allowing players to create faction-themed bases. Funcom has committed to transparency regarding the content available in this update, aiming to avoid the pitfalls experienced with the paid downloadable content (DLC) from Chapter 2.
Players can also look forward to several new features designed to enhance gameplay. A notable change includes a redesign of the personal light, which will now take the form of a floating globe, a fitting nod to the Dune aesthetic. Additionally, melee combat is set for improvements, with the developers acknowledging that not everyone will be satisfied with these adjustments. They noted that the rapier will receive a rework to distinguish its gameplay mechanics from other weapons.
Chapter 3 aims to offer a substantial narrative experience, described by the developers as “a love letter to the PvE players.” Players can expect approximately five to six hours of new story-related content, which will include new cinematics and fully-voiced dialogue. Furthermore, the update will introduce boss encounters with multiple phases and new dungeons, expanding gameplay options significantly.
Looking ahead, Funcom hinted at future enhancements beyond Chapter 3, including the possibility of allowing players to host their own servers with customizable options. Though details are still being finalized internally, this initiative could greatly enhance the player experience. The developers emphasized that Chapter 3 is intended to lay the foundation for future updates, including the much-anticipated Chapter 4.
As the excitement builds for this substantial update, Funcom’s commitment to improving Dune: Awakening reflects an understanding of player feedback and a desire to enhance the overall experience in the survival MMO. The company also acknowledged previous community concerns, admitting that “undocumented changes” in the last major update had made non-playable characters (NPCs) more challenging. Funcom confirmed that they will revert these changes, aiming to restore balance within the game.
With the promise of new content and gameplay improvements, Funcom is poised to revitalize Dune: Awakening, setting the stage for a fresh chapter in the survival MMO’s evolution. Players are left eagerly anticipating the release of Chapter 3 and its potential to reshape their gaming experience.