Dune: Awakening Devs Detail Endgame & PvP Plans for Deep Desert
▼ Summary
– Funcom acknowledges player concerns about the Deep Desert endgame being too competitive and is working on PvP improvements to make it more accessible.
– The Deep Desert will now have Partial Warfare (PvE) zones for rare resources, while high-reward areas remain PvP-focused.
– Ornithopter griefing is being addressed with balance changes, including reduced speed for Scout Ornithopters and new infantry weapons.
– The Landsraad system, designed for endgame activities, will be adjusted to fix flaws like stockpiling and better accommodate both PvE and PvP players.
– Dune: Awakening has had a strong launch, with over 1 million players and record-breaking concurrent player numbers on Steam.
Exploring the vast deserts of Dune: Awakening presents both thrilling opportunities and daunting challenges, especially when it comes to endgame content and player-versus-player dynamics. Funcom, the studio behind the survival MMO, has acknowledged player concerns about the Deep Desert zone, where intense competition has left some feeling excluded from high-level progression.
In a recent developer update, Creative Director Joel Bylos addressed these frustrations head-on. “We never intended for PvE-focused players to feel forced into PvP just to experience endgame content,” he stated. The Deep Desert was designed as a high-stakes, weekly-resetting zone where danger lurks around every dune. While the vision was for players to band together in guilds to survive, the reality has been more cutthroat than anticipated.
To balance the experience, Funcom is introducing “Partial Warfare” zones, designated PvE areas where players can gather rare resources without constant ambushes. However, the most valuable locations, like spice fields and Landsraad control points, will remain full PvP, maintaining the risk-versus-reward tension.
Bylos also tackled the notorious Ornithopter griefing issue, where players abused flying vehicles to dominate combat. Scout Ornithopters will see adjustments, including reduced maneuverability and increased heat generation from rockets. Meanwhile, a new infantry rocket launcher will level the playing field between ground and air combat.
The Landsraad system, which governs endgame activities, is also under review. Designed to fuel faction conflicts and guild politics, it currently incentivizes stockpiling, an unintended consequence. “We’re refining it to ensure daily and weekly objectives feel rewarding for all playstyles,” Bylos explained.
Despite these challenges, Dune: Awakening has seen remarkable success since launch, surpassing 1 million players and setting records for Funcom. The game’s immersive survival mechanics and faithful adaptation of Frank Herbert’s universe have resonated with fans, even as the studio continues refining its endgame vision.
For those venturing into Arrakis, preparation is key. Guides on resource gathering, class selection, and survival strategies can make the difference between thriving and becoming another casualty of the desert. With ongoing updates and player feedback shaping its evolution, Dune: Awakening aims to be a world where both lone wanderers and faction leaders can carve out their legacy.
(Source: IGN)
