Funcom’s upcoming open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, promises a brutal and immersive experience set on the iconic desert planet of Arrakis. In a recent reveal, the developers shed light on the game’s core survival mechanics, emphasizing the desperate struggle for water amidst the unforgiving sands. While a release date remains unannounced, anticipation builds as new details emerge.
Water is Life, and Death
At the heart of Dune: Awakening’s survival systems lies water – a precious, life-sustaining element that is constantly in short supply. Players will have several options to manage their hydration levels and survive the harsh desert conditions:
- Blood for Water: In a chilling twist, players can scavenge for water directly from the bodies of their defeated enemies. This grim method reflects the desperate realities of Arrakis.
- Seeking Solace: Pockets of moisture-laden fog and dew can be found in certain areas, providing a temporary reprieve from the relentless thirst.
- Plant Power (With a Catch): Consuming plant fibers offers a way to gain water, but this method carries a risk – overuse can lead to negative health effects.
- Embrace the Shadows: Direct sunlight rapidly dehydrates the body. Seeking shade during the day and traveling at night become essential strategies for survival.
Crafting, Building, and the Struggle for Dominance
Like many survival games, Dune: Awakening features a robust crafting system. Players will scavenge resources like stone, copper, and iron, using them to forge a range of necessities:
- Sanctuary: Constructing bases offers vital shelter from sandstorms and the relentless sun, creating safe havens within the hostile world.
- Tools of War: Weapons and gear are essential for fending off rival factions, dangerous creatures, and the ever-present threat of dehydration.
- A Touch of Civilization: Clothing provides more than just cosmetic appeal – appropriate desert attire can offer protection from the elements.
- A Thriving Market: Players can generate additional income by designing unique base blueprints and selling them to others through an in-game marketplace.
Titanic Terrors: The Sandworms of Arrakis
Faithful to the source material, the gargantuan sandworms of Arrakis present a constant danger in Dune: Awakening. Traveling across the open desert without utilizing special rhythmic devices to mask your movements is akin to a death sentence.
These towering beasts come in various forms, with the most formidable inhabiting the deep desert. While players won’t be able to ride sandworms at launch, merely surviving their wrath will prove a daunting task in itself.
Xbox Sweepstakes and the Road Ahead
Dune enthusiasts on Xbox have a chance to snag exclusive prizes in a sweepstakes running until March 25th. The grand prize includes a custom “floating” Dune-themed controller, an Xbox Series S, and an Ornithopter stand.
As Funcom unveils further details, Dune: Awakening continues to shape up as a compelling blend of brutal survival mechanics and the rich lore of Frank Herbert’s science-fiction masterpiece.
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