Dune: Awakening update adding PvE zones and PvP rebalance
PvE-Friendly Deep Desert Zones
At the heart of the changes is a rework of the Deep Desert, the game’s ever-resetting high-reward endgame zone. Currently, the entire region is a high-stakes PvP battleground, leaving PvE-focused players feeling cut off. In the upcoming update, select areas will be designated as “Partial Warfare (PvE)”, allowing players to gather valuable 'T6' resources and explore without the threat of combat. The deepest zones, rich with top-tier loot like the largest spice fields and shipwrecks, will remain “War of Assassins (PvP)”, preserving high-risk gameplay for those who want it.
Joel emphasized that while these changes will open up the game more to solo play, solo players should still expect a grind, as the systems are balanced for group play.
PvP Vehicle Balancing: Ornithopter Overhaul
PvP isn't being left untouched. A major pain point, Scout Ornithopters armed with rockets, is being addressed with new balancing tweaks:
- Reduced maneuverability for rocket-equipped thopters
- Increased heat generation for rockets
- Thruster-equipped thopters will become the fastest, regardless of wings
- A new T5 infantry rocket launcher is being introduced to enhance ground-to-air combat
Other PvP-related updates are coming too, including tweaks to respawn timers, vehicle storage tools, and hand scanners—all aimed at discouraging abuse of current systems and encouraging smarter skirmishes.
The team’s goal is a “combined arms” battlefield where infantry, vehicles, and air units all have distinct and counter-able roles, addressing yet another player concern of a bland endgame in the Deep Desert, filled with nothing but Scout Ornithopter battles, and lacking in ground unit integration.
The Landsraad System: Endgame Framework Gets Refinements
The Landsraad, which serves as the political and activity-driving backbone of the endgame, is also receiving attention. Joel acknowledged the system’s current limitations—simple item turn-ins and crafting requests—but emphasized that it’s just the beginning. The Landsraad will evolve with:
- More varied tasks, including dungeons, contracts, and possibly raids
- Better pacing, addressing issues like stockpiling and fast turn-ins
- Micro rewards to support solo and small group players
- A continued role as the umbrella for all endgame content
A Shift Toward More Player-Focused Communication
This update follows a wave of community feedback that emerged after Dune: Awakening's initial post-launch AMA. Some players expressed frustration over what they perceived as unclear responses and a lack of transparency. The latest developer message appears to be a step toward more open and detailed communication, aiming to directly address common concerns about endgame accessibility and gameplay balance.
The situation isn’t unique to Dune: Awakening. Other live service titles like Anthem, Marvel’s Avengers, and New World have shown how important it is to respond to community feedback early and often. Funcom’s recent statements suggest a recognition of this, and a willingness to adapt the game based on player input. As development continues, the focus seems to be shifting toward building a more collaborative relationship with the player base. Weekly resets in the Deep Desert and upcoming player surveys will help shape future updates. The studio promises continued support with both free and paid content, as well as a commitment to transparency.
