DUNE Beta Weekend

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DUNE Beta Weekend Completes

Dune: Awakening Beta – Ruinous Experience Brief

Dune: Awakening, developed by Funcom using Unreal Engine 5, is a survival sandbox set in the rich Dune universe. Based on feedback from approximately twelve active Ruin members during the beta, the game shows strong potential for fans of Funcom’s Conan Exiles, though it remains an unfinished project with notable areas for refinement.

Strengths

  • Immersive Universe: The Dune IP shines through high production values, evocative music, quality voice acting, and a visually stunning world, creating an engaging atmosphere.
  • Gameplay Appeal: Fans of Conan Exiles will find familiar survival sandbox mechanics, enhanced by a larger, more technically advanced world. The intuitive skill and leveling system supports long-term engagement.
  • Future Potential: Funcom’s track record suggests regular updates, new cosmetics, and expanded content, including deeper exploration of faction-specific architectural styles and lore.
  • MMORPG Elements: While not fully explored in the beta, the game’s structure hints at MMORPG-like endgame systems, offering more depth than Conan Exiles.
Weaknesses
  • Unfinished Systems: Combat feels prototype-level, lacking polish and refinement. Other systems also show clear signs of being incomplete.
    • Melee combat in particular absolutely requires additional time investment and refinement.
    • The Dune universe demands more focus on melee combat. 
  • Limited Appeal: The game is unlikely to attract players seeking a pure FPS, polished combat experience, or a traditional themepark MMORPG.
  • Endgame Uncertainty: Limited beta time prevented thorough testing of endgame content, leaving questions about its depth and longevity.
Consensus
Dune: Awakening is a promising survival sandbox that will captivate fans of Dune, Conan Exiles, and survival games with its immersive world and potential for long-term play. However, its current unfinished state, particularly in combat, may deter players prioritizing polished mechanics or other genres. Ruin members anticipate significant time investment as updates roll out, mirroring their Conan Exiles experience.
Verdict
Highly recommended for Dune enthusiasts, survival sandbox fans, and Conan Exiles veterans. Not suited for those seeking a pure FPS, combat-focused game, or themepark MMORPG. Worth the purchase for its niche but dedicated audience, with expectations of substantial improvements post-beta.

The Dune: Awakening large-scale Beta weekend on May 9-12!

Three ways to increase your chances of getting into the Beta: 

  • Wishlist and request access on the Dune: Awakening Steam page 
  • Sign up with your email on the official website 
  • Get one of tens of thousands of Beta codes during the Global LAN Party Broadcast on May 10. Catch it on Twitch. 
  • Bonus: Do all three to increase your chances! 

What’s in the Beta? 

Get a taste of both spice and story, as the Beta features the first 20-25 hours of the game and most of Act 1. Create your character, crash into Arrakis, and survive sandworms, sun, and roaming bandits alongside other players. Choose which School of the Imperium you will follow first, then craft a shelter, your first weapon and sandbike, and venture deeper into the sands. 

Unlike previous Betas, this one has no NDA, meaning you can share any info you want with friends, or even stream the game for all to see. 

You can pre-order Dune: Awakening now and receive the Terrarium of Muad’dib. Choose the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition for a 5-day head start and a slew of exclusive in-game items. 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1172710/Dune_Awakening/