Dune: Awakening Reviews
Dune: Awakening, from developer and publisher Funcom, presents a massive world that feels and acts like what you would expect from a journey to Arrakis. The gameplay is led by extensive crafting, action, and exploration. While the controls can get finicky at times, as well as the slow pace of gameplay, especially at the beginning, the game represents everything that Dune fans will appreciate.
Dune: Awakening builds on the solid foundation of Survival gameplay mechanics from Funcom's prior entry in the genre, Conan Exiles. While aspects of the game, such as combat and questing, are less than great, these flaws don't prevent players from enjoying the well-executed gathering, crafting and research-advancing progression loop, as well as simply existing in and exploring the world of Arrakis. Those who love survival games OR the Dune franchise will likely have a great time here, though others may have less reason to stick around to the endgame. The solo and group gameplay is distinct from one another, but either approach will allow you plenty of fun time in the sun, the sand, and (if you're unlucky) the belly of a sandworm.
Dune: Awakening delivers one of the most intense and immersive survival experiences I've enjoyed in years.
Engaging with Dune: Awakening often feels like being in a relationship with someone deeply volatile. There's an undeniable allure-something about it can fully draw you in and make the experience almost intoxicating. But then, like clockwork, come the unpredictable explosions-moments of inexplicable frustration where you're left feeling punished for things beyond your control.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
The gameplay is rich, customizable and adaptable to many different styles . There is no shortage of quests either, truly numerous and able to keep you busy for a long time.ot yet available.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you are a fan of Dune, there's a lot here to enjoy, the interplay between houses, the war of assassins, and of course the fear of being pursued by a worm and only just escaping, or perhaps not escaping. Despite the glitches, I have still found myself returning time and time again, and though some tasks can be frustrating or repetitive, it's such a beautifully realised world that I don't really mind. Even when I shut it down to take a break for a while, inevitably I will be firing it up again before long to see just how much further I can get, or what I can manage to get the resources together to build next. I'm so close to being able to build my ornithopter. Definitely jump in and explore!
The mystery of the disappearance of the Fremen is also a solid enough hook to keep me going through the main quest instead of getting sidetracked, and every excursion I make to collect resources doesn’t feel like a chore. Arrakis was made for a game like this, and small creative liberties aside, I think Funcom might have nailed what it needed to nail here.
Despite the above-mentioned complaints, Dune: Awakening is truly impressive. And some shortcomings (at least technical ones) are temporary, because the developers listen carefully to the players and systematically correct the shortcomings. However, small rough spots do not spoil such an atmospheric and exciting adventure in one of the most original fantasy universes.
Review in Russian | Read full review
If you're looking for a ruthless, multiplayer survival adventure with a mesmerizing atmosphere that draws you into the world of Dune and lets you lose hours in the sands, you're in the right place. If its areas in need of improvement are addressed swiftly, it has the potential to keep you trapped on Arrakis for a long time.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
This unique MMORPG features many original elements, and you don't need to be a fan of the book or any film adaptations. However, to enjoy it, you need to be passionate about the survival genre, which forms the basis of this online world. Over the next few months and years, Dune could well flourish and become one of the top games in the genre.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Years of Funcom’s expertise managing Conan: Exiles have paved the way for Dune: Awakening to be one of the most impressive online survival games ever made.
A solid, original and full of potential MMO, as well as being the best video game transposition of the universe created by Frank Herbert.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Dune: Awakening turns survival into a dusty art form. You’re crafting gear, fighting rivals, and hauling resources across an unforgiving desert—and loving every sun-scorched second. Sure, combat can get clunky and animations stiff, but the world itself keeps you grounded.
Dune: Awakening might be a solid translation of Dune into the survival game genre, but its nature within that space and all the features that come with it could make for a rather dry adventure for those looking to brave the deserts of Arrakis alone.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Dune: Awakening is a true love letter to the universe created by Frank Herbert.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
As I finally wrap this review, I don't have a straight forward conclusion for you. Dune Awakening is a very good game. It might not be as deep as others, and it has plenty of bugs and issues, but as a Dune fan there is a ton here to enjoy.
Dune: Awakening delivers a unique survival MMO that captures the essence of the Dune universe while offering solid crafting, PvP, and social systems. Whether you want to build a desert empire, explore lore-rich ruins, or just glide over sand dunes with friends, there’s something here for every type of player. It still needs polish and more structured endgame content, but with active development and a committed community, the future looks bright. If you're a Dune fan or survival sandbox enthusiast, this one’s a must-play.
Dune Awakening has grabbed me more than any multiplayer experience in recent memory, comparable only to when Final Fantasy XIV Shadowbringers came out that I can recall. I’ve made myself one with the sand, I’ve made friends, I’ve made enemies and I’ve enjoyed every harsh survival loss along the way despite my initial angry reaction. Dune Awakening is the most meticulously and lovingly crafted recreation of Frank Herbert’s iconic world to date, and it manages to be a genre defining gameplay experience as well, with one of the coolest endgames I’ve seen in the genre. It has some bugs and some rough edges owing to its dedication to the franchise, but this is one special game that everyone should play.
A love letter to the world of Frank Herbert, Dune: Awakening has some of the most immersive survival gameplay in recent years, as well as an intriguing entry in the Dune lore. However, the game expects a lot from the player and has a very slow grind to get to the best parts of the game. As it stands, Dune: Awakening is a strong foundation for Funcom to build off of, and I can't wait to see where the game goes next.
Dune: Awakening offers a beautifully crafted world, solid survival mechanics, and flexible roleplaying, but uneven combat, repetitive quests, and a lonely, empty-feeling MMO experience mean it's best suited for those willing to overlook its flaws in exchange for immersive hours on Arrakis.
Review in Dutch | Read full review