Dune: Awakening AMA Insights - June 2025 Updates

The winds of Arrakis are stirring with excitement following the Dune: Awakening AMA held on June 19, 2025, with additional insights emerging as of June 20, 2025, at 04:35 PM HKT. Hosted by Funcom's talented team—including creative director Joel Bylos, executive producer Scott Junior, senior game director Vjar Summerback, and lead producer Ole Andre Haley—the session addressed a wide array of player questions. From quality-of-life (QoL) enhancements to PvE expansions and deep desert dynamics, there's much to explore. If you're passionate about surviving the desert, consider bookmarking our site for the latest updates and visiting our Solari and Items Store for materials, vehicles, and more to enhance your journey.

Funcom is actively testing a major QoL update slated for early July 2025. Scott highlighted that this patch will include numerous changes, with full patch notes to be released once it's publicly testable. Key features include the ability to rename storage containers and vehicles, addressing the challenge of managing large bases with multiple containers.

This will be integrated into the inventory dropdown, enabling players to identify resource sources easily. Other planned enhancements include a “deposit all” button for water and blood to reduce repetitive clicking, a hotkey for switching vehicle seats (expected in July or August), and options to replace building pieces without destruction. Snapping for interior decorations and stacking storage boxes using half walls as shelves are also under consideration, with the latter already a viable workaround.

PvE players have a robust roadmap ahead. Funcom plans to release new story content and PvE updates alongside DLCs every three to four months. The Landsraad system will offer weekly content with improvements to make tasks more accessible and rewarding, especially for solo players.

Feedback about locked tasks, difficulty, and rewards is being addressed, with dynamic encounters set to add variety to Arrakis exploration. New contracts will span the game, including tasks tied to Houses and leading into the deep desert. New dungeons with boss fights are confirmed, though targeted loot systems will not be added to preserve the randomization and re-exploration loop. For solo players, alternative progression paths outside the Haga Basin are in development, ensuring access to gear and base upgrades without PvP reliance.

Solo players raised concerns about content accessibility, prompting Funcom to enhance the Landsraad with stackable contributions for weekly rewards, benefiting small groups and individuals over time. Additional PvE maps and content will provide progression options beyond the deep desert's PvP focus. Scout ornithopters may gain agility boosts for quick escapes, and while the deep desert remains group-oriented, solo-friendly activities will expand in other areas. Respawn times, revives, and full loot as a Landsraad decree (earned through competition) are also being refined to support solo playstyles.

The deep desert remains a PvP free-for-all, designed for competition over points of interest. However, Funcom acknowledges the current imbalance between vehicles and on-foot combat, with multiple adjustments in the pipeline to address desyncs, rubber banding, and ability reliability. Scout ornithopters may see reduced maneuverability with rocket pods or higher heat costs for rockets to differentiate them from assault ornithopters, alongside thruster speed bonuses. Ground combat viability is a priority, with potential faction-based warfare zones and a foot-combat-only area under consideration. Full loot PvP will stay a Landsraad-earned decree, aligning with the game's strategic vision, and no size reduction is planned for the deep desert.

Funcom's dedication to Dune's lore shapes key decisions. The minimap and dialogue-skipping options were intentionally excluded to enhance immersion, encouraging players to utilise vehicle scanners and visual cues, such as quicksand hazards, to navigate the environment. The death still ritual, tied to water scarcity lore, remains a contemplative process. The alternate timeline builds upon Frank Herbert's foundation, allowing for creative freedom with elements like spice and sandworms while expanding the story with new characters and objectives.

Third Faction: A new faction (not House Corrino) is in development, promising to shift gameplay dynamics.

Map Expansion: New maps will explore Arrakis' history, expanding the overland map.

Building and Cosmetics: More building sets, cosmetics, and character customization are planned for future updates.

Story Content: Free story quests for Book One's next chapters are underway, with DLCs adding more narrative and decorations.

Convenience Features: Trading boards, siege visiting with building permissions, and deposit-all options are under review, though player-hosted servers face technical barriers due to infrastructure complexity.

Funcom addressed specific issues, such as the queue problems in the first trial instance due to technical limitations, and promised future improvements. Large-scale “zerg” attacks in the deep desert are rare per data analysis, but solo evasion options are being explored. Vehicle loss from disconnects or bugs will be mitigated in the following hotfix, allowing time to reconnect, with further setbacks addressed in future patches. The Landsraad's balance is being monitored, with the third faction's introduction expected to influence dynamics further.

Reaffirming their stance, Funcom confirmed no cash shop will be added, ensuring a pay-to-win-free experience. Cosmetic and building additions will come through gameplay or DLCs.

Daily/Weekly Contracts: Suggested for solo players, with Funcom refining Landsraad tasks and adding new contracts.

Storage Naming: A popular request, now in development to ease base management.

Combat Balance: Players noted air-heavy deep desert combat, with Funcom adjusting to include ground viability.

The QoL update is targeted for early July 2025, with patch notes to follow as it nears public testing.

Yes, new PvE maps, Landsraad improvements, and stackable rewards will support solo progression.

Yes, Funcom is addressing desyncs, vehicle-on-foot balance, and considering faction zones and foot-combat areas.

No, both are excluded to preserve immersion and align with Dune's lore.

A new faction (not House Corrino) is coming, with details to be revealed later, impacting gameplay dynamics.

The Dune: Awakening AMA provides a detailed blueprint for an evolving Arrakis, balancing solo and group experiences while honoring its lore. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more updates as we continue to traverse this desert world together.