Switching factions in Dune: Awakening is a pivotal decision that can reshape your gameplay experience, aligning you with either the noble House Atreides or the cunning House Harkonnen. Whether you're drawn to Arakeen's honor or Harko Village's ruthlessness, this guide will walk you through the process, highlight key considerations, and ensure you make an informed choice. For more Dune: Awakening tips, resources, and our exclusive Solari and items shop featuring materials and vehicles, bookmark our site and explore our store today!
Why Switch Factions in Dune: Awakening?
In Dune: Awakening, your faction allegiance—chosen early at the Eastern Vermilion Gap's Anvil Trading Post—defines your questline, story progression, and access to faction-specific items. House Atreides and House Harkonnen each offer unique missions, rewards, and aesthetics. However, you might want to switch factions to:
- Experience the opposing faction's narrative
- Access exclusive items at lower prices
- Play with friends aligned with the other faction
- Explore new gameplay dynamics
Switching isn't just a cosmetic change; it's a one-time decision with lasting consequences. Let's break it down.
Key Rules for Switching Factions
Before diving into the steps, understand these critical mechanics:
One-Time Switch: You can only switch factions once. Once you defect, you're locked out of returning to your original faction (as of June 2025).
Rank Retention: If you're rank five with your current faction, you'll instantly become rank five with the new faction after completing a short defection quest, skipping the grind.
Item Pricing: Faction-specific customizations (e.g., skins, gear) remain yours, but buying items from your former faction costs double after switching. Purchase everything you want from your current faction first!
Consequences: Defection triggers a warning about “lost consequences,” potentially affecting NPC interactions or story outcomes.
How to Switch from Harkonnen to Atreides
If you're with House Harkonnen but want to join the Atreides, follow these steps:
Travel to Arakeen: Fly to Arakeen, the Atreides stronghold.
Locate the Atreides Leaders: Head to the left side of the map, where you'll find a table surrounded by Atreides banners and NPCs.
Speak to the Defection NPC: Engage with the specific NPC at the table. A pop-up will warn you about the one-time nature of this decision and that Harkonnen will no longer welcome you.
Confirm Your Choice: Accept the defection, and you'll align with House Atreides. If you're already rank five with Harkonnen, you'll immediately become rank five with Atreides after a brief quest (if any).
How to Switch from Atreides to Harkonnen
If you're an Atreides loyalist eyeing House Harkonnen, here's what to do:
Head to Harko Village: Travel to Harko Village, the Harkonnen base.
Find the Defection NPC: Near the entrance, opposite the Harkonnen vendor, locate the NPC responsible for faction switches.
Initiate Defection: Interact with the NPC, who will present a warning about betraying your current faction.
Complete the Defection Quest (if Rank Five): If you're rank five with Atreides, you'll receive a contract to prove your loyalty to Harkonnen. For example:
- Visit the Sandfly base, eliminate enemies, and loot an information log.
- Return to Harko Village to deliver the item.
- Travel back to Arakeen to feed false information to an Atreides NPC.
- Finalize the contract in Harko Village with the NPC (e.g., Per) to cement your Harkonnen allegiance.
Enjoy Rank Five Benefits: Post-defection, you'll be rank five with Harkonnen, unlocking access to their vendor at standard prices.
Tips for a Smooth Faction Switch
To maximize your defection experience, keep these tips in mind:
Stock Up on Faction Items: Before switching, buy all desired customizations from your current faction to avoid doubled prices later.
Plan Your Switch Timing: If you're rank five, defecting is faster since you skip lower-rank quests. However, if you're mid-questline, consider completing it for rewards before switching.
Check Your Goals: Ensure the new faction aligns with your playstyle or group dynamics, as you can't revert.
Save Resources: Visit our Dune: Awakening Solari and items shop for materials and vehicles to ease your transition into the new faction's quests.
FAQs About Switching Factions in Dune: Awakening
Can I switch factions more than once?
No, as of June 2025, you can only switch factions once. Choose carefully!
Will I lose my progress when switching factions?
If you're rank five, you'll retain that rank with the new faction. Lower ranks may require some questing to catch up.
Do I keep my faction-specific items after switching?
Yes, all purchased customizations stay with you, but buying from your former faction costs double.
What happens to my questline after defecting?
You'll start the new faction's questline, often with a unique defection mission if you're rank five.
Is it worth switching factions?
It depends on your goals—new story content, item access, or group play may make it worthwhile, but weigh the one-time limit.
Thanks for Reading
Switching factions in Dune: Awakening is a bold move that can refresh your adventure on Arrakis. Whether you're pledging to Atreides or Harkonnen, plan your defection wisely to make the most of this irreversible choice. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more guides, tips, and exclusive deals in our Solari and items shop. Keep exploring, and we'll see you in the dunes!