In a recent update for Dune: Awakening, developer Funcom revealed that they are testing some bold changes to the PvP experience in the Deep Desert, a feature that players had criticized for being “toxic” due to constant griefing. Funcom had previously promised that they were working on improving the situation, and now, they’re taking action. Despite patching out some of the more frustrating elements, like the ability for players to squish others with their Ornithopters, the PvP area remained a challenging and often hostile zone. Creative director Joel Bylos addressed these concerns in a recent letter, stressing that PvE players should not feel forced to interact with PvP content if they have no interest in it.
He explained, “Our goal is not to force PvE players to interact with a PvP system that they may have no interest in.”
Bylos further emphasized that the core concept of the Deep Desert – an ever-evolving and risky location that resets weekly, offering great rewards for players who take on its challenges – was still a key part of the game’s design. However, acknowledging that the “extremely competitive” nature of the zone forced some players into unwanted PvP scenarios, Funcom has decided to introduce a change: parts of the Deep Desert will now be flagged as “Partial Warfare (PvE),” meaning players can gather rare resources without the constant threat of ambushes. Some of the most high-risk areas, like the largest spice fields, shipwrecks, and Landsraad control points, will remain designated for PvP combat.
Funcom is now testing these changes in their Public Test Client, where players can try out new builds with the understanding that some bugs or instability might occur. One of the most notable changes is the expansion of the PvE area near the shield wall, which now covers rows A, B, C, D, and half of E, shifting a significant portion of the Deep Desert from PvP to PvE. While this doesn’t guarantee that these changes will make it into the final version of the game, it shows that Funcom is serious about adjusting the endgame experience based on player feedback.
Dune: Awakening had a stellar launch, with over 142,000 concurrent players within hours of its release on June 10. The game, which has already surpassed 1 million players, has been a major success for Funcom. Critics have praised its survival MMO mechanics, immersive world, and faithful adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, although some have pointed out areas for improvement, particularly with the combat system and the chaotic nature of the endgame.
If you’re curious about jumping into Dune: Awakening, make sure to check out the class options available in the game and keep an eye on guides like the Dune: Awakening walkthrough, which can help guide you through the story, or resource guides that will teach you how to gather essential materials like iron, steel, and aluminium. Surviving on Arrakis has never been more exciting!