Funcom has just released a brand new look at the extensive features that make up its construction and building system for is highly anticipated video game adaptation of Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi novel Dune: Awakening.
Base-building will be a key aspect to surviving the harsh lands of Arrakis, as you’ll need adequate cover if you hope to make it through the warm desert days and blinding cold nights. Just because you’ll be calling the most dangerous planet in the universe home doesn’t mean you can’t style it to your liking.
You’ll start from humble beginnings, forming a hut to help you hide from the sun and bandits, but over time, Dune: Awakening will let you expand your base, explore, build additional bases, and eventually, choose either Atreides or the Harkonnen to align with. Once you choose, you’ll have house-specific architecture that is unlocked, which is inspired by visuals from the movie adaptation.
The Blueprint system will also let you copy and build any house you create into a Blueprint. This will let you rebuild it in another place, share it with friends to rebuild, or sell it to the highest bidder at the market.
If you’re building with friends, the Solido Projections will help you create in record time. All you have to do is have one player stand where you want the projected item to go, allowing you to see how it will fit, then place it there just as projected.
Blueprints and the building system in general draw heavy inspiration from one of Funcom’s previous survival titles, Conan Exiles, which was released in 2017 to considerable praise. A beta for Dune: Awakening has also been announced, and is set to take place from May 9 to May 12.
Anyone interested in participating in the beta can tune into the Global LAN Party Broadcast on May 10 on Funcom’s official Twitch channel. During the event, thousands of beta keys will be given out to viewers, with all progress transferring to the full game upon release.
Originally set to release on May 20, Dune: Awakening will now arrive on PC on June 10, 2025. The head-start launch for pre-orderers has been moved to June 5. Pre-orders are available now on Steam, featuring a variety of editions that each come with their own unique rewards, with the base game available for $49.99.
