In a new developer interview held by CohhCarnage on May 28, Funcom Creative Director Joel Bylos shared a closer look at Dune: Awakening’s core systems with us, covering everything from PvP dungeons to faction balancing, gear, and long-term plans after launch.
Here is a quick overview of the most important details:
Lansraad System
The weekly faction war in Dune is not just for PvP players. Winning factions earn powerful global buffs, like +30% melee damage, but backend mechanics help weaker factions catch up, even through non-combat tasks. PvE players can contribute meaningfully to the faction effort each week.
Deep Desert
The deep desert zone is a massive open-world PvP space filled with rare schematics, rotating weekly layouts, and no fixed routes. There are no quest markers or handholding, which means you will need to explore, scout, and share info to survive.
Despite being a PvP hotspot, solo players still have ways to participate:
- Stealth-focused movement tools make sneaking in (and escaping) viable
- High mobility options allow quick disengagement
- No hard barriers mean you can chart your own route in and out
PvP Dungeons – No Instancing, No Safety Net
There are no instanced PvP dungeons in Dune. If you enter the deep desert, you are in danger – full stop. There is no zoning out, no safe teleports. If you want to keep your loot, you will need to make it out alive; there is no shortcut to safety.
Unique Weapons
Gear in Dune is supposed to change the way you play. Bylos described examples like the Stammer Shot, a rifle that comes with unique mechanics rather than just better numbers. High-end weapons are not required to succeed in PvE, but they do open up new tactical options.
Griefing & Player Behavior
Funcom will monitor griefing and exploitative behavior actively. Respawn camping and similar issues are addressed case-by-case by a dedicated customer service team. They want PvP to feel risky but not toxic.
Third Faction Post-Launch
A third faction is planned after release, not to win the Lansraad directly, but to influence the balance by keeping the two main factions in check. Think of it as a wild card role that keeps things interesting and prevents domination.
Launch Timing
Dune: Awakening enters Advanced Access on June 5, with full release on June 10. Bylos also made it clear that this is just the beginning:
“The launch version will be the worst the game ever is – we’ll keep building it up from there.”
Want to hear it straight from the source? You can watch the full interview here:
