Dune: Awakening — Player Feedback

06/09/2025

With just hours left before the full release of Dune: Awakening on Steam, it's worth giving a big thanks to everyone who didn't hesitate to pay a 40% to 80% premium for early access. Thanks to their reviews, we all get a sneak peek — much appreciation to these generous gamers 😊.

Currently, the game has over 11,000 reviews on Steam, with roughly 88% being positive. Overall, the community has welcomed the game warmly, though some criticisms remain. Below, we highlight what fans love most and the issues that have drawn complaints.

What Fans Love Most

Atmosphere and Visuals
Many praise the stunning atmosphere of Arrakis — from the vast deserts and raging sandstorms to the massive sandworms, the world feels truly unique. The detailed graphics and immersive sound design really pull players deep into the Dune universe. This isn’t just eye candy; it delivers a real sense of survival where the environment is a constant threat.
Gameplay and Survival Mechanics
The survival aspects, like managing water, dealing with sun exposure, and navigating desert hazards, have resonated with many. The game strikes a solid balance between challenge and exploration — it demands careful play but never feels overwhelming. Numerous players mention how the tension keeps them engaged without causing frustration.
Varied Combat Styles and Classes
Gamers appreciate the flexible combat system and the variety of playstyles — whether you prefer sword fighting, deflecting bullets, or using poisons, grenades, and special abilities from the Great Schools. This diversity adds depth and keeps character progression exciting.
Expansive Open World and Exploration
The large, dynamic world changes with weather effects, offering a rich variety of locations and intelligent NPCs. Fans also enjoy cooperative raids and the freedom to play solo or with friends.
Good Optimization and Stability (for many)
While some issues exist, many players report smooth gameplay and relatively few bugs, especially compared to other survival titles.

What Fans Criticize Most

Optimization and Performance
Some players experience frame drops during sandstorms and occasional stuttering. Though not everyone is affected, this remains a notable concern.
Cumbersome Crafting and Inventory
The crafting system feels bulky to some, with frequent item juggling that can make gameplay feel artificially prolonged.
Base Maintenance Mechanics
Features like fueling generators during sandstorms and paying taxes on large bases are seen by some as tedious and detracting from the fun.
Server Issues and PvP Mode
Daily two-hour server downtimes during peak hours frustrate many. The late-game PvP zone divides the community — while some enjoy the added challenge, others, especially PvE fans, find it off-putting.
Price and Server Rentals
The game's price is considered steep by some, making it tough to bring friends on board. Paid private servers are also unpopular with parts of the community.

Overall Impressions

Overall, Dune: Awakening has impressed players with its depth, immersive world, and solid survival MMO gameplay. The vast, ever-changing environment offers plenty of room for character growth and varied playstyles. Despite some technical hiccups and balance issues, many recommend the game and see strong long-term potential.