Dune: Awakening is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox, with its console debut accompanied by a major update that introduces a full single-player mode across all platforms. Funcom has also released the Filmic Archive DLC, adding clothing, armour and other items inspired by the Dune films.
The open-world survival game draws on Frank Herbert’s Dune and the Legendary Entertainment film adaptations directed by Denis Villeneuve. Its console release includes the additions and enhancements made to the PC version over the past 15 months, while PC players also receive the latest update.
For players looking to explore Arrakis alone, the new single-player mode includes the entire game, with all its content and features. Scalable difficulty and customisable gameplay settings give players more control over the experience, including options to adjust harvesting rates, death penalties, and experience gain.
The update also adds hours of story content that concludes Book One of the game’s narrative, alongside gameplay and performance improvements.
Much of the console experience reflects changes made since the original PC launch. Player-versus-player combat is now entirely optional, allowing the whole game to be played through PvE. The Deep Desert endgame area has separate PvE and PvP instances, with the latter offering greater rewards in exchange for increased risk.
Other changes reduce the consequences of losing progress or equipment. Players can save their bases and recover vehicles, taxes have been removed, and death penalties have been reduced.
The endgame has also been rebuilt around missions and advancement through the ranks of House Atreides or House Harkonnen. New maps, dungeons, weapons and dynamic encounters accompany the Augmentations and Specialisations progression systems. The update also includes combat refinements, particularly for melee encounters, and performance improvements driven by console optimisation.
Available separately for $9.99 on all platforms, the Filmic Archive DLC introduces items drawn from the films. These include the Caladan Stormcoat worn by Duke Leto and Paul in Dune: Part One, and the Aegis of an Unwalked Path armour inspired by Paul Atreides’ visions of Fremen holy warriors in Dune: Part Two.
The DLC also includes 73 Sardaukar building pieces, additional decorative pieces, weapons, and emotes, giving players more options for outfitting characters and customising bases. It releases ahead of the 18 December premiere of Dune: Part Three.
Check back tomorrow when our review of Dune: Awakening goes live.
