Dune: Awakening is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass, marking its first release outside of PC. Funcom announced the launch accompanied by a comprehensive update that introduces a full single-player mode alongside numerous gameplay improvements and story expansions.
This release integrates more accessible and customisable gameplay options to cater to a broader audience. Players can choose between three difficulty presets or fine-tune individual gameplay settings, including sandstorm frequency, harvesting rates, experience multipliers, and building piece limits, allowing tailored playstyles.
Single-Player Mode and Story Completion
The inclusion of a complete single-player mode permits players to experience the entire narrative at their own pace. The update signifies the conclusion of Book One’s story arc, known as The Great Convention Part III, enabling the entire story to be played continuously for the first time.
Alongside narrative progress, all existing missions grant new rewards such as weapon and armour variants and decorative items, expanding the range of customisation options. Characters now carry saved bases and vehicles between play sessions, centralising them within the game’s progression system.
Gameplay Enhancements and Endgame Content
Combat mechanics have been refined with an extended parry window, rebalanced enemy stamina, and improved AI behaviour. Movement changes include the ability to dash through enemies, and weapon upgrades feature the addition of Dual Blades and Pyrocket, along with a redesign of the Rapier to focus on parrying.
Player-versus-player engagement is now optional; the game supports entirely PvE gameplay without restricting access to content or rewards. Quality-of-life improvements have been implemented to reduce loss of progression, aiming to address player frustrations reported at launch.
The endgame, known as Landsraad, has been overhauled into a mission-driven system that accommodates both single-player and multiplayer PvE. Players can advance through twenty ranks aligned with Atreides or Harkonnen factions, unlocking various rewards.
Arrakis itself has been expanded with seven new mission locations, six Imperial Testing Stations, additional contracts, and dynamic encounters. The new Specializations progression system allows investment in areas such as crafting, exploration, combat, and sabotage, unlocking traits that enhance gameplay and unlock new technologies.
Gear can now be augmented using schematics found in Testing Stations, with enhancements crafted from materials obtained in Landsraad missions. Late-game items require fewer rare materials to make endgame content more accessible for solo and single-player users. Character customisation options have been broadened, including new hairstyles, tattoos, armour sets tied to different Schools of the Imperium, and the ability to rename vehicles and placeables.
Performance and visual quality have been optimised for Xbox Series X|S, with two graphics modes: Performance (60fps, dynamic 4K) and Quality (30fps, dynamic 4K). The Series X benefits from higher native resolution settings in both modes. The game supports Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing shared progression between console and PC, and is compatible with Cloud Gaming and the ROG Xbox Ally.
To celebrate this release and update, players on Xbox and PC who play between 17 September and 22 October will receive a Matron’s Decor reward package. Additionally, the Filmic Archive DLC, featuring armour sets and cosmetics inspired by the Dune films, launches concurrently.
