Funcom has revealed a deeper look into the endgame systems of Dune: Awakening, its highly anticipated open-world survival MMO set in the Dune universe. During a recent developer livestream, fans were treated to an extensive preview of the Landsraad, a powerful political council, along with more details on the combat system and the unique player abilities derived from the various Schools of the Imperium.
From early survivor to later game death bringer, your journey on Arrakis will see you progress in one or more Schools of the Imperium, each offering unique abilities that you can use in combat.
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An Alternate Timeline on Arrakis
Set in a parallel timeline where Paul Atreides was never born, Dune: Awakening reimagines the spice-rich desert planet of Arrakis amidst a civil war between House Atreides and House Harkonnen. Players can swear allegiance to one of these iconic factions and dive into a world of survival, warfare, and political strategy.
The game blends classic MMO elements like crafting, resource gathering, and base building with high-stakes faction-based PvP and server-wide decision-making systems.
Landsraad: MMO Politics Taken to the Next Level
One of the most innovative features introduced is the Landsraad—a political system where players act as representatives of their Houses in a council that spans the entire server World. Unlike traditional MMO faction mechanics that focus solely on territory control or PvP, the Landsraad introduces a strategic governance layer.
Through debate, voting, and policy crafting, factions can propose changes that impact the entire player base—ranging from trade regulations and PvP rules to spice flow management and political alliances. It’s a player-driven feature that brings Dune’s core themes of manipulation, power, and diplomacy to life.
Schools of the Imperium: Unique Combat Abilities
Combat in Dune: Awakening is more than brute force. Players can tap into distinct skill trees known as Schools of the Imperium, which grant unique active abilities, enhancing tactical depth. Whether players favor stealth, ranged attacks, or frontline brawling, each School supports diverse combat playstyles, making engagements both strategic and cinematic.
This is especially relevant in the mid-to-endgame, where territory disputes and spice wars become full-scale battles involving dozens of players and AI factions.
A New Standard for Survival MMOs
Dune: Awakening positions itself as more than just another survival MMO. With its political gameplay, dynamic world events, and deep faction-based progression, it delivers a layered experience that mirrors the complexity of Frank Herbert’s legendary universe.
Funcom’s latest showcase not only raises expectations but cements Dune: Awakening as a potential genre-defining title when it launches.