Don’t expect to ride sandworms on day one.

Dune: Awakening, Funcom’s upcoming open-world survival title set within Frank Herbert’s iconic universe, received a comprehensive overview earlier this month via a new trailer.

Details regarding base building, combat mechanics, and the harsh desert environment of Arrakis were revealed in the trailer, which enjoyed a lot of popularity thanks to Dune: Part 2 reinvigorating fan interest. However, a conspicuous omission garnered the attention of hardcore Dune fans: the absence of sandworm riding at launch.

Don’t Try To Get Atop Those Sandworms

Sandworms are only to be run away from at Awakening‘s launch. Image credit: Funcom

Riding sandworms is a core element of Dune lore, where riders traverse the vast desert dunes (pun intended) atop colossal sandworms. The movies feature this as well, but strangely, it will not be available in the initial release of Dune: Awakening.

However, Dune fans can lower their pitchforks and snuff out the torches. Funcom has provided clear reasoning behind the decision and hinted at a future roadmap brimming with Fremen-centric content.

The exclusion of sandworm riding at Awakening‘s launch stems from a strategic deal between Funcom and Legendary Pictures, the studio producing the Dune films. Originally planned for release before the premiere of Dune: Part Two, Funcom aimed to avoid overshadowing the film’s exploration of Fremen culture.

The first movie introduces the Fremen as a shrouded society, while the sequel delves deeper into their unique way of life. Legendary Pictures apparently wanted to preserve the cinematic impact of uncovering Fremen customs, like sandworm riding.

Dune: Awakening‘s Delay Invalidated The Deal’s Purpose

Dune: Awakening being delayed beyond Dune: Part 2‘s release rendered the deal useless. Image credit: Funcom

It all seemed straightforward, but Dune: Awakening‘s delay to 2025 threw a big spanner in the works, as it would now release after Dune: Part Two. Fortunately, Funcom has confirmed that sandworm riding, along with a host of additional content, will arrive in a post-launch update.

Players can still engage in certain Fremen practices at launch. Given the paramount importance of moisture in Arrakis’ scorching temperatures, players can adopt the Fremen technique of consuming fallen enemies’ blood to replenish fluids. Other hydration options such as harvesting water from dew fields or plant matter are also available.

Furthermore, Funcom has provided in-depth details regarding the sandworms themselves. These underground bugs exist in a variety of sizes, with the deepest desert regions harboring the most lethal specimens. All sandworms pose a significant danger and are designed to be evaded rather than confronted.

The MMO’s vast, beautiful environments are courtesy of Unreal Engine 5. Image credit: Funcom

Based on 2022’s reveal trailer and the game’s utilization of Unreal Engine 5, sandworm encounters look to be visceral and heart-pounding experiences. Funcom’s Creative Director, Joel Bylos, emphasized the selection of UE5 due to its superior graphical fidelity and versatility. Even cinematographer Greg Fraser used it to plan some of Dune: Part Two‘s intricate scenes.

While the initial lack of sandworm riding may disappoint some, Funcom’s roadmap promises a future rich with Fremen lore, along with confirmed sandworm riding. Awakening promises to be an open-world survival experience that drips with the same allure as Herbert’s universe.