Dune: Awakening Beginner Guide

Welcome to Arrakis, survivor. If you're just setting foot on the sand-blasted world of Dune: Awakening, chances are you've already been smacked in the face by a Coriolis storm, dehydrated after ten minutes of running, or had your loot snatched by another player while you fumbled with the menu system. Yeah, we've all been there. This beginner's guide will help you not only survive but actually thrive in the punishing sandbox MMO developed by Funcom.

Game Overview

Dune: Awakening is an upcoming survival multiplayer game developed and published by Funcom. The game is set to be released for Windows PC on June 10, 2025, with early access beginning on June 5. Versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S are also planned for a later date.

This isn’t your average survival game. Think Rust meets EVE Online with a dose of spice and political intrigue. Here’s everything you need to know to hit the ground running in Dune: Awakening.

Getting Started: Character Creation and Factions

You’ll be guided through a surprisingly linear tutorial when you first boot up Dune: Awakening. Use this time to get used to the controls, UI, and movement. Don’t worry, things will open up significantly once you're dropped into the world proper.

You’ll pick a background that subtly affects your playstyle, so choose something that vibes with how you want to roleplay. Whether you want to be a survivalist, crafter, or spice-runner, there’s a niche for you.

Choose Your Server Wisely

Before you link up with friends or dive into exploration, make sure you and your buddies are on the same server. Unlike some MMOs with seamless lobbies, Dune: Awakening requires you to be in the same instance to group up. Don’t make the rookie mistake of spending an hour trying to find your friend only to realize you’re not even on the same shard.

How to Play With Friends

Dune: Awakening multiplayer is super rewarding but a bit clunky to set up. Here's the quick and dirty on how to party up:

• Open any menu (map, inventory, etc.) and scroll to the social menu

• Use the Players tab to search for your friend’s character name or account

• Send a friend request and wait for them to accept

• Once they’re on your list, select them and invite to party

Once you're in a party, you can see your friends on the map, build bases together, share resources, and even ride the same sandbike if you’ve got the two-seat mod. Just remember to tweak permissions if you don’t want your friend "accidentally" looting your rare spice stash.

Setting Permissions: Who Gets Access To What

Party management is key in a world where betrayal is just one misclick away. Dune: Awakening lets you assign three roles:

• Owner – Full control over everything, including player promotion/demotion

• Co-Owner – Can build, manage the base, and add/remove players, but can't promote

• Associate – Can hang out, maybe open a door if you let them

To change permissions:

• Open the social menu, go to Players, and adjust ranks

• For specific items like chests or vehicles, interact with them and go to General Settings to set access levels

Locking people out of your base or vehicle is hilarious until it happens to you. Be careful who you trust.

Surviving the Early Game: What to Prioritize

When you first step into the open desert, Dune: Awakening doesn’t hold your hand. Here’s what to prioritize:

1. Water and Food – Stay hydrated or you’ll die, period. Stock up early and often

2. Shelter – Coriolis storms are no joke. Build a basic shelter fast

3. Spice – It's the drug, the economy, and vital for crafting and upgrades. But the main in-game currency is Solari, which you’ll earn through missions, trade, and exploration

4. Tools and Weapons – Craft a basic knife or weapon to defend yourself from both wildlife and hostile players

Resources in Dune: Awakening are scarce and competition is fierce. Stick to the edges of popular zones until you’re geared up.

How to Trade With Other Players

Trading is essential in Dune: Awakening. Whether you’re swapping gear, selling resources, or giving a friend backup rations, here’s how it works:

• Approach another player and hold the interact key

• Select the trade option (two arrows icon)

• Both players can now drop items into the trade window

• You both must confirm before the trade goes through

Note: The system is still a bit buggy in beta. If the trade fails, try again. You can also drop items on the ground, but be warned—anyone can pick them up.

And yes, there are already scammers. Just like in EVE Online, don’t trade what you can’t afford to lose.

Exploring and Getting Around

The map is massive and dynamically changes with weekly storms that rearrange the terrain. It’s not just a gimmick—these storms reset the world and open up new regions for exploration and farming.

• Sandbikes are your bread and butter. Invest in a good one early

• Ornithopters offer fast travel but are expensive to maintain

• Use the terrain to your advantage. Valleys = safe. Ridges = visibility but exposure

Be on the lookout for rare spice blows and abandoned structures. These spots often contain high-tier loot, but they’re also hot zones for PvP.

Base Building 101

You can build anywhere you claim land with a sub-fief console. Keep your base:

• Near resources (but not too close to public areas)

• Defensible, with chokepoints and elevation

• Expanded slowly—don’t overbuild and attract attention

Invest early in storage containers and crafting stations. And for the love of the sandworms, don’t forget to lock your doors.

Leveling Up and Progression

Dune: Awakening doesn't have traditional levels. Instead, progression is tied to:

• Skill improvements through use (mining, combat, crafting)

• Reputation and faction alignment

• Tech tree unlocks via research and item discovery

You can specialize as a combatant, crafter, trader, or explorer. Mixing playstyles is viable, but focusing early helps you carve out a role.

Should You Spend Real Money?

While monetization details are still being finalized, it looks like cosmetics and QoL items will be available. Nothing pay-to-win so far. If you're really into it, keep an eye on services like G4mmo, which may offer legitimate in-game support and trading options. Just remember—Dune: Awakening Solari is the main in-game currency, earned through gameplay. Avoid black market sites that could compromise your account or violate terms of service.

Final Tips From a Veteran

1. Don't hoard – You will die. Stash your best stuff in well-hidden chests

2. Scout before you fight – Most fights are won by who sees who first

3. Link up – Lone wolves get eaten. Join a party or clan early

4. Be political – Factions matter, and aligning with the right one opens doors (and closes others)

5. Don't rush the spice – You'll get wiped by better-geared players. Take your time to level up and get smart

Conclusion

Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious survival MMOs we've seen in years. It’s brutal, beautiful, and demanding. With the right strategy and a good crew, you won’t just survive—you’ll dominate.

So gear up, gather your friends, and prepare to claim your place in the sands of Arrakis. Just watch your back. This desert doesn’t forgive mistakes.

See you out there, survivor.