Dune: Awakening Devs Detail Sandworm Mechanics

In the eagerly anticipated game *Dune: Awakening*, sandworms will take on a role as a formidable natural force, rather than being at the beck and call of players. Unlike the iconic scenes from Frank Herbert's novels, where characters like the Fremen could summon these giant creatures using a thumper, *Dune: Awakening* will not feature this mechanic. Instead, the game's developers have designed sandworms as non-player characters (NPCs) with their own set of patrol routes, schedules, and behaviors, intricately woven into the game's engine.

Image: steamcommunity.com

Players will not have the ability to call upon a sandworm to disrupt enemy bases strategically. However, if a sandworm happens to be in the vicinity, players can attempt to draw its attention by actively moving through the sand or employing a thumper. Yet, these actions do not ensure the worm's presence in the area, adding an element of unpredictability and realism to the game's environment.

Another notable departure from the source material is the absence of sandworm riding, a hallmark of Fremen culture as depicted in Herbert's books and the subsequent cinematic adaptations. The developers have cited pressure from the filmmakers behind the *Dune* cinematic universe as the reason for excluding this feature from *Dune: Awakening*. Nonetheless, there is hope for fans of this iconic activity, as the developers have hinted that future post-launch patches might introduce more content related to Fremen culture, which could potentially include the much-anticipated worm-riding mechanics. However, as of now, there's no definitive promise that players will get to ride these majestic creatures.

*Dune: Awakening* is set to launch on PC on May 20th, with console versions to follow later, promising an immersive experience in the rich world of Arrakis.