Dune: Awakening survival game explores alternate Arrakis timeline

Dune: Awakening, the new survival game from developer Funcom, offers an alternate timeline within the Dune universe. In this version of the story, Paul Atreides was never born, and Lady Jessica instead had a daughter following Bene Gesserit instructions. This shift removes the central prophecy of the original series, allowing players to create their own characters and navigate Arrakis without a predetermined role.

Players must manage survival mechanics such as hydration and sunstroke while exploring a dense open world. The game features a single-player story where players act as secret agents investigating the disappearance of the Fremen. Throughout the narrative, players have the option to side with either House Atreides or House Harkonnen, with each choice carrying different consequences. While reviews note flaws such as repetitive mission structures and bland combat, the game is noted for its immersive world-building and exploration.