PvE gains relevance as Funcom tones down PvP in Dune: Awakening

GAMING NEWS Fyra Frost - 24-Jun-2025, 5:30 pm

Despite its awesome figures and in response to the growing feedback from its community, developer Funcom is introducing significant changes to the endgame structure of Dune: Awakening, aimed squarely at reducing the pressure on players uninterested in PvP. The upcoming overhaul targets the notoriously high-stakes Deep Desert zone, a core area for endgame activity, and it marks a shift toward a more inclusive experience that better accommodates both competitive and non-competitive players.

A shelter from war

The biggest change is the addition of what Funcom is calling "Partial Warfare" zones. These are specific sections of the Deep Desert that will now operate under PvE-only rules. These safer areas will allow players to gather high-tier resources, complete raids, and explore key locations like T6 resource sites and testing stations without being vulnerable to ambushes from hostile players. Meanwhile, traditional PvP zones will remain in place around high-value objectives such as spice blows, crash sites, and Landsraad control points, preserving the high-risk, high-reward dynamic for players seeking conflict.

Creative Director Joel Bylos emphasized that the new direction is about offering choice. "Our goal is not to force PvE players to interact with a PvP system that they may have no interest in," he said. This design philosophy is now shaping the game's core endgame systems, making it more accessible to solo players and smaller groups who may have previously avoided the Deep Desert altogether due to its unforgiving PvP nature.

Alongside the zone changes, Funcom is also fine-tuning PvP mechanics in response to balance concerns. Scout Ornithopters are being rebalanced to reduce their agility and increase heat penalties for certain configurations. Ground combat is being bolstered with the addition of a new Tier-5 rocket launcher. Also, respawn timers, scanner behavior, and vehicle storage systems are all being revised to support fairer engagements.

Funcom is also improving the Landsraad political system, a faction-based endgame structure, to ensure it remains engaging and fair across all player sizes. Future updates will introduce a broader range of activities, including contracts, dungeons, and raids, while also adjusting the pacing and reward systems to prevent exploitative resource stockpiling. These changes are being framed as the foundation of a long-term content strategy that includes solo-friendly rewards, DLCs, and ongoing PvE content.

While some PvP players fear that the tension of the Deep Desert might be diluted, many PvE-focused players are welcoming the chance to experience endgame content without needing to engage in unwanted combat. With these changes, Dune: Awakening is positioning itself as a more flexible MMO survival experience by allowing players to decide how much risk they're willing to take on, without locking critical content behind forced conflict. The Deep Desert may still be dangerous, but at least now, it's not hostile to everyone.

Funcom has confirmed that these changes will arrive soon, and if you don't want to miss them, you should use our comparator to find the best discounts for Dune: Awakening and its Season Pass.