Funcom, the developers behind the survival MMO set on the harsh desert planet Arrakis, have just rolled out a significant update, hotfixing a huge new PvE area into the game’s Deep Desert region. This change promises a less cutthroat experience for players looking to gather resources and complete endgame activities without constant PvP skirmishes. Here’s what you need to know about this game-changing update for the PC game.
Deep Desert Transformation: A PvE Paradise
The biggest part of this update, hotfix 1.1.0.17, turns the entire southern half of the Deep Desert into a dedicated PvE zone. This is a massive shift from the previous PvP-heavy landscape. According to a recent post by creative director Joel Bylos, this change directly addresses player concerns about the balance between PvE and PvP. Now, players can explore, scavenge, and complete objectives in a safer environment.
Risk vs. Reward: PvP Zones Still Offer Richer Loot
Don’t think the developers have forgotten about the thrill-seekers! The northern part of the Deep Desert remains a PvP zone, and it’s designed to be extra enticing. According to Funcom, this area boasts the densest deposits of valuable resources, the largest spice fields, and most of the control points. The rewards are greater, but so are the risks.
The loot distribution also differs between the zones. In the PvE area, each player gets their own loot, including one schematic per activity. Venture into the PvP zone, and you’ll find loot is distributed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, with higher quantities of everything. Players can snag 2–6 schematics there, among the rarest finds in the game.
Ornithopter Balancing and Community Feedback
The update doesn’t stop there. Funcom has also begun tweaking the balance of Ornithopters, those essential flying machines. Equipping a rocket launcher to a Scout Ornithopter will now slow it down by 20%, while an Assault Ornithopter will experience a 10% speed reduction. These adjustments aim to create a fairer combat environment.
Funcom is actively monitoring community feedback on these changes. As they stated, further adjustments will be made based on player experiences, so make sure your voice is heard on Reddit and Discord.
What’s Next for Dune: Awakening?
This update signifies a major step in the evolution of Dune: Awakening. By introducing a large-scale PvE area, Funcom is catering to a broader audience and providing more diverse gameplay options. Will this shift satisfy the player base? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the developers are committed to adapting and improving the game based on community input. So, gear up, head into the Deep Desert, and experience the change for yourself!
