Funcom has rolled out the much-anticipated Chapter 3 update for Dune: Awakening, marking its most extensive upgrade to date. This patch not only drives the narrative forward after Chapter 2 but also revitalizes the previously underwhelming endgame content. Players can expect an array of fresh locations, systems, and equipment enhancements as they delve deeper into the universe of Arrakis.
In This Article:
- Revised Landsraad Mission System
- New PvE Dungeons: Imperial Testing Stations
- Advancements in Story Progression and Weapons, plus QoL Improvements
- Introducing Raiders of the Broken Lands Paid DLC
Revised Landsraad Mission System
The Landsraad system has undergone a comprehensive overhaul. Previously, players were tasked with manually submitting resources to earn standing; this has now transformed into a dynamic mission-based format. Players will find themselves embroiled in a contest between the Atreides and the Harkonnen as they seek to gain favor with minor Houses. Missions are categorized into five distinct types:
- Crafting
- Gathering
- Exploration
- Combat
- Sabotage
These missions not only guide players across various maps but also reward them with a new category-specific Experience Point (XP).Upon mission acceptance, players can strategically decide which noble house should benefit from their newfound standing.
The XP earned through Landsraad missions unlocks a new progression pathway known as Specializations. Players can spend a small amount of Refined Spice Melange to secure various traits that can tailor their gameplay experience, enhancing aspects such as headshot damage in combat or resource yield rates in gathering tasks.
Specializations extend up to level 100, with a distinctive helmet awarded at level 75 as a testament to the player’s progress. However, progression is limited to earning up to 35 missions’ worth of specialization XP each week, equating to five missions daily.
New PvE Dungeons: Imperial Testing Stations
The new update broadens the Arrakis landscape, introducing several exciting locales like the Ardent Garrison and Smuggler’s Run. One of the cornerstones of the endgame enhancements is the much-anticipated arrival of five new Imperial Testing Stations, specifically designed as themed PvE dungeons. Each station presents its own set of environmental challenges, characterized by:
- Darkness
- Radiation
- Fire
- Electricity
- Poison
These instance-based dungeons offer flexibility, allowing players to tackle them solo or cooperatively. Notably, enemy counts scale according to party size, providing a customizable challenge as players can modify the difficulty settings to heighten enemy health, damage output, and environmental hazards, thereby enhancing loot drop rates.
Each testing station is anchored by a distinctive boss featuring unique mechanics. For instance, the boss in the electrical dungeon utilizes a disruptor pistol while presenting progressively complex environmental puzzles during combat. Boss health is segmented into four phases, with immunity to damage during each phase transition as the dungeon’s hazards dynamically evolve.
However, it’s noteworthy that the lack of group mechanics was confirmed by the developers, which may disappoint players seeking an MMORPG-style PvE experience. As these dungeons are balanced for solo play, they may not provide substantial challenges for coordinated groups, even if they scale in enemy numbers.
Explorers of these dungeons can earn schematics for Augmentations, a new system aimed at upgrading gear. Augments can be applied to Tier 6 (Endgame) weapons and armor, with the capacity for multiple augments tied to the Crafting Specialization level. For example, a level 10 crafter can incorporate an augment into their gear, with more augmentation slots unlocking at higher levels. Furthermore, these Augments can be traded among friends, shared within guilds, or sold in social hubs via the Exchange.
Advancements in Story Progression, New Weapons, and QoL Improvements
Chapter 3 also advances narrative elements, thrusting players into a thrilling pursuit of a murderer identified as a Face Dancer. This storyline leads to confrontations within a Harkonnen Dueling Ring, where the Face Dancer is suspected of achieving arena supremacy. Players must engage various bosses, including Thrax the Flamer, to ascend through the ranks. Additionally, the narrative introduces the Smugglers’ leader at their Arrakis headquarters.
The update features two new weapons: the Pyrocket, an area-of-effect weapon acquired from the fire dungeon boss, and the Dual Blades, a fast melee option with a unique move set that conserves stamina. Furthermore, the Rapier weapon type has been extensively reimagined, showcasing new animations, parry-and-reposte combat mechanics, and flourishes.
Funcom also announced several quality-of-life improvements, many of which stem from community feedback. Notably, the previous tax system that imposed fees for maintaining player bases has been abolished. The introduction of the Base Backup Tool now allows players to store their entire bases, enabling them to take breaks without losing progress. Players can apply house swatches (color schemes) to crafting machines, containers, vehicles, and wind turbines, thereby reinforcing their factional loyalty. To encourage returning players, Funcom is distributing a complimentary Welcome Back Pack bundle, packed with resources, gear, and vehicles aimed at enhancing the player’s experience based on their previous achievements.
Introducing Raiders of the Broken Lands Paid DLC
Accompanying the free Chapter 3 update is the premium Raiders of the Broken Lands DLC, available for $9.99 or included in the Season Pass priced at $24.99. This DLC offers a wealth of new content, including:
- Building Set: A bundle of 74 industrial and natural-themed construction pieces, including rounded walls, industrial piping, and roofing options.
- Decorations: A selection of 17 new aesthetic items like benches, tables, and bookcases.
- Vehicle: The addition of the Raider Buggy, a visual variant of the existing vehicle designs.
- Gear: Three new armor sets—Heavy, Light, and Stillsuit—along with two new Smuggler weapon types and various emotes.
Moreover, the Observer building set, previously accessible only via Twitch drops, is now available for direct purchase with in-game Solari currency.
During their recent announcement, Funcom did not provide new details regarding the anticipated console ports, which were previously stated to launch roughly one year post-PC release. With only about four months remaining until that predicted date, fans will be eagerly waiting for an official update on the release timeline.
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