Dune: Awakening Devs Detail Sandworm Mechanics

In the upcoming game *Dune: Awakening*, sandworms are portrayed as a formidable natural force rather than a tool that players can summon at their convenience. Unlike the iconic scenes from Frank Herbert's novels where characters could call upon these giant creatures using a thumper, this feature won't be available in the game. Instead, sandworms function as NPCs with their own patrol routes, schedules, and behaviors integrated into the game engine.

Image: steamcommunity.com

According to the developers, players cannot strategically summon a sandworm near an enemy base to disrupt opponents. However, if a sandworm happens to be in the vicinity, players might attract its attention by moving actively through the sand or using a thumper. Even then, these actions don't guarantee the worm's appearance in the area.

The traditional act of riding sandworms, deeply rooted in the Freman culture from Herbert’s books and famously depicted in the Dune cinematic universe, will not be possible in *Dune: Awakening*. The developers have cited pressure from the filmmakers behind the Dune movies as the reason for omitting this feature. However, there is a glimmer of hope for fans; post-launch patches may introduce more content related to Freman culture, potentially including worm-riding mechanics. For now, though, there's no guarantee that players will get to experience this iconic activity.

*Dune: Awakening* is set to launch on PC on May 20th, with console versions to follow later.