In the upcoming game Dune: Awakening, sandworms will play a unique role, acting as a natural force rather than controllable assets. Unlike the iconic scenes from Frank Herbert's novels where characters can summon these massive creatures using a thumper, players will not have this ability in the game. Instead, sandworms are treated as NPCs with their own patrol routes, schedules, and behaviors programmed into the game engine.
While players can't summon sandworms at will, they may still interact with them indirectly. If a sandworm is nearby, certain actions like moving actively through the sand or using a thumper might attract its attention. However, there's no guarantee that a sandworm will appear in the desired area, adding an element of unpredictability to the game.
A notable departure from the source material is the absence of sandworm riding, a hallmark of the Fremen culture in Herbert's books and the cinematic adaptations. The developers have confirmed that due to pressure from the filmmakers behind the Dune cinematic universe, this feature will not be available at launch. However, they have hinted at the possibility of introducing more content related to Fremen culture in future updates, which could potentially include worm-riding mechanics. For now, though, players should not expect to experience this iconic activity.
Image: steamcommunity.com
Dune: Awakening is set to launch on PC on May 20th, with console versions to follow later. As the game evolves, players can look forward to potential expansions that may bring more of the rich Dune universe to life.
