Dune: Awakening offers a vast, atmospheric world based on the iconic sci-fi universe, but its dungeon experience has proven frustrating for some players. While crafting and exploration can be interesting, the dungeon fights and layouts feel repetitive and punishing, making the journey through underground facilities more of a slog than an experience.
Taking a break from crafting, I ventured out onto the red-gold dunes of Arrakis, prepared with water, tools, and my trusty sand bike. The planet itself is striking, with monoliths and mountain ranges that create a vivid backdrop for exploration. But the moment I entered a dungeon—what the game calls a “testing station”—my excitement waned. These dungeons are little more than repetitive underground areas filled with loot, enemies, and locked doors. Calling them dungeons feels like a stretch.
The combat system is where things fall apart. While there are some interesting gadgets like gravity grenades and floating suspensor belts, the core combat feels rough. Shooting lacks impact, and melee is sluggish, unresponsive, and often frustrating. It’s like yelling commands at someone who barely hears you. Early on, shielded enemies force you into slow melee fights, highlighting the combat’s shortcomings.
Enemies follow a predictable pattern: shielded melee fighters charging in, ranged attackers peppering you with darts, and heavily armored minigun users who shred your defenses quickly. These encounters drag on and feel like a chore rather than a challenge. The dungeons offer slight variation, with rooms that look and feel identical, making progress a dull grind.
Clunky animations, camera issues, and equipment failures often thwarted my survival attempts. Yikes. Could the experience improve with friends? Possibly. The game is multiplayer, and having allies might make combat quicker and less tedious. Still, these dungeons lack the kind of distinct mechanics, puzzles, or strategy that might make them feel worthwhile. A few more traps, clever bosses, or environmental challenges could go a long way.
Despite the slog, the loot gained from these dungeons is satisfying, providing some reward for the effort. But after enduring the grind, I wasn’t in the mood for more crafting or dungeon runs. Parking my bike and sitting down felt like a relief. The dungeons of Dune: Awakening might need a rethink if they want players to enjoy them rather than dread them.
What do you think? Have you braved the dungeons of Arrakis, or are you holding off? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
