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Signup + An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletterDune: Awakening is back in the limelight with yet another update and a new chapter – albeit this time, it stands as the survival MMO's biggest to date, reworking endgame content while adding fresh progression systems and more.
It's no secret that the Dune: Awakening player count has been dropping, but it looks like this new update is set to breathe some fresh life into Funcom's 2025 release with the arrival of Chapter 3. For anyone out of the loop, there's a lot to look forward to with today's patch, from its "bigger, better endgame" to changes I think we'll all appreciate – like the removal of base taxation and a bundle of goodies for returning players.
The most significant feature to come out of Chapter 3 is undeniably the improved endgame. With an entirely "rebuilt" Landsraad, as Funcom describes it, boasting repeatable missions that increase Faction Rank, Great House Standing, and unlock exclusive rewards, it's sure to spark interest in those of us who took an extended break (hi, it's me) from the game. We can also follow five new distinct "specialization" paths – and boy, are they distinct.
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Dune: Awakening Chapter 3 promises "better endgame" that makes it easier for lapsed players to return by abolishing tax
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Dune: Awakening Chapter 3 isn't "going to please everyone," but it's only the start of many changes for the survival MMO
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Dune: Awakening patch finally adds long-awaited Base Reconstruction Tool to the survival MMO – and more, too
There's crafting, gathering, exploration, combat, and sabotage – and, yes, I'm excited to see what exactly "sabotage" entails and what sort of gameplay it involves in terms of progression. That's not all, though. We can now enhance unique Tier 6 armor and weapons with powerful "Augments" that are crafted at the update's newly introduced crafting table: the Augmentation Station. It feels like the cherry on top of the Chapter 3 endgame cake, really.
Dune: Awakening — Chapter 3 Free Update Trailer - YouTube
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My favorite part of the update, however (and likely many other players'), is the removal of base taxation on all player-built bases. Yep, no more traveling to Arrakeen or Harko Village to spend your hard-earned Solaris on something that already sucks enough to deal with in real life. Another reason I personally love this change so much is the fact that it shows Funcom is listening – quality of life is important to us, and therefore to developers, too.
The fun doesn't end there, either. There are two new weapons: The Pyrocket and the Dual Blades. And, good news for any Rapier stans – Funcom has "completely" reworked it. There's also, you know, the entirety of Chapter 3 and its story content to enjoy. It picks up right where Chapter 2 left off, with "hours of new story" and a reunion with "an old ally" – if you know, you know… or, at least, I think I know?
Finally (but not really, because there's loads more, including the paid Raiders of the Broken Lands DLC with 74 building pieces and 17 decorations), there's that handy package for any and all returning players looking to rejoin the chaos after a lengthy time away. It comes with resources scaled to your progression in the Research tree, making your comeback just a tad bit smoother – I know I'll certainly need it.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ NewsletterContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.If you're interested in learning more, be sure to check out the official Dune: Awakening Steam page for the full details on Chapter 3. You can also snag the new DLC there for $9.99 or as part of the Season Pass, which is $24.99.
For even more to look forward to, why not have a quick browse through our roundup of the best and biggest new games coming this year and beyond?
CATEGORIES PC Gaming PS5 Xbox Series X Platforms PlayStation Xbox
Anna KoselkeSocial Links NavigationStaff WriterAfter spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.
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Dune: Awakening Chapter 3 promises "better endgame" that makes it easier for lapsed players to return by abolishing tax
Dune: Awakening Chapter 3 isn't "going to please everyone," but it's only the start of many changes for the survival MMO
Dune: Awakening patch finally adds long-awaited Base Reconstruction Tool to the survival MMO – and more, too
As Dune: Awakening grapples with "Mixed" reviews and a dip in players, Funcom offers a free trial for the survival MMO alongside "the highest discount we've had yet"
Just 5 months after launch, MMO Dune: Awakening sees its Steam player count drop below that of Funcom's 2017 survival game as it struggles with "Mixed" reviews
Player count collapse? Roadmap? Buddy, we've got bigger problems, Dune: Awakening player decides, making it his life's goal to get the MMO's "useless" melee combat fixed
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