I recently emerged from a nine-hour deep dive into the world of Dune: Awakening, and let me tell you, Arrakis has never felt so real. Funcom’s open-world survival MMO, set on the unforgiving desert planet of Frank Herbert’s iconic series, throws you right into the thick of it. Forget gentle introductions; you’re thrust into a struggle for survival from the very first moment.

Crafting is key, of course. Early on, you’ll be scrambling to create essential tools like a stillsuit, crucial for water conservation in this harsh environment. And speaking of harsh, giant sandworms are a constant threat. Forget serene desert hikes – you’ll be scanning the horizon constantly, hoping to avoid becoming a worm’s next meal.

Interestingly, my play session focused largely on crafting and gathering within a relatively confined safe zone. But even in this supposedly “safe” area, the pervasive sense of danger was palpable. The knowledge that venturing beyond its borders meant confronting those massive sandworms definitely kept me on my toes.

Building your own base is a major part of Dune: Awakening. While I didn’t progress far enough to establish a grand fortress during my preview, I did get a taste of the modular construction mechanics, promising a satisfying level of customization as you establish your presence on Arrakis. It definitely sparked my interest to delve deeper in the future.

Despite its early access status, the game is remarkably polished. The visuals, capturing the epic scale and raw beauty of the desert landscape, were truly impressive. The sound design, too, masterfully conveys the otherworldly atmosphere and the ever-present threat of the desert.

So, after nine hours battling thirst, sandstorms, and the fear of monstrous worms, what’s the verdict? Dune: Awakening promises an enthralling and challenging open-world experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the Dune universe. While the full survival experience likely lies beyond those early safe zones, even the opening hours hint at the exciting potential lurking beneath the sands.