Dune: Awakening Devs Detail Sandworm Mechanics

In the upcoming game *Dune: Awakening*, sandworms will act as a formidable natural force, rather than a tool players can summon at their convenience. Unlike the iconic scenes from Frank Herbert's novels where characters could call upon these colossal creatures using a thumper, this mechanic will not be available in the game.

Image: steamcommunity.com

According to the developers, sandworms are designed as NPCs with predefined patrol routes, schedules, and behaviors integrated into the game's engine. Players will not have the ability to summon a sandworm near an enemy base to disrupt their opponents. However, if a sandworm is already in the vicinity, players can attempt to attract its attention by actively moving through the sand or using a thumper. These actions, though, do not guarantee the sandworm's presence in the area.

Riding sandworms, a hallmark of Herbert’s books and the Freman culture, will not be part of *Dune: Awakening*. The developers have cited pressure from the filmmakers behind the *Dune* cinematic universe as the reason for excluding this feature. However, there's a glimmer of hope as future post-launch patches might introduce more content related to Freman culture, possibly including the much-anticipated worm-riding mechanics. For now, though, there's no assurance 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.