A press release by Funcom, the developer and publisher behind Dune: Awakening, shows the game has shipped over 1 million copies since it was launched on June 10, making it their fastest-selling game to date.
In comparison, it took Conan Exiles—the publisher’s first foray into the survival genre—one year to hit that number. Another important metric the publisher highlighted in the press release is that Dune: Awakening peaked at over 189,000 concurrent players, which eclipses the 54,403 recorded by Conan Exiles.
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“Dune: Awakening players are often referred to as Sleepers (play the game, you’ll get it), but it must be noted that they certainly don’t live up to that title, because they have been busy since launch,” said the publisher.
“Launch has been a Coriolis storm, and we’re still riding that mighty gale. We have seen so many amazing things from all our players – the bases, the close calls with Shai-Hulud, the epic vehicle jumps, the struggles, discoveries, victories, heroic deaths, and so much more…”
The response to #DuneAwakening has been amazing and we are thrilled to see so many Sleepers enjoying what we’ve put so much passion into.
We have much more planned, but for now please join us in celebrating the critical reception! pic.twitter.com/jYaydd1SHt
— Dune: Awakening (@DuneAwakening) June 20, 2025
Dune: Awakening developer has continued to support the game and make changes based on feedback from players. The patch 1.1.0.15 came with huge changes, including respawn timeout, damage reduction, and more. See the full patch note here.
Dune: Awakening’s creative director addresses endgame comments
Dune: Awakening’s creative director, Joel Bylos
There have been comments around the endgame of Dune: Awakening, with some players saying the studio is forcing PVE players to interact with PVP systems. The game’s creative director, Joel Bylos, has addressed this issue in a new message shared on the game’s official website.
“We still believe in the core concept of the Deep Desert – an endlessly renewing location that resets every week and creates an activity loop for great rewards,” Bylos said.
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“The tension of heading out there, head on a swivel, eyes peeled for foes as you enter the most dangerous part of the most dangerous planet in the universe. Our wish was that players would embrace this loop, forming guilds to work together to overcome the bleakness of the Deep Desert.”
Based on the negative feedback from players on how the system works, the studio is making changes to the Deep Desert that will give PvE players more exploration space and progress without unwanted conflict.
“Some areas of the Deep Desert will now be flagged as ‘Partial Warfare (PvE)’, while the deepest parts of the Deep Desert will remain as they currently are – high reward, high risk areas.”
The studio has also identified several issues with the PvP system that need to be addressed. Consequently, the first change that will be coming to PvP will be directed at Scout Ornithopters. The following changes are expected to be implemented shortly:
- Scout Ornithopters with rocket launchers attached will have their speed maneuverability reduced
- Rockets fired from Scout Ornithopters will have increased heat generation
- Thrusters will provide a max speed bonus regardless of wings, ensuring that thruster-equipped scouts will be the fastest vehicles in the game
- A new T5 infantry rocket launcher will be added to help improve the dynamics of vehicle/ground combat
Additional changes to respawn timers, vehicle storage tools, hand scanners, and other mechanics that are being abused in the Deep Desert will also be implemented. The intent is that “unless you really mess up”, you can always retreat in time with whatever you have claimed from the Deep Desert PvP. Also, smart and vigilant players will never have to fight, unless they really want to.
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Bylos also announced that Funcom will keep adding both free and paid endgame activities and more PvE content to the game, including expansions and DLCs.
“Once a live game launches, it becomes a collaborative effort between the developers and the players to make it something amazing. We appreciate your feedback on what we hope is the beginning of a long journey together.”
Bylos concluded by saying, “Bear with us – our intention is to be clear and open in our communications and to make Dune: Awakening a game that everybody can enjoy.”
If you have played Dune: Awakening, we want to hear about your experience and the changes you would like to see. Use the comment box below.
