Funcom is set to enrich the world of Dune Awakening with the eagerly anticipated Chapter 3 update. This survival crafting game, inspired by Frank Herbert’s novels and Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptation, continues to capture the imagination of players worldwide. Despite its rocky start, the developers are committed to refining the experience and expanding its content offerings.
A New Era for Dune Awakening
Launched in June 2025, Dune Awakening quickly sold one million copies, marking it as Funcom’s fastest-selling title. However, the initial excitement was met with concerns about limited content, leading some players to drift away. Game Director Joel Bylos, speaking at Gamescom 2025, assured fans of the game’s potential, highlighting its solid core and the need for more content. Reports suggest that Funcom, despite recent layoffs, remains dedicated to enhancing the game, beginning with Chapter 3.
Enhanced Gameplay and New Features
The upcoming update promises a transformed endgame experience with a complete overhaul of Tier 6 gameplay. Players can anticipate richer progression options and new specialization paths in Crafting, Gathering, Exploring, Combat, and Sabotage. This shift is designed to enable players who prefer non-combat roles to engage in endgame content without mandatory PvP or dungeon raids.
The Landraad system, a pivotal element of the game’s political dynamics, sees a full redesign, introducing new missions, reward tiers, and greater participation incentives. Faction ranks are expanding, offering fresh contracts for factions like Atreides and Harkonnen. A novel Augmentation Station will allow for advanced customization of late-game gear, enhancing player strategy and style.
Into the Depths of Adventure
Chapter 3 introduces five new challenge sites, including ‘The Broodworks’, facilitating faction progress and Landsraad contributions. Additionally, five new Testing Stations will offer repeatable PvE content with escalating difficulty and valuable rewards. As the story unfolds, players will meet unexpected allies, explore the Neo Carthag dueling ring, and uncover more about their origins. Combat enthusiasts can look forward to a revamped Rapier and the introduction of the ‘Pyrocket’ melee weapon.
Along with this update, Funcom will release the Raiders of the Broken Lands DLC for $9.99, featuring purely cosmetic additions like new building pieces and armor sets. Available for individual purchase or as part of the $24.99 Season Pass, this DLC enriches the aesthetic experience without altering gameplay.
The game’s largest discount yet, a 35% price cut, is now available in the Steam Winter Sale, beginning today. Although exact dates for Chapter 3 and the DLC remain unannounced, more information is anticipated in early 2026. Console gamers can also look forward to a release later in the year.
The developers aim to deliver a ‘bigger, better’ endgame, powered by a comprehensive redesign of the Tier 6 experience.
