Dune Awakening Chapter 2: The Weirder Side of Arrakis
Dune has always been a strange franchise. The deeper you dive into Frank Herbert's novels, the more unusual and surreal the world becomes. This is a series where Paul Atreides' son eventually transforms into a colossal sandworm-god and rules for thousands of years, and that's only scratching the surface of the weirdness. Until now, much of that strangeness hasn't been reflected in mainstream Dune adaptations. That's starting to change.
Dune: Awakening Chapter 2, the game's first major free update, leans into the eccentric, surreal, and sometimes bizarre corners of Dune lore. Don't worry-there are no half-man, half-worm emperors just yet. But there is a dragon, and that's just the beginning.
Diving Into Stranger Territory
Without spoiling the story beats, Chapter 2 introduces players to Solido Projections and dramatically different environments compared to what we've seen so far. The update moves away from endless stretches of desert and grey testing stations, instead offering architecture and landscapes that feel distinct, atmospheric, and even unsettling. It's a welcome departure from the uniform environments of the base game and a sign that Awakening is beginning to realize its potential as a living, evolving MMO.
One detail already sparking discussion is the addition of a new flamethrower that has a dragon's head mounted on its muzzle. Early teasers drew criticism from fans who worried it didn't fit into Dune's universe. But now that dragons themselves are part of the update, the weapon suddenly makes a lot more sense.
A Substantial Story Update
The core of Chapter 2 is a new multi-hour storyline, free to all players. This narrative picks up directly after the conclusion of the current Awakening arc and introduces new challenges, characters, and lore threads.
The two main hubs-Arrakeen and Harko Village-are also finally getting more content. Both areas now feature contract boards that provide side quests, rewarding players with Dune Awakening Solari and resources. These hubs have always been well designed but felt underutilized; giving them more purpose should make them feel like true centers of activity.
There's also a new NPC Doctor who allows players to change their character's appearance for a small fee. It's a minor addition, but for anyone who wants to experiment with their look without rerolling a character, it's a nice quality-of-life touch.
Paid DLC: The Lost Harvest
Alongside the free story content, Funcom is releasing The Lost Harvest, a chunk of paid DLC set in the Vermillius Gap, the game's second main zone. Players who have already moved past this area can return at any time to experience the new missions.
This storyline focuses on the Dunemen-ordinary laborers who work the spice fields and drive massive Harvesters. The plot revolves around a downed Harvester, sabotage by locals, and the daily struggles of those who toil under Arrakis' brutal sun. Without revealing too much, it's a grounded, human-scale story that complements the grander conflicts of Awakening's main campaign.
The DLC also comes with rewards: new Dunemen armor sets, themed building kits, decorative furniture, and stylish garage doors. It's a hefty add-on for players who want fresh cosmetics and lore-driven missions.
A New Ride Across the Sands
Of course, no big MMO update would feel complete without a new vehicle. Chapter 2 introduces the Treadwheel, a massive, circular contraption that looks odd at first glance but quickly proves its worth. The vehicle spins forward and backward with surprising agility, offering mobility on par with the Sandbike but with more versatility.
What sets it apart is its utility in group play: a second player can hop onto the back and fire their weapon while you drive. That makes it more than just a travel option-it's a potential game-changer in PvP skirmishes and co-op exploration.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Beyond the new storylines and vehicles, Chapter 2 delivers a suite of quality-of-life improvements. While Funcom hasn't revealed every change, the focus is clearly on combat. Early previews suggest smoother player movement and animations, tighter hit registration, and enemies that scale better as the game progresses.
One notable adjustment: higher-tier enemies are now more accurate with their attacks. It might sound like a small tweak, but for anyone who's found late-game encounters too predictable, this should make battles more engaging.
Looking Ahead
Dune: Awakening launched earlier this year to a strong reception, but as with any live service title, its long-term success depends on regular, meaningful updates. Chapter 2 feels like the first real test of whether Funcom can expand the game in ways that keep players invested.
For now, the update seems promising. Between the free story expansion, side content, and optional Lost Harvest DLC, there's enough here to satisfy both lore-hungry fans and those simply looking for new loot and challenges. The Treadwheel is an exciting addition, and the focus on improving core combat mechanics is exactly what the game needs to stay engaging.
Final Thoughts
Dune: Awakening Chapter 2 strikes a strong balance between free and paid content, offering several hours of story, meaningful quality-of-life upgrades, and some experimental touches that push the game closer to the weirdness of Dune's source material. Join in now and build the strongest base possible with your Dune Awakening Items and Solari. Whether you're intrigued by the bizarre addition of dragons, excited about new vehicles, or just looking for more story to sink into, there's plenty here to keep players busy.
If this is just the beginning, Awakening's future looks bright-and wonderfully strange.
MMOexp Dune Awakening Team