With Dune: Awakening set to launch very soon, excitement is at an all-time high for fans of survival MMOs and the legendary sci-fi universe. Drawing inspiration from Frank Herbert's iconic series, the game invites players to survive the brutal deserts of Arrakis, craft weapons, and engage in deep combat scenarios that fuse melee and ranged systems.
For two beta phases—including an early access preview—I had the chance to rigorously test every single weapon in the game. From humble pistols to powerful melee weapons imbued with lore and raw damage, Dune: Awakening offers a wide array of options. Based on my experience, I've created a comprehensive tier list to help you determine which weapons are worth your time, which are worth a temporary hold, and which should be dropped the moment you find something better.
Let's break it down weapon by weapon, from D-tier to the coveted S-tier gear you'll want in your loadout at all times.
D Tier
Mhola Pistol
Overview: This is the first gun you'll likely come across in Dune: Awakening.
Strengths: Decent early-game damage.
Weaknesses:
o Cannot break shields.
o Outclassed quickly by any other ranged or melee option.
o Even its unique variant doesn't justify holding onto it for long.
Verdict: Only keep until you find literally anything better. Not worth breaking your own shield to wield it. Absolute D-tier.
C Tier
Karpov 38
Overview: Early-game automatic rifle.
Strengths:
o Feels powerful early on when enemies have no shields.
o Good rate of fire.
Weaknesses:
o Useless against shielded foes.
o Doesn't scale well into later content.
Verdict: Viable for the first few hours but ultimately not strong enough for endgame fights. You'll notice its limitations as you get deeper into areas like Burm.
Kinjaw (Short Blade)
Overview: A close-range melee weapon designed for quick strikes and stagger potential.
Strengths:
o Great in PvP for staggering enemies.
o Can go through shields with heavy attacks.
Weaknesses:
o Outclassed by both longer melee weapons and even better short blades later on.
o Stagger mechanic is being adjusted before launch.
Verdict: Use this if you're desperate for melee early on, but you'll want to upgrade soon.
A Tier
GRDA4 Shotgun
Overview: A powerful close-range weapon that excels in burst damage.
Strengths:
o Can break shields (with effort).
o One- or two-shots many enemies, even in late zones.
o High DPS at close range.
Weaknesses:
o Requires careful reload timing.
o Not ideal for sustained shield stripping.
Verdict: Best for close-quarters combat. While it struggles with shield removal, it more than makes up for it in raw damage.
Sword
Overview: Classic long-blade melee weapon—great synergy with Swordmaster builds.
Strengths:
o Decent range and heavy-hitting swipes.
o Naturally synergizes with long-blade passive traits.
o Great for staggering enemies and maintaining pressure.
Weaknesses:
o Slightly less mobility than short blades.
Verdict: A strong go-to for melee mains, especially Swordmaster class players.
Chris Knife
Overview: A legendary, lore-driven weapon with incredible power—but at a price.
Strengths:
o One-shot kill potential.
o Deals 191 base damage (compared to ~7 on other weapons).
o Purely devastating when used.
Weaknesses:
o Breaks after one use.
o Requires being consumed by a sandworm twice to obtain.
Verdict: A glass cannon in the purest sense. It's a panic button or a boss nuke, not a regular tool. Worth having one in your inventory just in case, but don't rely on it.
Kav's Drinker
Overview: A short blade that effectively replaces the Kinjaw.
Strengths:
o Easy to acquire during your regular playthrough.
o Good damage output.
o Excellent replacement for early melee builds.
Weaknesses:
o Slightly outperformed by the sword for Swordmaster builds.
Verdict: Best short blade option until you can spec into a long blade. Good transitional weapon.
S Tier
Disruptor M11
Overview: The absolute king of ranged weapons in Dune: Awakening.
Strengths:
o Completely breaks enemy shields—this is its primary role.
o Effective at range, even in high-end zones.
o Pairs well with every single class and build.
Weaknesses:
o Slightly lower DPS compared to other ranged options if not used for shield breaking.
Verdict: The best utility weapon in the game. Always have it slotted for shield-breaking. This is a core part of any effective PvE and PvP rotation.
Weapon Tier List Summary
Tier Weapon Notes
SDisruptor M11Absolute must-have for all builds. Shield destroyer.
AGRDA4 ShotgunHigh DPS, decent at shield damage.
ASwordTop melee option for Swordmaster.
AKav's DrinkerSolid short blade, replaces Kinjaw.
AChris KnifeOne-shot monster but breaks after one use.
CKinjaw (Short Blade)Early PvP staggers, outclassed quickly.
CKarpov 38Good early on, fades fast.
DMhola PistolStarter gear only. Replace ASAP.
Pro Tips for Weapon Selection
Melee vs. Ranged: Melee weapons shine in Dune: Awakening because they bypass shields with heavy attacks. If you're a Swordmaster or benny specialist, lean toward melee.
Shield-Breaking is Essential: Ranged builds require shield-breaking tools. If you don't have the Disruptor M11, you're missing one of the key pieces of endgame PvP and PvE.
Unique Weapons Are Cool, But Situational: The Chris Knife is a perfect example of a “legendary” item that's more of a gimmick than a mainstay.
Weapon Scaling Matters: Remember that Swordmasters get bonus damage with long blades—this should heavily influence your gear decisions.
Closing Thoughts
Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be a survival MMO with real depth, both in terms of lore and mechanics. Combat in the game demands more than just mindless shooting. You'll need to balance shield management, positioning, reload timing, melee combos, and class synergy. Choosing the right weapon is a key part of that survival puzzle. Best shop to buy Dune Awakening Solaris online, MMOexp.com is so great choice. 24/7 online and real reviews. Welcome.
Whether you plan to wander the deserts of Arrakis solo or with a clan, this guide should give you a head start in assembling your arsenal. Prioritize getting the Disruptor M11, pick a melee style that fits your build, and ditch those early pistols as fast as possible.
MMOexp Dune Awakening Team