Funcom has released a significant patch for its survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, addressing the issue of players being “squished” by Ornithopters in player-versus-player (PvP) combat by making players immune to damage from vehicles.
The update, highlighted by PC Gamer, prevents players from receiving damage when hit by vehicles, safeguarding them from griefers who previously used Ornithopters to eliminate other players. This change also protects players from self-inflicted damage, such as accidentally crashing off a cliff while on a sandbike. The community response on Reddit has been largely positive, with numerous players confirming the implementation of this change. However, some players noted that this solution has led to griefers adapting their tactics rather than ceasing their disruptive behavior entirely.
Player feedback on the game’s subreddit reflects a desire for more nuanced adjustments to vehicle mechanics. One player suggested decreasing the top speed when using rockets and increasing it when using thrusters, emphasizing that “PvP should be about control, not ganking.” Another player proposed rebalancing class weapon loadouts, stating, “Scouts shouldn’t have rockets. I’ve killed so many people with them and I shouldn’t be this fast or efficient.” These comments highlight concerns about the current vehicle dynamics and class balance in PvP engagements.
The community discussion also touched upon the broader implications of the implemented fix. One player noted that while player immunity prevents direct damage, it doesn’t necessarily curb the nuisance factor of Ornithopter-based harassment. The only Tier 6-exclusive weapons capable of shooting down an Ornithopter are rocket launchers and Lasguns, which require significant time and effort to unlock. The new immunity also means players can no longer expedite fights with non-player characters (NPCs) by ramming them with vehicles, altering a previously common tactic.
Despite ongoing discussions and minor technical issues, Dune: Awakening has enjoyed a robust launch, receiving a “Great 8/10” in the official review. The review praised the game’s ability to capture the essence of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi universe, stating that it provides “absolute joy” for fans of the source material. However, the review also pointed out areas for improvement, noting that “its combat never really hits its stride, the endgame is a bit of a chaotic mess not worth the effort, and there’s quite a few technical bugs yet to be squashed.”
The game’s strong reception is further evidenced by its “very positive” user review rating on Steam. Within mere hours of its launch on June 10, Dune: Awakening quickly amassed over 142,000 concurrent players on Valve’s platform, peaking at an impressive 189,333 concurrent players over the subsequent weekend. Comprehensive guides are available for players interested in exploring the world of Arrakis, including information on classes, walkthroughs, and resource guides to aid in survival.
