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“The objective with the Deep Desert is to return to its core vision,” they continued, emphasizing that players should have dedicated environments regardless of whether they prefer hostile player encounters or cooperative exploration. This revamp of the Deep Desert is particularly significant given how much it has dominated community discourse since the game’s release.
Lore enthusiasts will be particularly interested in the arrival of the Smugglers—the clandestine faction responsible for trafficking spice melange and contraband across the sands. Their introduction is accompanied by an optional building DLC featuring 74 new pieces. Learning from the feedback regarding Chapter 2’s monetization, Funcom is being very specific about exactly what players are getting for their investment.
Beyond construction, aesthetic customization is receiving a major boost. Players will soon be able to apply color swatches to various placeable items, allowing for more cohesive, faction-themed bases. Smaller, immersive details are also being polished; for instance, the standard personal light is being replaced by the iconic floating glow-globes that are quintessentially *Dune*. New weapon blueprints, such as dual blades, are also joining the arsenal.
Addressing the ongoing debate over melee combat, the developers were candid. “We recognize that Chapter 3 won’t satisfy every critic immediately,” they admitted, “but it does introduce substantial refinements to several combat systems.” The rapier, for example, has undergone a mechanical rework to ensure its playstyle feels distinct from the dagger and short blade—a promising step toward a deeper combat system.
Chapter 3 is being described as a “love letter to PvE players,” offering five to six hours of narrative-driven content complete with new cinematics and fully-voiced dialogue. This expansion also brings challenging new dungeons and multi-phase boss fights that require more tactical coordination. Looking beyond this update, the team is already laying the groundwork for future player-driven experiences.
In a move that will delight long-term survival fans, the leads hinted at the possibility of private, customizable servers. While they couldn’t confirm specific details as internal testing continues, the goal is to give players more control over their Arrakis experience. With Chapter 3 serving as the foundation for the upcoming Chapter 4, the scale of development is truly massive.
As the largest update Funcom has produced to date, Chapter 3 feels like the pivotal moment *Dune: Awakening* needs. For those of us invested in the harsh world of Arrakis, it’s an encouraging sign that the best is yet to come.
Source: gamesradar.com
