In the upcoming game *Dune: Awakening*, sandworms will not be at the beck and call of players, unlike in Frank Herbert's original novels where characters could summon them using a thumper. Instead, these awe-inspiring creatures will act as a natural force within the game environment. Sandworms are designed as NPCs, complete with their own patrol routes, schedules, and behaviors integrated into the game engine. This means players cannot strategically summon a sandworm near an enemy base to disrupt their operations. However, if a sandworm is already in the vicinity, players might attract its attention by actively moving through the sand or using a thumper, though there's no guarantee that the worm will respond.
Image: steamcommunity.com
A key feature from Herbert's books, riding sandworms, won't be available in *Dune: Awakening*. The developers have cited pressure from the filmmakers of the Dune cinematic universe as the reason for excluding this iconic activity. However, they have hinted that post-launch updates might introduce more elements of Freman culture, which could potentially include the much-anticipated worm-riding mechanics. For now, though, there's no confirmation on whether players will get to experience this thrilling aspect of the Dune universe.
*Dune: Awakening* is set to launch on PC on May 20th, with console versions to follow later. Stay tuned for more updates and potential additions to this immersive gaming experience.
