Dune: Awakening's Sandworms Explained

In Dune: Awakening, sandworms are a powerful, unpredictable force of nature, not a tool under your direct control. Unlike in Frank Herbert's novels, where characters use thumpers to summon worms, this mechanic is absent from the game.

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The developers have designed sandworms as independent NPCs with programmed patrol routes, schedules, and behaviors. You can't summon a worm to attack enemy bases. However, actions like moving through the sand or using a thumper might attract their attention, though this isn't guaranteed.

Riding sandworms, a hallmark of Freman culture in Herbert's books and the film adaptations, won't be a feature in Dune: Awakening at launch. The developers attribute this omission to considerations related to the Dune cinematic universe.

Future updates may introduce more Fremen-centric content, potentially including worm-riding, but this remains unconfirmed. For now, this iconic element of the Dune universe will not be directly playable.

Dune: Awakening launches on PC May 20th, with console versions to follow.