Dune: Awakening Players Report Worsening Griefing Issues Amidst Growing Frustration

The Rising Problem of Griefing in Dune: Awakening

Players of Dune: Awakening are increasingly voicing their concerns over a surge in griefing behaviors disrupting their gameplay experience. The latest issue centers around the use of Ornithopters—player-controlled flying vehicles—being exploited to harass others, making the game’s environment more hostile than ever.

Recent Updates and Developer Responses

Last week, Funcom launched the Public Test Client for Dune: Awakening, aiming to gather feedback and improve gameplay. Alongside this, they expanded the PvE zone of the Deep Desert from roughly 10% to 50% of the map, signaling their intent to enhance the endgame experience. During an AMA (Ask Me Anything), the developers assured players they were working on plans to improve PvP dynamics in the Deep Desert, which has long been criticized for its toxic environment.

Despite these efforts, players report that griefers have found new ways to cause chaos. Notably, unscrupulous players are landing Ornithopters on top of others to block resource farming, turning what was meant to be a fair fight into a frustrating obstacle.

Mechanics Exploited for Griefing

One player detailed how griefers are now using a tactic previously seen in the Deep Desert: landing their Ornithopters directly on top of minor resource nodes or unsuspecting players. As one frustrated gamer shared, “All the griefers are now coming into Hagga to farm spice. They’re doing the same thumper and Ornithopter land-on technique they perfected before, but now they’re using it to farm all minor nodes in Hagga.”

Community Concerns and Player Experiences

A player on Reddit described their experience: “I kept my Ornithopter at 730 km for half an hour during a spice blow, and as soon as I moved, four Ornithopters chased me. It’s pathetic. Some players are even telling each other to doxx me when I stand up to them in chat. Dune’s general chat has become the most toxic environment I’ve ever seen, surpassing even WoW’s worst chats.”

Another community member emphasized the legitimacy of PvP combat but condemned the abuse of mechanics: “Killing players in PvP zones is expected and acceptable. But trapping players using mechanics meant to prevent griefing—like pinning them with Ornithopters that can’t be destroyed or escaped in PvE zones—is outright griefing. It should be clearly disallowed so players can enjoy the game without fear of exploitation.”

The Lack of Developer Response and Ongoing Issues

As of now, Funcom has not publicly addressed these escalating griefing issues. The community remains hopeful but frustrated, calling for clearer rules and effective measures to curb abuse.

The Game’s Successful Launch and Growing Popularity

Dune: Awakening has had an impressive start, earning a “very positive” rating on Steam. Since its launch on June 10, the game quickly amassed over 142,000 concurrent players and reached a peak of nearly 190,000 earlier this month. With over 1 million players overall, it has become Funcom’s fastest-selling game to date, earning a solid 8 out of 10 score in reviews.

Getting Started and Helpful Resources

If you’re intrigued by the game but unsure where to begin, consider exploring all available Dune: Awakening classes. Be sure to check out comprehensive guides, including a detailed walkthrough that covers the story progression. Additionally, resource guides are available to help you locate essential materials like iron, steel, and aluminum, along with detailed Trainer locations to assist your survival on Arrakis.

About the Author

Vikki Blake is an experienced gaming journalist, critic, columnist, and consultant with over 15 years of experience working with major gaming outlets. She is also a dedicated fan of the Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hill, and other iconic franchises. Find her updates and insights at BlueSky.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.