"Dune: Awakening Devs Detail Sandworm Dynamics"

In the upcoming game *Dune: Awakening*, sandworms will serve as a formidable natural force rather than tools that players can summon at their convenience. Unlike the iconic scenes in Frank Herbert's novels where characters like the Fremen could call upon these giant creatures using a thumper, this summoning mechanic will not be available in the game.

Image: steamcommunity.com

According to the developers, sandworms in *Dune: Awakening* are designed as NPCs with their own patrol routes, schedules, and behaviors integrated into the game engine. This means players won't have the ability to strategically summon a sandworm near an enemy base to cause chaos. However, if a sandworm is already in the vicinity, players might be able to draw its attention by actively moving through the sand or using a thumper. Keep in mind, these actions don't guarantee the worm's presence in the area.

Riding sandworms, a staple of the Fremen culture vividly depicted in Herbert's books and the *Dune* cinematic universe, will not be a feature in *Dune: Awakening*. The developers have cited pressure from the filmmakers behind the *Dune* movies as the reason for this omission. However, there's a glimmer of hope for fans of this iconic activity; post-launch patches may introduce more content related to Fremen culture, potentially including the much-anticipated worm-riding mechanics. As of now, though, there's no guarantee that 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.