Dune: Awakening Is Winning Over Players Who Can’t Stand Grind-Heavy Games

Dune: Awakening is a grind, and that’s the point. Like any survival title, it expects players to build from the ground up, slowly mastering the harsh environment of Arrakis and its terrifying wildlife.

As someone who’s always been turned off by grinding in games (my RuneScape trauma runs deep), I didn’t think I’d enjoy the slow crawl to power. I braced for the worst.

But Dune: Awakening surprised me. After 20 hours, the grind doesn’t feel punishing, it feels rewarding. There’s a satisfying rhythm to the game’s progression, even when playing alone, and I’ve been enjoying the climb far more than expected.

It’s Time to Bring the Doubters Into the Fold

Playing the beta of Dune: Awakening left me wondering how much the final game would hold your hand. That concern was partly justified after the South Hagga Basin, each new region includes step-by-step quests designed to ease players into deeper systems. It’s structured and slightly repetitive, but you’re never locked into doing it.

That’s why the grind in Dune: Awakening works so well. There’s room to grow your gear and sub-fiefs, but also freedom to ignore that grind entirely. Personally, I’ve found myself pulled into the political intrigue of the Landsraad and the immersive exploration of settlements.

In essence, the game accommodates all types of players. Whether you thrive on grinding or prefer a more organic, narrative-driven approach, Dune: Awakening offers both paths, without forcing either.

The path ahead branches into endless possibilities

Linearity in grindy games often ruins the experience for me. Take Pokémon, if your monsters aren’t properly leveled, you’ll struggle to defeat gym leaders, and sometimes you can’t progress at all. It’s a predictable loop that doesn’t leave much room for experimentation.

Dune: Awakening changes that narrative. I’ve gone off the beaten path, stumbled into high-level enemies, and occasionally even defeated them. There are no strict walls, just challenges. It fosters a rewarding cycle of explore, improve, and return stronger, where each step feels purposeful.

The game doesn’t lock you out arbitrarily. When you need gear for PvP or certain resources, it feels natural, like something that fits the harsh logic of Arrakis. It’s not a game blocking you; it’s the environment demanding you be ready. That world-first approach makes Awakening stand out.

Realization can be as startling as it is enlightening

Grindy games and I are longtime enemies. That feeling of staring down an infinite upgrade list is enough to make me log off. But Dune: Awakening manages to balance depth and pacing with a structure that actually respects your time.

Intel, the currency for unlocking tech, is earned in tiers. You must spend it smartly at each stage before accessing more powerful tech. The same applies to the skill trees, which are tied to specific locations, adding a natural rhythm to progression without overwhelming the player.

What makes Dune: Awakening stand out is how it scales the grind without making it feel mandatory. You can lean into the challenge or step back and focus on narrative quests. In the end, it’s your journey — and the game empowers you to grind when you want, not when the game demands it.

Dune: Awakening

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