In Dune: Awakening, one of the most complex and thrilling activities players can engage in is spice harvesting in the Deep Desert. The creative director has likened the experience to a raid in traditional MMOs, and for good reason. Spice harvesting requires teamwork, strategy, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Here’s a closer look at what makes spice harvesting such an exciting and challenging endeavor in Dune: Awakening.
A Complex and Coordinated Operation
Spice harvesting in the Deep Desert is no simple task. It’s a high-risk, high-reward activity that demands precise coordination among players. The process of extracting spice is not just about gathering resources—it’s about executing a well-planned operation where every member of the team plays a critical role. Timing and teamwork are paramount as players race against the clock to collect spice before the sandworms, the terrifying apex predators of Arrakis, arrive.
Specialized Roles and Equipment
To ensure success, players need to fill specialized roles, each crucial to the overall operation:
- Ornithopter Pilot: One player will need to take the controls of an ornithopter, flying it over the desert to transport the spice crawler to its target location.
- Crawler Operator: Another player will operate the spice crawler, a vital piece of equipment used to collect the spice from the desert. The crawler must be kept operational and safe during the entire harvesting process.
- Thumper Deployers: To keep sandworms at bay, other players must deploy thumpers—devices designed to generate vibrations that divert the sandworm’s attention. Strategic placement and timing of thumpers are critical in ensuring the crawler can safely gather spice without attracting the worm’s deadly focus.
Strategic Planning and Execution
The success of the spice harvesting raid hinges on strategic planning and careful execution. The timing of each action—whether deploying thumpers, operating the crawler, or flying the ornithopter—must be done with precision. Players need to anticipate the sandworm’s movements and adjust their strategy accordingly. A misstep in timing could result in a disastrous attack from the sandworm, jeopardizing the entire operation.
The placement of thumpers plays a pivotal role in the strategy. These devices act as decoys, drawing the sandworm away from the spice crawler. However, the thumpers are not permanent distractions; they will eventually be consumed by the worm. Players must balance their use of thumpers and monitor the worm’s behavior closely, as once the thumpers are gone, the worm will inevitably turn its attention to the crawler—and the players.
Understanding Sandworm Behavior and Threat Levels
In Dune: Awakening, players must develop an understanding of sandworm behavior to ensure the safety of the operation. The presence of vibrations—created by the vehicles and equipment used in harvesting—draws the sandworm’s attention. Thumpers serve as higher-threat targets, luring the worm away from the crawler and players. However, once the thumpers are consumed, the sandworm will turn its attention to the crawler and the team.
Players must keep a close eye on the sandworm’s movements and be prepared to adapt their strategies to keep the worm distracted long enough to gather as much spice as possible. The sandworm’s behavior adds an element of unpredictability, requiring players to remain alert and ready to react to any situation.
Efficient Communication is Key
Clear and efficient communication between team members is critical for a successful spice harvest. Players need to constantly relay information about worm movements, thumper status, crawler condition, and the overall operation to ensure that everyone is working in sync. A lack of communication could lead to confusion and mistakes, turning a well-planned raid into a chaotic failure.
Effective communication helps players coordinate their efforts and make real-time decisions based on the ever-evolving situation in the Deep Desert. Whether it’s alerting the team about the sandworm’s approach or coordinating the next thumper placement, smooth communication is the glue that holds the operation together.
A High-Stakes Endgame Activity
The complexity and difficulty of spice harvesting make it one of the most engaging endgame activities in Dune: Awakening. Just like a raid in other MMOs, it requires skill, teamwork, and strategic thinking. The high value of spice adds an element of risk, as players must balance the rewards of the harvest with the ever-present threat of sandworm attacks.
Successfully completing a spice harvest feels like a major achievement, not just because of the resources gained, but because of the sheer effort and coordination required to pull it off. With the thrill of danger and the promise of valuable rewards, spice harvesting raids are an activity that will keep players coming back for more, testing their abilities and their teamwork on the harsh sands of Arrakis.
