Dune: Awakening Developers Explain Sandworm Behavior

In Dune: Awakening, sandworms are a force of nature, not player-controlled tools. Unlike in Frank Herbert's novels, where characters use thumpers to summon them, this mechanic is absent.

Image: steamcommunity.com

Sandworms are independent NPCs with programmed patrol routes and behaviors, according to the developers. You can't summon a worm to attack enemy bases. However, actions like moving through the sand or using a thumper might attract a nearby worm, though this isn't guaranteed.

Riding sandworms, a hallmark of Freman culture in the books and films, is also unavailable in Dune: Awakening. The developers attribute this omission to considerations from the Dune film franchise.

Future updates may add more Freman-related content, potentially including worm-riding. For now, it's not confirmed.

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