Dune: Awakening - Can Players Kill or Ride Sandworms?

Developer Funcom recently offered new details on the sandworms in their upcoming survival MMO, Dune: Awakening. The iconic creatures from Frank Herbert's sci-fi novel, the enormous Sandworms will play a major role in the game, acting as threatening forces players must avoid and manage rather than confront directly. But can you ride or kill the Sandworms in Dune: Awakening? Here is the answer!

Can Players Kill Sandworms in Dune: Awakening?

During a live stream event on March 4th, 2024, Funcom highlighted how Sandworms will function as persistent dangers in the deserts of Arrakis. Players will frequently hear hissing sounds indicating a Sandworm’s approach from underground. Moments later, the massive worm will erupt from the sand with a roar, leaving players just seconds to sprint to safety on rocky terrain.

Creative Director Joel Bylos confirmed Sandworms will be completely invincible forces of nature in Dune: Awakening. No weapons or attacks will affect or kill the colossal desert creatures. Players' only options upon encountering a Sandworm in Dune: Awakening will just be a swift escape or careful diversion.

Bylos said multiple times, “There is only one rule: the Sandworm will always come.” However, while Sandworms cannot be killed, players can use a crafted equipment item called a Thumper to rhythmically pound the desert surface, just like in the movie. The thumper’s vibrations will attract nearby Sandworms, luring them away temporarily to enable an escape.

Variations in Sandworm Sizes and Territories in Dune: Awakening

Not every Sandworm poses the same level of threat. Bylos explained the larger, more dangerous worms lurk in Arrakis’ distant desert regions where extremely valuable spice is harvested. Smaller Sandworms prowl other spaces like the rocky coastal areas.

Giant Sandworms dwelling in remote spice sands present the greatest jeopardy, capable of simply swallowing entire spice harvester vessels whole. Travelers in the deep desert should exercise extreme caution to avoid becoming the largest Sandworm's next meal.

Can Players Ride Sandworms in Dune: Awakening?

Given Sandworm riding’s prominence in Dune lore, many fans wondered if players could attempt to mount and steer the beasts in Dune: Awakening. However, Bylos regretfully confirmed no Sandworm riding mechanics are planned for the game’s launch.

He acknowledged Sandworm riding’s importance in Dune’s fiction, specifically to cross Arrakis’ challenging landscape. However, without similar travel requirements in the game, developing an entire rideable Sandworm system doesn’t suit Awakening’s current priorities.

Although there are still no guarantees that Sandworm-riding will be implemented as a feature in the game, there is a hint of potential inclusion of it in the game's post-launch, especially with the consideration of adding a third faction in the future.