Dune: Awakening is about to become a much more flexible experience for players who would rather explore Arrakis without committing to its multiplayer structure. Funcom is preparing to introduce a full single-player mode alongside the game’s September 22 console launch, allowing players to experience its story alone and adjust several gameplay settings to suit their preferred pace.
The change could make the survival game more accessible to players who have been hesitant about its MMO-style progression and grinding. During Gamescom 2026, Funcom Chief Creative Officer Joel Bylos explained to GamesRadar+ that the solo experience does not require players to spend the same amount of time as the multiplayer version.
Dune: Awakening’s Single-Player Mode Lets Players Set Their Own Pace
Bylos said players could complete the story in considerably less time by changing the game’s settings.
“You can get through the game in 50, maybe 80 hours if you change some of the settings and make it easier for yourself,”
he explained.
That flexibility is one of the biggest differences between the upcoming single-player experience and the multiplayer version of Dune: Awakening. Funcom has to maintain a controlled progression system across its multiplayer servers, whereas solo players will be able to customize elements of their experience themselves.
The developer has confirmed that single-player mode will include three preset survival difficulties as well as manual customization options. Players can adjust factors such as experience gain, enemy difficulty and harvesting speed, allowing them to make progression faster or more demanding depending on their preferences.
Bylos also addressed criticism surrounding Dune: Awakening’s endgame progression. He acknowledged that some players consider the multiplayer experience too grindy and said Funcom is working on improvements.
For players who prefer the existing scale of the game, however, Bylos does not consider a 100-hour journey excessive.
“100 hours isn’t bad,”
he said, emphasizing the amount of content players can get from the experience.
The upcoming single-player mode is designed to preserve much of Dune: Awakening while removing the need to participate in a persistent multiplayer environment. The official game website confirms that players will be able to experience the story entirely alone, with the Deep Desert and endgame systems adapted to function without other players.
The single-player mode will launch on September 22, 2026, alongside the console version of Dune: Awakening. The update will also add the final chapter of Book One, giving solo players access to the game’s story from beginning to its planned conclusion.
| Release Date | June 19, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Platforms | PC |
| Developer | Funcom |
