Funcom has unveiled the first details of Chapter 3, the next major free update for Dune Awakening, positioning it as the largest post-launch update the open-world survival game has received so far. The update is designed to significantly expand endgame content, addressing long-standing player feedback around progression, variety, and late-game purpose.
Announced on December 18, Chapter 3 continues Funcom’s ongoing support for Dune Awakening, which draws inspiration from Frank Herbert’s novels as well as the recent film adaptations by Denis Villeneuve and Legendary Entertainment. According to the studio, much of the update’s scope is directly shaped by community requests, particularly from players who have already reached the upper tiers of progression.
One of the core goals of Chapter 3 is to provide more meaningful advancement once players reach tier 6. To that end, Funcom has rebuilt several foundational systems to deepen endgame play across both PvE-focused and alternative playstyles. Central to these changes is a complete overhaul of the Landsraad system, alongside expanded faction ranks and the introduction of a new Specialization system that allows for more tailored character development.
The update also adds new ways to earn rewards, whether playing solo or in groups. New overland locations are being introduced, each featuring fresh missions, while repeatable Testing Stations will challenge players with escalating difficulty in exchange for additional rewards. Funcom describes these additions as essential groundwork for future updates, offering players more agency and long-term goals in the late game.
Combat receives a notable round of improvements as well. Chapter 3 introduces new weapon options, including Dual Blades and the Pyrocket, while also delivering a full rework of the Rapier. These changes are intended to refine combat flow and expand viable playstyles as encounters grow more demanding deeper into the game.
For players invested in the narrative, Chapter 3 continues the main story directly from where Chapter 2 concluded. Funcom says the update adds several hours of story-driven survival gameplay, further expanding the game’s depiction of life and conflict on Arrakis.
Launching alongside the free update is Raiders of the Broken Lands, a paid DLC included at no additional cost for Season Pass owners. The DLC focuses heavily on base building and customization, another area frequently highlighted by the community. Raiders of the Broken Lands adds 73 new building pieces and 17 decorative items inspired by the Imperium’s Smugglers, along with a dedicated stillsuit set, light and heavy armor sets, weapon variants, color swatches, and emotes.
Funcom has also confirmed that Dune Awakening is now available at a 35 percent discount as part of the Steam Winter Sale, marking the deepest price cut the game has seen since launch. The timing is intended to bring new players into the game ahead of Chapter 3’s release.
The Chapter 3 update will be available for free to all players. Raiders of the Broken Lands can be purchased separately for $9.99 or obtained through the Season Pass, priced at $24.99 or €24.99. Funcom has not yet confirmed an exact release date for Chapter 3, but the update is scheduled to arrive soon.
