Dune: Awakening Patch 1.1.0.17 Brings Major Overhaul to Deep Desert Endgame Experience

Dune: Awakening patch just received its most significant update yet with Patch 1.1.0.17, completely reworking the Deep Desert’s PvE and PvP structure. This update addresses long-standing community concerns about griefing, unfair PvP, and lack of rewarding PvE content in the endgame. Let’s explore all the major changes and improvements.

What’s New in Dune: Awakening Patch 1.1.0.17?

Deep Desert Now Split Between PvE and PvP Zones

Funcom has officially divided the Deep Desert map into two halves:

• Southern Region: Entirely PvE focused.
• Northern Region: Primarily PvP with richer resources and high-value loot.

This change ensures that PvE players can now experience endgame content without being forced into PvP encounters.

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PvE-Friendly Changes in Deep Desert

• Imperial Testing Stations and caves in the southern Deep Desert are now PvE only.
• New loot system in PvE: Each player gets personalized loot, including at least one schematic.
• PvE areas are now safer and more beginner-friendly, while still offering meaningful rewards.

Perfect for solo players or guilds that prefer cooperative exploration.

Risk vs Reward: Why PvP Still Matters

The northern Deep Desert remains dangerous — but rewarding:

• Expect 2–6 rare schematics per loot drop.
• Control Points and Shipwrecks are still PvP hotspots.
• Plasteel Plates and rich spice fields are PvP-exclusive.

Funcom maintains the tension and reward cycle of high-stakes exploration.

Ornithopter Changes: Speed Nerfs for Combat Builds

• Equipping a Rocket Launcher Module now reduces your Ornithopter’s speed:
  • Scout Ornis: -20%
  • Assault Ornis: -10%
• Exiting mid-air now causes the Ornithopter to drop straight down (avoiding glides into oblivion).
• A known issue with quicksand vehicle interaction will be fixed in the next update.

Sietch Claiming System Improved

Players can now claim land from any Sietch in their world — a major upgrade for those looking to expand control and resources across regions.

Technical Fixes and Stability Improvements

• Better GPU compatibility with updated NVIDIA driver checks.
• Improved network stability, fixing loading screens and crashes.
• New player reporting tools via chat or Inspect Menu.

Bug Fixes Summary

• Fixed melee bugs caused by corpses.
• Resolved black screen issue when skipping cutscenes.
• Sandbike schematics now list Imperial Testing Stations correctly.
• Prevented improper city travel using Ornithopter pilot services.

Why This Patch Matters

Patch 1.1.0.17 marks a major evolution for Dune: Awakening’s endgame experience. By separating PvE and PvP while retaining the thrill of exploration and resource competition, Funcom has created a more inclusive and strategic gameplay loop. Whether you’re a PvE explorer or a PvP tactician, there’s something new for everyone.