Most MMOs I’ve played let you change your hair, pick a body type, maybe throw on a cool scar—and that’s about it. It gets the job done, but let’s be real, it’s kind of forgettable. Dune: Awakening, on the other hand, redefines character creation. It’s precisely what MMO players like me have been waiting for.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the thoughtful attention to detail—features you don’t often see in games, such as the colors of the eye’s sclera or even a sunburned look. My favorite, though, has to be the dark circles slider. I’ve always had them, and while I don’t love them in real life, it’s nice to see them represented in a way that makes them feel more normal.
Out of all the features, the tattoos were particularly intriguing. While the selection isn’t vast, there’s just enough to add a personal touch to both the body and face. These designs are not only visually striking, whether it’s the space-inspired Solar Sleeve or the enigmatic eclipse facial covering, but each one is tied to Dune’s deep lore. The Chakobsa Sigil, for example, comes from an ancient hunting language, and the Sapho mark on the lips is a familiar sight for fans of the films. I’ll admit I’m not deeply versed in the Dune book series or movies, but having that connection to its lore made me curious to explore the meaning behind each tattoo.
The tattoos also add to the realism by offering a slider to adjust their age—a small detail that could have easily been overlooked. In fact, every aspect of Dune: Awakening is layered with depth, even in the more standard features. There are sliders for every angle of your character’s eyes, mouth, and even eyebrows. The makeup options are equally impressive, matching the artistry of the tattoos. I’m rarely drawn to makeup designs in MMOs, as they tend to lack intricacy. But these carry such a distinct Dune flair that they feel essential rather than decorative. It’s as if the character’s body is a true work of art, carefully crafted and shaped by the world to which it belongs.
Character customization isn’t just about looks; it’s also about the backstory that provides starting skills. I appreciate that it doesn’t stop at a single background; it gives you three, covering your homeworld, caste, and mentor. The mentor, in particular, is something I’ve never seen in an MMO or any other genre. You get to decide who trained you, whether it was a legendary swordmaster, a master of physical prowess and manipulation, a mentalist focused on reconnaissance and strategy, or a trooper specializing in offense and demolition. It’s a creative way to influence your abilities, but even more than that, it adds a meaningful dimension to the storytelling. I like having a character that I know rather than feeling detached and left with only a shell of one.
The Homeworld background will undoubtedly make any Dune fan happy, especially with the option to choose Caladan, the birthplace of the iconic House Atreides. I know I said I’m no lore expert, but even I recognize Paul Atreides—it’s hard to miss the Timothée Chalamet phenomenon, no matter what fandom you’re in. Each homeworld, including Chusuk and Giedi Prime, comes with a unique dialogue trait and emote. An emote tied to a specific background is a refreshing touch, and I can already picture MMO players using it to show off their origins to others in the game. The last background relates to your social class, ranging from low to high status. Outside of the dialogue trait, I’m curious to see how this will influence your journey, as everyone starts with the same equipment, regardless of their social standing.
Once everything’s set, you’ll see your character in action during a high-stakes cutscene with the Reverend Mother. It’s exciting to see your choices come to life until it all gets covered up with clothing and a mask. That seems to be the norm nowadays with gear, but the Dune: Awakening official page does mention a transmog system, so your character won’t stay hidden for long. Additionally, I understand why characters are covered up, as it would be quite unrealistic for them to be running from sandworms and the sun with no protection.
Dune: Awakening is a breath of fresh air that I didn’t even know I was craving in an MMO. From the moment I started customizing my character, I was completely captivated. It’s not about changing up a few looks here and there—it’s about creating someone who feels real. The level of detail, like the tattoos with real meaning and the emotes tied to your homeworld, had me genuinely excited to dive deeper into the game. As someone who’s played countless MMOs, I’ve never felt so connected to a character before, simply through customization. Whether you’re a Dune fan or someone looking for something different, Dune: Awakening offers a level of character creation that was enough to hook me, and I can’t wait to see how it resonates with others when it finally launches.
