Addressing the Flying Menace: Funcom Promises a Fix for Ornithopter Issues
The developers behind Dune: Awakening have acknowledged ongoing frustrations among players caused by the troublesome Ornithopters—flying vehicles that can dominate PvP encounters. In response, Funcom has announced plans to implement a fix aimed at balancing these aerial weapons, which have become a source of annoyance for many gamers.
The Problem: Invincible Ornithopters Ruining PvP Battles
As highlighted by a dedicated Reddit user, Bombe18, the current situation leaves players feeling helpless when targeted by Ornithopters. Once an Ornithopter locks onto a player and engages in aerial attacks, the victim’s chances of survival diminish drastically. Even after respawning, players find themselves repeatedly killed without any effective countermeasures, unless they happen to carry a missile launcher or similar heavy weapon.
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Player Suggestions for Improvement
Bombe18 suggested some practical solutions, such as allowing Ornithopters to take damage when they collide with players or other objects, which could help mitigate their invincibility. Alternatively, disabling the crushing mechanic and aerial assaults altogether could restore fairness to PvP encounters. Many players share these concerns, emphasizing the need for immediate adjustments.
Developer Response and Upcoming Fixes
Fortunately, Funcom responded quickly to the community’s feedback. Joel Bylos, the company’s Chief Creative Officer, assured players that the team is actively working to resolve the issue. He stated, “Sorry about this, we have people working on fixing the goomba stomping ASAP,” indicating that a patch addressing the invincibility and damage issues for Ornithopters, as well as other vehicles, is on the horizon.
Broader Vehicle Balance Concerns
It’s important to note that the problem isn’t limited to Ornithopters alone. All vehicles in Dune: Awakening currently share this vulnerability, which could lead to a shift in the PvP meta—players might simply move from aerial combat to other strategies if these issues aren’t addressed promptly. Fans are hopeful for a comprehensive update that restores balance across all vehicle types.
Game Launch Success and Player Engagement
Despite these ongoing challenges, Dune: Awakening has experienced a highly successful launch. The game received a “very positive” rating from Steam users and amassed over 142,000 concurrent players within hours of release on June 10. The peak player count is expected to grow even further this weekend, reflecting strong interest and engagement from the gaming community. For those eager to dive in, our Dune: Awakening review-in-progress provides an in-depth look at the game’s features and mechanics.
Helpful Resources for New Players
To survive on the harsh desert planet Arrakis, players can utilize our comprehensive Dune: Awakening resource guides. These guides will help you locate essential materials like iron, steel, and aluminum. If you’re just starting out, explore the various Dune: Awakening classes available to customize your playstyle, and stay tuned to our ongoing Dune: Awakening walkthrough for step-by-step instructions on progressing through the story and mastering the game.
About the Author
Vikki Blake is a seasoned reporter for IGN, bringing over 15 years of experience as a critic, columnist, and consultant for some of the world’s biggest gaming publications. She’s a dedicated gamer, identifying as a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hill fan, and High Chaos enthusiast. Follow her updates and insights on her BlueSky profile.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
