In Dune: Awakening, sandworms are a powerful, unpredictable force of nature, not a summonable tool. Unlike in Frank Herbert's novels, the game will not feature the thumper-based worm summoning mechanic.

Image: steamcommunity.com

The developers have confirmed that sandworms are integrated NPCs with pre-programmed patrol routes and behaviors. While players can't strategically summon them, actions like moving through the sand or using a thumper might attract a nearby worm's attention. However, this is not a guaranteed method.

Riding sandworms, a hallmark of Freman culture in Herbert's works and the film adaptations, is currently absent from Dune: Awakening. The developers attribute this omission to constraints imposed by the Dune film franchise.

Future updates may introduce additional Freman-related content, potentially including sandworm riding. For now, however, this iconic element remains unconfirmed for the game's launch.

Dune: Awakening launches on PC May 20th, with console releases planned for a later date.