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All Factions in Dune Awakening Differences Explained

All Factions in Dune Awakening Differences Explained

In Dune Awakening, players must align with either House Atreides or House Harkonnen, though factions like the Fremen and Bene Gesserit also exert significant influence. Your choice directly impacts quest availability, technology unlocks, and permissible betrayals.

The Two Playable Factions

House Atreides

Atreides emphasizes diplomacy, defensive strategies, and loyal alliances. While positioned as morally upright, survival on Arrakis demands pragmatism—even “heroes” must occasionally compromise.

Strengths:

  • More sustainable spice control

  • Better NPC reputation (especially with Fremen)

  • Defensive base buffs

  • Stronger alliance potential

Ideal for strategic thinkers who prefer collaboration over brute force.

House Harkonnen

Harkonnen thrives on conquest and spice monopolization. Their crimson armor and industrial spice farms symbolize relentless aggression—friendship is irrelevant when fear ensures compliance.

Strengths:

They prioritize eliminating rivals over building alliances.

Faction Switching Mechanics

Players can defect once to the opposing house, forfeiting all prior faction progress permanently. A third faction (likely Fremen) is slated for future updates, offering another potential switch.

Key Non-Playable Factions

Fremen

Desert survivalists who offer trade routes and hidden area access in exchange for trust. While unplayable currently, their potential inclusion remains a future possibility.

Bene Gesserit

This secretive order grants access to skills like Voice manipulation. Aligning with them during missions unlocks unique political insights and perks.

Gameplay Impacts of Faction Choice

  • Vendors: Purchase non-faction gear at inflated prices

  • Politics: Landsraad political access requires faction commitment

  • PvP and alliances: Determines permissible conflicts and partnerships

  • Quests and contracts: Exclusive faction-specific missions

  • Gear and crafting: Unique faction schematics

Potential Future Factions

  • Ixians: Masters of forbidden technology

  • CHOAM: Spice trade conglomerate

  • Spacing Guild: Interstellar travel controllers

  • Sardaukar: Emperor’s elite warriors

FAQ

Q: Can I join the Fremen or Bene Gesserit?

No direct membership, though interaction and limited skill acquisition are possible.

Q: What happens if I switch factions?

All prior faction progress is lost permanently. Only one defection permitted per playthrough.

Q: Which faction is best for PvP?

Harkonnen’s mechanics favor aggressive domination, while Atreides focuses on tactical defense.

Q: Can I get gear from a faction I didn’t join?

Yes, through premium purchases at third-party vendors.

Q: Are more factions coming to the game?

Fremen are expected soon, with others like Sardaukar possible in DLC.

Q: Does your faction affect character creation?

Primarily influences dialogue, not core mechanics or progression.