If you’re like me and you’ve been burned one too many times by full-loot PvP games, then Dune: Awakening might just be the oasis in the desert you didn’t expect. This highly anticipated MMO survival hybrid from Funcom is shaping up to be one of the most compelling sci-fi sandboxes in recent memory—and not just because it’s set on Arrakis, the deadliest planet in the universe.
With the Dune: Awakening release date closing in fast, the devs have been dropping tons of details, and one thing is becoming crystal clear: you don’t have to fight other players if you don’t want to . That’s right—fighting will be entirely optional in many parts of the game. For folks who’d rather build, explore, and thrive without constantly watching their backs, this is fantastic news.
And if you’re gearing up for launch, make sure you're well-stocked. You can buy Dune Awakening solari and other essentials at PVPBank , a reliable source trusted by MMO veterans. Just a heads-up if you're serious about having a head start.
The PvP Myth, Busted
Historically, when we hear “MMO survival” in the same sentence, we start sweating. Games like Rust or ARK practically force you into high-stakes PvP just to hold onto your base or resources. Dune: Awakening definitely has PvP—and it’s going to be intense—but the devs are making sure it’s not the only path forward.
According to Joel Bylos, the game’s creative director, Dune: Awakening features a dedicated PvE zone right in the Deep Desert—the same region that holds the galaxy’s most precious resource: spice. Yep, even in the heart of the most contested part of the game, there’s a space carved out for PvE-focused players. You can gather, explore, and progress without being forced into PvP situations.
This is a big deal. In a genre where full-loot PvP often means the loss of hours of progress to some gank squad, Funcom is showing real respect for different playstyles.
PvE Zones in the Deep Desert? Yep.
Here’s the surprising part: that PvE zone in the Deep Desert isn’t just a small corner. Bylos mentioned during a livestream that it spans around 24 kilometers , giving players plenty of room to explore, gather spice, and discover lore-rich points of interest like shipwrecks and ecolabs .
So if you're someone who wants to enjoy the depth and richness of the Dune universe without the stress of open-world PvP, you're in luck. You can still chase the endgame content and build up your faction influence, just in a more cooperative and less hostile environment.
Scott Junior, the game’s executive producer, emphasized how important this balance is: “It was important for us to have PvE so that people that are scared of PvP, or reluctant to get engaged with it, have a place in the deep desert that they can go to without instantly getting killed as soon as you’re coming through.”
That’s music to many players' ears.
PvP Still Matters—If You Want It
Make no mistake, PvP is still very much part of the game . For those who enjoy the thrill of high-stakes risk versus reward, the Deep Desert will offer adrenaline-pumping runs where players battle over spice deposits, dodge massive sandworms, and survive unpredictable Coriolis storms that completely reshape the map weekly.
These high-risk spice runs are going to be a magnet for hardcore PvPers. If you’ve ever played games like Escape from Tarkov , you know the appeal. That do-or-die feeling when you're hauling valuable loot back to base? It's here in spades.
But again, it's not mandatory. You can still get to the top tier of content, gear, and progression without ever drawing your weapon on another player . That’s a refreshing take in today’s often hyper-competitive MMO scene.
Building, Exploring, and Thriving—Your Way
The survival elements in Dune: Awakening go beyond just managing hunger and thirst. Think Subnautica with sandstorms. You’ll need to set up well-defended home bases , manage production lines for refining spice and other resources, and grow your fiefdom with friends.
This is where the MMO DNA kicks in. You’re not just surviving; you’re expanding, building, and carving out your own slice of Arrakis. Whether you’re more interested in crafting high-end gear or diving into political intrigue with the various factions, there’s plenty to do without ever firing a shot.
And the game’s alt-universe timeline—where Lady Jessica gives birth to a daughter instead of Paul—adds another layer of intrigue. It opens up new storylines, character dynamics, and factions that we haven’t seen in traditional Dune media. If you're a lore junkie, this game’s got plenty to chew on.
Why This Matters for the MMO Genre
Let’s zoom out a bit. Why does Dune: Awakening making PvP optional matter so much?
For one, it broadens the game’s appeal . Not everyone wants to play a hardcore PvP game. Some of us just want a compelling world, rich lore, and deep systems to engage with. By giving both types of players what they want, Funcom is creating a more inclusive and sustainable MMO ecosystem.
More importantly, it extends the life of the game . Let’s be honest—pure PvP games tend to burn out fast. Either the strong dominate and everyone else quits, or the devs have to reset the world constantly. By allowing PvE-focused players to meaningfully participate in the endgame economy and progression, Dune: Awakening could be one of those rare survival MMOs that actually stick around.
Final Thoughts: A New Standard?
I’ve played MMOs since the days of Ultima Online and survival games since DayZ . I’ve seen a lot of promising titles crash and burn because they leaned too hard into punishing PvP systems. What Dune: Awakening seems to be doing is taking the best of both worlds and giving players real choices in how they want to experience the game.
If you’re looking for a survival MMO where your playstyle is respected—whether you're a builder, explorer, PvE grinder, or PvP warlord—this could be your next obsession.
And hey, if you're gearing up, don't forget to check out PVPBank to buy Dune Awakening solari so you're not starting from scratch on launch day.
Whether you plan to claim your spot in the PvE-safe zone or dive headfirst into the chaos of the Deep Desert, one thing’s for sure: Arrakis is about to get crowded.
If you’ve been diving into the new Dawntrail expansion in Final Fantasy XIV , chances are you’ve run into the buzz around Phantom Jobs in the Occult Crescent. These aren't your typical combat roles — they’re mini-jobs with unique abilities that add serious spice to the battlefield. Whether you’re looking to boost your efficiency in the field or just want to unlock every shiny new thing FFXIV throws at you, learning how to unlock Phantom Jobs is a must.
And hey — before we jump in, if you’re low on gil and don’t want to spend hours grinding, it’s worth checking out SSEGold to buy FFXIV gil . You’ll need plenty of gil or coins to unlock some of these Phantom Jobs, so a quick top-up never hurts.
Let’s break down how to unlock Phantom Jobs in FFXIV’s Occult Crescent and where to find every soul shard.
What Are Phantom Jobs in FFXIV?
In Dawntrail ’s Occult Crescent zone, Phantom Jobs are a new progression mechanic introduced in patch 7.25. There are currently 13 Phantom Jobs available, each offering specialized skills that can turn the tide in critical encounters or general exploration.
Unlike main jobs, Phantom Jobs level independently through EXP gained from participating in events within the Occult Crescent. Every player starts with the Phantom Freelancer , which acts as your base class, but unlocking the rest takes a bit of legwork.
So, how do you unlock Phantom Jobs in FFXIV’s Occult Crescent? Let’s get into the details.
1. Complete Occult Crescent Quests
Your first major stop is the story questline in the Occult Crescent. It acts like an onboarding mission for Phantom Jobs and gets you up to speed with the new system. Once you complete the quest “New Job, Old Tricks,” you’ll automatically unlock Knight, Monk, and Bard Phantom Jobs.
These are your starter classes, and they do a great job showing you how Phantom Jobs work — without overwhelming you with options.
2. Buy Soul Shards with Silver or Gold Coins
Once you’ve done some exploring and FATE farming, you’ll notice two types of currency piling up: silver pieces and gold pieces . These are your ticket to buying more Phantom Job soul shards.
Head over to the merchant at the base camp — the Expedition Antiquarian — and check out the Battlecraft Items tab. Here’s what you can buy:
For 1,000 silver pieces each:
Time Mage
Cannoneer
Chemist
For 1,000 gold pieces each:
Samurai
Geomancer
Thief
Gold drops from regular monsters, while silver comes from FATEs and critical encounters. Farming both is essential if you're serious about unlocking every Phantom Job in the Occult Crescent.
3. Grind Critical Encounters for Rare Jobs
Some Phantom Jobs can only be unlocked by participating in specific critical encounters (CEs) on the Occult Crescent map. These encounters drop soul shards — though the drop isn’t guaranteed.
Here are the ones you’re looking for:
“On the Hunt” – Drops the Oracle soul shard
“The Black Regiment” – Drops the Ranger soul shard
“The Unbridled” – Drops the Berserker soul shard
In my experience, the drop rate feels like 50/50, though it’s not confirmed. If you don’t get the shard, just keep farming — persistence pays off.
Pro Tip: Extra Shards Can Be Sold (But Don’t Expect Much)
Got duplicate soul shards? You can sell them to the Expedition Trader at base camp, but fair warning — you’ll only get 10 silver pieces each. Not exactly a jackpot, but better than nothing.
Final Thoughts: Unlocking Phantom Jobs in FFXIV’s Occult Crescent is a grind, no doubt — but it’s a fun one. Between quest rewards, coin purchases, and critical encounters, there’s a satisfying loop that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re a collector, a min-maxer, or just in it for the cool abilities, Phantom Jobs are absolutely worth the time.
So gear up, get grinding, and build out your Phantom Job roster. You won’t regret it.
