In Dune: Awakening, few threats are as iconic or dangerous as the sandworms of Arrakis—colossal creatures known to the Fremen as Shai-Hulud. These apex predators shape how players move, gather, and survive. However, during a strange and sudden shift shortly after launch, the sandworms vanished entirely from the desert. This unexpected disappearance altered core gameplay for a brief but impactful time.
This article explores what caused Shai-Hulud’s absence, where you can find sandworms now, and how to deal with their return.
The Sudden Disappearance of Shai-Hulud
Late on Sunday, June 9, players across Dune: Awakening servers began noticing something odd: the vibration meter was gone, and the sands had gone eerily silent. No matter how far they walked into the desert, the sandworm never appeared.
Shortly afterward, Funcom acknowledged the issue with an in-game message and Discord post:
“We’re aware that Shai-Hulud is currently missing. We’re working on it, and he’ll soon be back prowling the sands.”
Although the studio didn’t explain why the worms vanished, many speculated it was a temporary bug fix or AI patch being tested silently.
What Happens When the Worm Is Gone?
With Shai-Hulud missing, Arrakis was no longer dangerous—and that changed everything.
Without the sandworm:
- Players could freely roam the open sands, ignoring normal movement restrictions.
- Valuable resources like melange (spice) could be gathered without fear.
- Sandbikes and buggies were used for tricks and stunts instead of survival.
- Shipwrecks and buried loot could be explored uninterrupted.
This effectively turned a hardcore survival MMO into a desert playground. Spice runs that normally demanded stealth and speed became relaxed, overpowered excursions.
Return of the Worm
The freedom didn’t last long. After a server reset, sandworms returned—sometimes to the surprise (and horror) of players who assumed the bug persisted. Reports on Discord and social media showed people being swallowed immediately after logging in.
This confirmed that the AI and threat detection were functioning again, including the vibration meter and visual alerts. Sandworm mechanics such as sudden attacks after prolonged desert exposure—were once again active across zones.
Why the Sandworm Matters in Dune: Awakening
The sandworm isn’t just a boss or scripted enemy. It’s a foundational threat that gives Arrakis its identity. Shai-Hulud’s presence:
- Forces players to move strategically, hopping between rock formations.
- Punishes those who rely too much on Holtzman shields or powered gear.
- Regulates the value and challenge of gathering spice and Flour Sand in open desert zones.
Additionally, being caught by the sandworm results in total inventory loss. Nothing is recoverable—not even by looting opponents. This makes desert deaths uniquely punishing compared to PvP encounters or other threats.
Where to Find Sandworms
You’ll encounter sandworms in the deep desert and open sand zones, particularly:
- Between major landmasses or rocky “islands”, where no solid terrain offers cover.
- In spice-rich areas, especially near melange blowouts or temporary resource events.
- During long, exposed sprints or while using energy-powered equipment on sand.
To increase your odds of triggering one:
- Stay on the sand longer.
- Run or use vehicles to build up the vibration meter.
- Avoid stopping on rocky ground or elevation, which resets threat detection.
Once the vibration gauge fills, you’ll hear rumbling and see the sand part—run or die.
Tips to Avoid the Sandworm
Now that Shai-Hulud is back, you’ll need to play smart. Here’s how to survive:
Use Sandbikes Wisely
- Though they attract more attention than running, sandbikes are fast enough to escape most encounters. Crafting one takes effort, but it drastically improves your desert survivability.
Plan Routes Between Safe Zones
- Avoid long, straight paths. Instead, use the map to plot a route that connects rocky terrain or terrain features that interrupt sandworm detection.
Turn Off the Holtzman Shield
- Powered shields, while iconic, generate vibrations that guarantee worm attention. Disable it before crossing open dunes.
Use Ornithopter Fast Travel
- At major tradeposts, you can fast-travel via NPC pilots. While it costs currency, this method completely bypasses sandworm zones.
Don’t Hesitate to Retreat
- If the meter spikes or you hear signs of an approach, turn back. It’s better to delay a mission than lose everything.
Craft Your Own Ornithopter
- Mid-to-late game players can craft ornithopters, giving them the ability to skip ground travel altogether. This is the safest and fastest method of crossing worm territory.
Can You Ride the Sandworm in Dune Awakening?
Interestingly, some players have discovered how to ride the sandworm—though it’s not officially supported.
Redditor SgtDolphin shared videos showing how, with precise timing and a mix of skills (like Bindu Sprint, Emperor’s Wings, and Suspensor Belt), it’s possible to land on a moving sandworm mid-attack. Although the ride is short and glitchy, it’s become something of a challenge sport.
According to the creator, “Many deaths from the worm to get these rides. It’s a pretty dangerous sport!”
So, while not a reliable tactic, riding the worm is a strange badge of honor among skilled (or reckless) players.
Final Thoughts
Shai-Hulud’s disappearance was an unexpected gift for some players—a brief chance to harvest and explore without fear. Yet it also served as a reminder of what makes Dune: Awakening unique. The sandworm isn’t just a mechanic. It’s a living part of the world, enforcing limits, shaping choices, and grounding every footstep in risk.
Now that it’s back, move wisely, plan carefully, and always watch the sand.
Because on Arrakis, the worm is never truly gone.
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