In Dune: Awakening, your initial class selection is important for establishing your early gameplay style, but it doesn't lock you into a specific path, allowing for a flexible, non-linear progression system where you can learn and combine skills from different classes as you level up. Unlike traditional MMOs with rigid roles, Dune: Awakening offers broader archetypes that support diverse playstyles.
While the Planetologist class is PVE-focused and ideal for exploring and resource gathering, it is not available at the start of the game.
Here's a rundown of the starting classes in Dune: Awakening that may help you decide which is best for PvP:
Swordmaster specializes in melee combat and defense, utilizing close-quarters aggression. Their starting ability, Deflection, allows them to enter a defensive stance to block dart attacks. They are effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios, with high offensive and defensive capabilities, making them a reliable choice for solo or group play.
Trooper focuses on offense and demolition, employing mid-range combat tactics. Their starting ability, Shigwire Cable, allows them to fire a barb that pulls them toward a surface, adding mobility. Troopers are versatile, offering a lot of firepower and crowd control, making them particularly effective in team fights and sieges.
Mentat excels in recon and strategy, using their skills to stay in the shadows, scout camps, and snipe enemies. Their starting ability, Battlefield Calculation, scans enemies and objects for tactical data, providing a strategic advantage. While Mentats shine in coordinated group play, their direct combat abilities may be lacking for solo players.
Bene Gesserit emphasizes physical mastery and manipulation, using their skills to make enemies work for them and taunt them from afar. Their starting ability, Voice: Compel, forces an enemy to move toward you, allowing for psychological warfare and control of engagements. Though the Bene Gesserit have a harder initial learning curve, they can be satisfying to play once you get the hang of things.
The Swordmaster and Trooper classes are considered the best early options, with the Trooper (Gunnery subclass) and Swordmaster (Blade subclass) being particularly strong. The Bene Gesserit also rank high among players, despite being described as challenging to master.
Success in PvP not only brings glory but also rewards in the form of Dune Awakening Solari, the game's primary currency. Engaging in PvP activities, such as controlling spice fields and completing faction contracts, can significantly boost your Solari reserves. Investing these earnings into better equipment and infrastructure further enhances your combat effectiveness.
I noticed that focusing on PvP objectives allowed me to accumulate Solari at a faster rate, enabling quicker progression and access to superior gear. Balancing resource management with combat readiness is key to maintaining an edge over rivals.