Anti-aircraft sandworm appeared in Dune: Awakening. Players faced a flying monster from which it’s impossible to escape

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In the thrilling world of Dune: Awakening, I chanced upon an extraordinary spectacle firsthand. A colossal sandworm, the mighty Shai-Hulud, launched itself an astonishing 400 meters skyward and brought down one of the agile ornithopters. It was a gruesome sight to behold, as the machine had no defense against the leviathan of Arrakis. To forewarn fellow enthusiasts about the formidable anti-aircraft abilities of these titans, I shared my harrowing footage on Reddit.

It’s common knowledge that earthworms can burst from the ground. Interestingly, games often alert you to their presence, even mid-air jump. However, the extent of their jump surprised us nonetheless.

The flying sandworm

Information about the immense size of sandworms from Frank Herbert’s novels is available. Dr. Yueh estimates their maximum length at approximately 450 meters, though there are unverified claims suggesting some reside in the deep south of the planet and grow beyond 700 meters. Given their swift movement across the dunes, it’s plausible to imagine them rising above the sandy landscape.

Was the representation of events in “Dune: Awakening” accurate according to the original story? Given the slight uncertainties, it’s essential to recall that this isn’t a worm simulator, but an MMO featuring survival aspects. Moreover, the plot unfolds in an alternate timeline where Paul Atreides never existed, allowing for a wider range of possibilities and acceptability.

Although it appears to be so, it seems more likely that this occurrence is an anomaly or a glitch in the game. There have been other instances reported as well. If these giant worm leaps were made permanent features in the game, they could potentially disrupt the gameplay and upset players. For now, users advise keeping a reasonable distance from the creature, especially when hovering, if it’s nearby. Here’s hoping that the developers will promptly address the behavior of the desert rulers.

Shai-Hulud

In their language, the Fremen refer to sandworms as “Shai-Hulud,” a term that carries a sense of reverence or apprehension. This word is derived from Arabic and has undergone slight modification. It can be interpreted as “the immortal” or “the eternal.” Frank Herbert often drew inspiration from Middle Eastern culture when constructing the world of Dune.

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2025-07-25 10:04