Dune Awakening: How to Turn Off/On Radio Frequency

In the sprawling, perilous deserts of Arrakis, Dune: Awakening presents a wealth of intricate mechanics for players to master. Among its most subtle yet enriching features is the in-game radio frequency, a hidden system that allows players to tune into various information channels, enjoy classic tunes, and delve deeper into the game’s rich lore and current events. While not explicitly tutorialized, the radio offers a unique layer of immersion and strategic awareness, especially concerning the dynamic PvP global event, the War of Assassins, which pits the eternal rival Houses of Atreides and Harkonnen against each other.

This guide will provide everything you need to know about the in-game radio in Dune: Awakening, from how to turn it on and off, to the unique content offered by each station.

Dune Awakening: How to Turn Off/On Radio Frequency

The radio frequency in Dune: Awakening serves as more than just background noise; it’s a living broadcast system that delivers crucial lore details, provides information about exploration zones, and offers real-time updates on the ongoing faction war.

How To Turn Radio Frequency On/Off In Dune: Awakening

Activating and deactivating the radio is a straightforward process, managed through the game’s social interface:

Open the Social Menu: To begin, press the P key on your keyboard to open the game’s social menu.

Navigate to ‘Communinet’ Tab: Within the social menu, you’ll notice several tabs. Locate the one labeled ‘Communinet.’ You can toggle to this tab by pressing Q, or simply click on it with your cursor.

Select a Radio Frequency: Once in the ‘Communinet’ tab, you will see a list of available radio frequencies. Scroll through the various Radio Frequencies and click on your desired station to turn the radio ON.

Available Radio Stations and Their Content:

Each radio station offers a unique blend of content, catering to different aspects of the Dune universe:

Imperium Classics:
- Content: This station broadcasts timeless musical compositions curated by the Chori Imperialis.
- Features: It offers various radio programs based on the classic Dune novels and the old 1992 Dune games, often delivering useful propaganda about the status of the ongoing faction war. This is a must-listen for fans of the franchise’s deep lore.
Harvester Radio:
- Content: Billed as «the station for spice miners and the commoner workforce,» it broadcasts advertisements, vital survival tips, music, and general entertainment.
- Features: Harvester Radio provides tons of useful information about the world of Arrakis, its resources, how to prospect for minerals, and even features engaging radio theater plays, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the common folk.
Atreides Radio:
- Content: This is the official station of House Atreides, broadcasting propaganda, motivational speeches, music, and entertainment specifically tailored to rally its supporters.
- Features: Tune in to this station for direct updates on the status of the faction war, insightful lore about House Atreides, and information on where to find faction representatives and quest givers.
Harkonnen Radio:
- Content: The official station of House Harkonnen, delivering its own brand of propaganda, live coverage of salve fights, music, and entertainment.
- Features: For those who favor House Harkonnen, this station offers exclusive information on faction representative locations, updates on their strategic objectives, and detailed reports on the status of the War of Assassins.

Classic Game References: A particularly nostalgic feature for long-time Dune fans is that the music streamed on the Dune: Awakening radio is sourced directly from the classic 1992 games, Dune and Dune II: Battle for Arrakis. Additionally, some of the lore from these vintage titles is narrated within the radio shows, providing cool references and callbacks for players who enjoyed the original PC games.

How To Turn the Radio Frequency Off

To silence the radio and return to the ambient sounds of Arrakis:

Return to the ‘Communinet’ Menu: Open your social menu (P key) and navigate back to the ‘Communinet’ tab.

Select ‘Radio Station: None’: Within the list of radio frequencies, you will find an option labeled ‘Radio Station: None.’ Click on this option to turn the radio off.

Important Note on Stealth: A crucial design choice in Dune: Awakening is that the in-game radio will not alert enemies to your presence. The same applies to other players in PvP-enabled zones. This is a significant distinction from other survival games, such as Fallout 76, where the Pip-Boy radio could potentially give away your position to hostiles. In Dune: Awakening, you can enjoy the lore or music without fear of compromising your stealth, even in dangerous PvP areas like the Wreck of the Actaeon or the Southeast Ironworks. This means you don’t need to switch off the radio when you want to be stealthy, preventing potential «terrible mistakes» in tense situations.

Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X/SGenre(s): SurvivalDeveloper(s): FuncomPublisher(s):FuncomEngine: Unreal Engine 5Mode: Multiplayer