The latest update for the Dune: Awakening Public Test Client (PTC), version 1.5.15.0, introduces significant changes to how players interact with anti-cheat software and vehicle performance. Released on September 30, 2026, this patch focuses on providing more flexibility for private environments while refining combat and traversal mechanics.
Anti-Cheat Configuration
A primary feature of this update is the modular approach to BattlEye anti-cheat. Players now have the option to launch the game without BattlEye enabled, provided they are playing in single-player mode or on private, self-hosted servers that do not mandate the software. This change is intended to streamline access for those not participating in public multiplayer environments.
It is important to note that BattlEye remains a mandatory requirement for any multiplayer servers that have the anti-cheat enabled. Attempting to connect to these servers without the software active will result in a connection error.
Ornithopter Flight Adjustments
The patch includes specific tuning for vehicle flight mechanics, particularly regarding the scout ornithopter. When equipped with a rocket pod module, the speed reduction penalty has been adjusted from 20% to 10%. Developers have indicated that this value is not final and will be subject to further tuning for both scout and assault ornithopter variants throughout the duration of the PTC testing phase.
Progression and Stability
To facilitate testing, the PTC includes a Progression Unlock Panel. This tool allows testers to bypass standard progression gates by granting access to resources, gear, experience points, Journey chapters, faction ranks, and crafting materials. Additionally, the patch addresses a technical issue that previously caused crashes when using the Base Reconstruction Tool for large base placements.
New player experience adjustments have also been implemented, specifically regarding combat against shielded enemies. The time window for players to execute a Heavy Attack before the enemy retaliates has been increased, providing a larger margin for error during early-game encounters.
Source-by-source evidence timeline
| Source | Tier | Published | Captured signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dune: Awakening official Steam announcements | official | 2026-09-30 10:07 UTC | Public Test Client: Patch 1.5.15.0 |
Limitations
The information presented is based on the 1.5.15.0 patch notes released on September 30, 2026. Final balance values for ornithopters remain subject to change based on ongoing feedback from the Public Test Client. Furthermore, while the patch addresses several reported issues regarding Story and player Journey progression, the full scope of these fixes is not detailed in the current summary.
Confirmed evidence
- Patch 1.5.15.0 is currently available for testing on the Dune: Awakening Public Test Client.
- The PTC includes a Progression Unlock Panel that allows testers to access resources, gear, XP, Journey chapters, faction ranks, and crafting materials.
- Players can now launch the game without BattlEye anti-cheat enabled for single-player mode or private, self-hosted servers.
- BattlEye remains mandatory for multiplayer servers that have the anti-cheat enabled, and attempting to join such servers without it will trigger an error.
- The speed reduction penalty for scout ornithopters equipped with a rocket pod module has been adjusted from 20% to 10%.
- The patch addresses a specific crash issue occurring when using the Base Reconstruction Tool for large base placements.
Methodology
This report analyzes the official 1.5.15.0 patch notes released on Steam on 2026-09-30. The analysis focuses on technical changes to anti-cheat requirements and vehicle balance, excluding secondary commentary on development history.