Prepare for Base Collapse in Dune Awakening – Patch 1.1.20 Guide

Patch 1.1.20 is coming to Dune: Awakening, and it’s bringing a major structural shakeup—literally. If your base relies solely on Pentashield panels without internal supports, it may collapse entirely when the patch goes live. Funcom has warned players to prepare now or risk losing everything.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What’s changing in Patch 1.1.20

• Why Pentashield-only bases are collapsing

• How to secure and rebuild your base properly

• What happens if you ignore the warning

Let’s break it down so you’re not waking up to rubble in Arrakis.

What’s Changing in Dune Awakening Patch 1.1.20?

Patch 1.1.20 is a highly anticipated update that improves base-building realism and introduces new mechanics to address exploitative designs. The major highlight? Base collapse mechanics will now apply to Pentashield-only constructions.

Here’s the issue:
Pentashields were never intended to be structural elements. Many players have been using them as walls, roofs, and floors without placing any physical supports (e.g., pylons, scaffold frames, or vertical beams). These bases currently float or clip through terrain unnaturally.

Patch 1.1.20 introduces:

• Structural Integrity Checks: Bases without physical support will begin to collapse over time.

• Pentashield Decay Timer: If not anchored properly, Pentashields will automatically disintegrate.

• Server-Wide Warnings: Players will receive notifications if their base is in danger of collapse.

Why Are Pentashield-Only Bases Collapsing?

According to Funcom, players were exploiting Pentashields as a “cheap way” to build massive structures without investing in supports. This not only looked janky but broke immersion and fairness in PvP zones.

Key reasons for the collapse:

• Unanchored surfaces: If a Pentashield is suspended in air or doesn’t touch any foundational support, it will no longer persist.

• No vertical beams: Entire floors made of shields without walls or pillars will fail inspection checks.

• Floating bases: If your base is hovering, even by a single panel, it risks a full collapse after the patch.

The system mimics real-world building physics—if it wouldn’t stand in real life, it won’t stand in Arrakis.

How to Rebuild or Reinforce Your Base Properly

Step 1: Inspect your existing layout.
Use /inspect_structure (if on PC) or go into the Build Tool and highlight structural stress points. Look for:

• Red or blinking Pentashields (unanchored)

• Lack of vertical supports

• Panels that don’t touch terrain or foundations

Step 2: Add vertical and horizontal supports.

• Use reinforced pylons and wall beams to connect roof pieces.

• Every floating segment needs a direct or chained line to a foundation.

• Bridges or skywalks need suspension-style anchor points now.

Step 3: Don’t rely on terrain clipping.
Even if a Pentashield “visually” touches a hill or cliff, it won’t count unless the game registers structural contact. Always build proper connectors.

Step 4: Save a backup plan.
If you’re unsure your base will hold, place a mobile storage cache and keep key items, vehicles, and crafting stations in a second location.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Once Patch 1.1.20 launches, unsupported Pentashields will:

• Disappear permanently

• Cause the entire structure to collapse, including connected rooms

• Destroy attached crafting benches, containers, and respawn points

• Possibly leave you stranded in PvP or Sandworm-infested zones

And no—Funcom will not be offering reimbursements for structure loss unless tied to a verified bug.

What Is a Safe Base Design in Dune Awakening?

If you're unsure how to build a stable post-patch base, use this checklist: