Dune: Awakening is an interesting mix of a survival game and MMO. While the game is generally well optimised and doesn’t have crazy hardware requirements, some people are having some typical new release performance issues. Things like stuttering, crashes, or FPS drops. Most of these problems will be fixed with updates, but in the meantime, you’ll need to do the following things to address them.

How to Fix Dune: Awakening Performance and Crashing Issues

A huge portion of performance issues are driver related, either old drivers, new drivers or bad drivers. Which is why we are starting this guide here. So, grab the latest drivers for your system. Either AMD or NVIDIA, the process is basically the same on each brand's website.

  • Visit the official NVIDIA driver download page.
  • Input your hardware details:
    • Product Type: GeForce
    • Series and Model: Match your specific GPU
    • OS: Windows 11
    • Download Type: Game Ready Driver
  • Download and install the latest version available.

How to Fix Dune Awakening Performance and Crashing Issues

Now Clean Install your GPU Drivers with DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)

As we mentioned above, drivers are where the problems usually start, so follow the steps below to get a clean driver installation. It's the first place to start, as it is the most likely to fix problems!

  • Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
  • Get a known stable NVIDIA driver version (preferably from late 2024).
  • Disconnect your PC from the internet.
  • Use DDU to fully remove existing GPU drivers.
  • Reboot the system.
  • Install the downloaded driver manually.
  • Reboot again before reconnecting to the internet.

Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

Even with newer systems, Dune: Awakening can be resource-heavy in certain environments. Here’s how to ease the load:

  • Reduce Visual Presets: Lower texture, shadow, and foliage settings first.
  • Disable V-Sync: Often improves responsiveness and frame pacing.
  • Lower the Resolution: Not ideal visually, but very effective for stabilising frame rates.

Turn Off Background Overlays

Some overlays from apps like Discord or NVIDIA App can mess with game engines and lead to FPS dips or crashes. While we don't have Steam on this list, you can try disabling it as well. Though Steam is generally the only one that doesn't have problems.

Discord

  • Open User Settings
  • Navigate to the Overlay tab
  • Disable the in-game overlay toggle

NVIDIA App

  • Launch the app
  • Go to Settings
  • Under General, turn off In-Game Overlay

Close Unnecessary Background Apps

Background processes steal system resources, especially on lower-end machines.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Close apps that aren’t essential (such as browsers or launchers).
  • Avoid using CPU-heavy apps like Chrome, OBS, or file syncing software during gameplay.

Run the Game as Administrator

This method won’t work miracles, but for some users, it helps, so give it a go. It's super easy as well.

  • Go to your Dune: Awakening installation directory.
  • Right-click the game’s .exe file.
  • Select Run as administrator and confirm any system prompts.

Check for System Updates

Occasionally, Windows updates include compatibility fixes that can help with newer titles.

  • Open Settings > Windows Update
  • Click Check for updates
  • Install any available system or driver updates