Holtzman Shields play a central role in Dune: Awakening's combat system, and they are among the most iconic features of the Dune universe. In Dune lore, these Holtzman Shields work by preventing molecules from traveling through the shield above a set speed, and effectively work to repel projectiles from rifles and scatterguns, etc. Holtzman Shields are the reason that melee and bladed weapons are necessary from a lore perspective, in that you would ostensibly need to get in close range to cut through the shield.

More significantly, wearing shields in the open deserts of Arrakis can prove to be fatal, as they will attract sandworms to the wearer's location. All of these principles from Dune: Awakening's early access and full launch, it's worth understanding how shields work.

How Shields In Dune: Awakening Work

Shields Will Reflect Projectiles & Can Be Penetrated By Slowblade Attacks

Shields in Dune: Awakening have several unique and interesting mechanics that are designed around the established Dune lore, primarily the ability to deflect projectiles back at the shooter. Projectiles cannot through the Holtzman Shield in either direction, so there are also vulnerability windows as you fire a weapon with a shield activated. As you shoot, you'll also be susceptible to projectile damage, so timing your attacks is essential. Shields also have an energy charge that will deplete over time, making it necessary to manage their charge.

While most ranged weapons are extremely ineffective against shields, there is a unique class of weapon called the Disruptor sidearm that is designed to disrupt shields and penetrate through them. This is the most effective method for breaking through an enemy's shields, so crafting a Disruptor should be a top priority. You'll need to be within melee range to take down a Holtzman Shield with the Disruptor effectively, but when it lands, it's highly effective.

"You're most likely to land a Slow Blade attack after stunning the enemy with a well-timed parry."

Aside from using a Disruptor, the most effective combat strategy against shields is to utilize a melee weapon such as a Chrysknife and use Slow Blade attacks to slice through the Holtzman Shield. This maneuver requires good timing, as you're most likely to land a Slow Blade attack after stunning the enemy with a well-timed parry.

Holtzman Shields Attract Sandworms In Dune: Awakening

Don't Activate Your Shield In The Open Desert, Shai-Hulud Isn't Far

Most importantly, Holtzman Shields attract the iconic sandworms on Arrakis and will make them appear at your location at an accelerated rate. This means that you don't want to have a shield activated while exploring the open deserts, unless you want to come face to face with Shai-Hulud. This also means that ranged combat in the open desert is much more typical and will be the majority of your regular day-to-day encounters. You'll need to prepare yourself accordingly, as both melee and ranged weapons will be necessary.

Shielded enemies are more common in areas of interest, such as Shipwrecks or in Moisture-Sealed Caves, and on the flip side of that, you must be prepared for these encounters with a charged shield of your own, as well as a viable melee weapon or Disruptor sidearm to break through enemy shields in close quarters. Overall, shields are an essential part of Dune: Awakening's gameplay, and it's good to know what to expect in different areas as you progress through the game and try to wake the Sleeper.