Critique of Cube Building

This year, I’ve immersed myself in countless survival crafting titles, often to the point of obsession. I recognize that I can be a demanding player, especially when I'm juggling games like Dune: Awakening, Abiotic Factor, and Valheim all at once. My constant critiques of my friends’ structures sometimes come off as harsh, but honestly, it’s because some of their designs really kill my mood.

One of the biggest issues I have with these games is the infamous cube building trend. It’s become a recurring frustration—monotonous, uninspired, and frankly, a bit lazy.

This week’s gripes are all about calling out this common survival crafting sin. It’s high time we address the overuse of the cube and rethink how we approach base-building in these worlds.

This week, we're venting about the frustrations plaguing gaming and tech in 2025. Visit our dedicated portal for more insights into what’s bugging us.

Do you know if there's a term that captures this recurring issue? Whether you're guilty of creating these problems or just fed up with them, you probably recognize what I mean. The infamous "cube"—a simple, box-shaped structure—has become an eyesore representing modern design gone wrong in many video games. It’s just four walls, a ceiling, and sometimes a floor—often just dirt.

In gaming, the cube often appears when friends rush into gameplay, prioritizing base-building and resource gathering over aesthetic or complexity. It transforms me into the overbearing neighbor from a simulation, constantly scrutinizing every detail—questioning if that paint color is HOA-approved or if someone’s property is up to standard. Sometimes I even bring tools along and start modifying the landscape, unconcerned about boundaries or regulations.

related articles

I have to admit, I need to relax a bit more, but the design of this cube is truly dreadful. It transforms once vibrant, imaginative worlds into dull, uninspired corporate complexes. I despise conventional homeowners associations, yet if I had the power to create a bizarre gamer HOA, I’d gladly do so and demolish your Valheim structures without hesitation.

For those unfamiliar with what I’m referring to, don’t worry—the recent offenses involving these cubes in my neighborhood are well documented. I plan to issue the proper penalties to address these architectural atrocities.

Starting with a quick apology if this structure happens to be your creation; however, it's hard not to notice that it blends seamlessly into the sea of similar PS4-inspired edifices scattered throughout the game environment. We're in Arrakis, not a flashy Sony showcase, yet the architecture leaves much to be desired. The initial zones are supposed to inspire creativity, but instead, they often evoke frustration, especially when faced with uninspired designs like these. Luckily, resources are abundant—no need to worry about depleting the environment.

The building design in Dune: Awakening might not be the most inspiring, and I understand that. Still, even early construction tools offer more versatility than just a basic cube. Consider expanding your creation by adding a side room or even a second floor to give it some dimension. If all else fails, removing a corner or two could break up the monotony, transforming a simple block into something more interesting and less cookie-cutter.

Design and Creativity in Virtual Structures

(visual credit: deep field games)

While the term "cubicles" suggests a certain uniformity, I can't help but feel dissatisfied with my friends' architectural choices in Abiotic Factor. Although their structures differ from traditional buildings—since they occupy pre-designed rooms within a research complex—I still find the stark symmetry unsettling. Turn off grid snapping, go bold, and consider angling a few corners at 45 degrees to break the monotony.

And speaking of collaboration, if we're all pretending to be scientists, cable management should be part of the process.

It's not just about aesthetics; tangled wires are a disaster waiting to happen. I vividly recall Morgan Park, a colleague who reviewed Abiotic Factor, showing me his initial setup—an absolute fire hazard. I almost had a heart attack. He later tidied it up, and honestly, his revised setup now outshines mine. But that first draft? It was a nightmare to behold.

Iron Gate Studios certainly has a knack for capturing the rugged charm of survival worlds, yet one aspect consistently irks me—the obsession with constructing endless cubes. No matter how bleak or dangerous a biome may be, the scenery remains stunning, offering a perfect canvas for creativity. Still, I tend to keep my builds simple, favoring rectangular structures that I enhance with thoughtful details—maybe a barrel here, a bench there, or a tree to break up the monotony. My roofs, thankfully, avoid the boxy look altogether.

In my multiplayer sessions, I always equip my servers with Valheim Plus mods, giving my friends more flexibility in building and environmental interactions. My goal is to streamline our experience, making it more enjoyable. Yet, despite these efforts, my teammates persist in constructing massive, flat-topped boxes with zero decorations—no signs, no personality. It’s a frustrating sight, especially during raids, when I secretly hope trolls target their uninspired fortresses first, as a little payback for the eyesore.

Honestly, I don’t see myself as a troublemaker in real life. I respect personal space, don’t mind if your yard is overgrown, and encourage neighbors to ignore the grumbles about property values. But in the realm of survival crafting, I can’t help but take matters into my own hands—sometimes sneaking online at odd hours to tweak those uninspired structures. A well-placed gable or a charming detail can transform a bland box into something special, and I believe that’s how we create a truly memorable world.

What are Dune: Awakening and Dune: Awakening Solari?

Dune: Awakening Solari serves as the main currency in the world of Dune: Awakening, allowing players to purchase gear, resources, and access various NPC services essential for survival and progress. Players can acquire dune awakening solari through top up on major game trading platforms, making it easier to strengthen their position on Arrakis. To avoid losing their dune awakening solari if defeated in the harsh desert, wise adventurers often deposit their funds in secure hubs like Arrakeen or Harko Village. Managing your dune awakening solari wisely is crucial for thriving amidst the dangers and political intrigue of the game’s ever-shifting landscape.

Why LootBar.gg is the best choice for buying Dune: Awakening Solari?

If players are looking to top up Dune Awakening Solari, they may want to consider using the lootbar game trading platform for a seamless experience. Lootbar.gg stands out by offering competitive prices and a straightforward purchasing process, making it easy for gamers to buy dune awakening solari at affordable rates. The platform is backed by advanced security measures, ensuring that all transactions are safe and personal information remains protected. Additionally, lootbar provides reliable and swift delivery, so players can enjoy their Solari recharge almost instantly and get back into the game without unnecessary waiting.

Another major advantage of choosing lootbar is its commitment to customer support and community engagement. With a dedicated 24/7 support team, any concerns or questions about buying Dune Awakening Solari are promptly addressed, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for users. Beyond transactions, lootbar also fosters a vibrant gaming community through its blog, offering valuable game guides and event updates to help players stay informed and engaged. By choosing lootbar.gg, gamers benefit from not only secure and affordable top-ups but also a rich network of resources and support tailored to their needs.

How to buy Dune: Awakening Solari on LootBar?

To purchase Dune: Awakening Solari for sale on the LootBar trading platform, follow these straightforward steps.

1. First, visit the official website at lootbar.gg, set your preferred language and currency, and log into your account for a personalized experience.
   
2. Next, navigate to the homepage and locate Dune: Awakening Solari within the Game Coins section to proceed.
   
3. Decide on the amount of Solari you wish to buy and select the “Buy Now” option to continue.
   
4. Enter the necessary details as prompted by the purchase instructions to ensure your order is processed correctly.
   
5. Finally, pick your desired payment method and click “Pay Now” to complete your transaction and secure your Solari.