Dune Awakening presents a unique challenge with the harsh climates of Arrakis, especially for new players. You’re immediately thrown into an unforgiving desert where the relentless sun can roast you alive, and water is scarce. Even though the early game gets somewhat easier as you progress along the main quest and start crafting vital tools, there are several key insights that could change your gameplay. To help you thrive on this desert planet, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best tips and tricks for Dune Awakening, ensuring you have a smooth and rewarding experience.
1. Secure a Steady Supply of Water
Water is your lifeline in Dune Awakening. It’s essential for survival and crafting items. Early on, you’re introduced to the Water Discipline mechanic, a dehydration meter visible at the bottom left corner of your screen. This meter features three bars that show your hydration level.
Initially, saplings are your only water source, filling just the first bar. To fill the other two, you’ll need to produce purified water by extracting blood from enemies and processing it at the Blood Purifying station.
To ensure a consistent supply of water, we recommend crafting a Dew Reaper and a Literjon as soon as possible. The Dew Reaper helps you harvest water from saplings, storing it in your Literjon for easy access. For sustainable strategies, be sure to check out our dedicated guide on securing water in Dune Awakening.
2. Walk on Rocky Outcrops to Avoid Sandworms
Getting devoured by a Sandworm after finally gathering resources is frustrating to say the least. When these giant creatures hone in on you, being quick on your feet is crucial; otherwise, you risk permanent equipment loss. To avoid unfortunate encounters, always tread on rocky terrain.
If you must cross sandy patches, crouch-walk to minimize noise and use mobility skills like the Shigawire Claw when you get closer to your destination. For additional escape tactics, our guide offers some great insights.
3. Always Carry Respawn Beacons
During your early hours of gameplay, you’ll discover the Respawn Beacon, which is a game-changer. This allows you to establish a respawn point wherever you choose, creating a safety net that can save you from losing considerable progress. Always carry one with you and set it before entering hazardous areas like outposts or scavenger bases.
This tactic can save you a long trek back should you perish while battling enemies. Plus, if you find yourself in a tight spot far from home, placing the beacon can help maintain some of your progress.
4. Unlock and Use Survey Probes
Researching Survey Probes and their launcher early in the game is highly beneficial. These probes serve as an excellent intel tool, marking points of interest (POIs) on your map.
To utilize them, ascend to the top of a hill and launch the probe into the sky. Keep in mind, though, that the revealed POIs are temporary; planning efficient resource trips during this window is crucial.
5. Pick the Right Starting Class
At the character creation screen, you will choose a mentor, solidifying your starting class. While each class has its merits, avoid selecting the Trooper. Although it has some useful skills, you can easily unlock its skill tree by completing early quests.
The game offers a fluid class system, allowing you to access special abilities from various factions. Selecting Trooper initially is counterproductive since its trainer is conveniently located early in the game.
6. Find Every Class Trainer
Investing time in locating every trainer is worth it. These NPCs grant access to diverse skills that can help you craft incredibly powerful builds.
Finding them may take some effort, so refer to our guide on trainer locations to save yourself from aimless wandering through the desert.
What are the best skills to invest in? Skills like Bindu Sprint and Shigawire Claw significantly enhance your mobility and combat effectiveness. These are vital to making traversing the harsh desert enjoyable.
7. Invest in Mobility Skills
The combat style in Dune Awakening features typical third-person mechanics, but mobility skills make the game truly engaging. You should prioritize skills like Bindu Sprint, the Suspender Dash, and the Shigawire Claw. They are essential for enjoyable exploration and combat.
8. Get the Sandbike as Early as Possible
The Sandbike is iconic within the Dune universe and an invaluable asset in Awakening. After completing a segment of the main quest, you can unlock its schematics. Resources for crafting it can be somewhat scarce, but heading to the Imperial Testing Station #2 in the Hagga Basin will provide the materials you need.
Alternatively, you can sneak into enemy outposts to find parked Sandbikes, allowing for quicker acquisition. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on obtaining a Sandbike.
9. The Vehicle Backup Tool is a Must
Another crucial item for your inventory should be the Vehicle Backup Tool (VBT). After you acquire a Sandbike, this tool lets you summon it whenever you need it while protecting it from loss in case of unfortunate events like Sandworm attacks.
10. Explore at Night to Avoid Dehydration
During the first few hours, you’ll quickly realize the dangers of sun exposure. Staying in shade is important, but consider exploring the desert at night instead. Unlike many survival games, the night is deceptively peaceful, allowing safe questing without the risk of overheating. Just be mindful of the same dangers lurking in the shadows, illuminated by your lights.
11. Avoid Sardaukar Ships
The Sardaukar are an elite faction, and their ships pose a considerable threat. Being spotted by them can lead to paralysis and swift doom. To stay safe, be vigilant and steer clear of these ships and their spotlights.
12. Don’t Build Your Base on Open Sand
A common rookie mistake is constructing a base on open sand. This exposes you to Sandworm attacks and increases the risk of losing your base entirely during storms. Choose rocky outcrops or sheltered hills for construction spots, especially near resource-rich areas. For more tips on base building, check out our comprehensive guide.
This concludes our collection of essential tips for mastering Dune Awakening. Which strategy has proven to be the most useful for you? Share your thoughts and experiences, and for more insights, don’t forget to explore related content at Moyens I/O.