Here are 13 practical tips to help beginners survive, explore, and get ahead in Dune Awakening.
Getting started in Dune Awakening can feel overwhelming. Set on the harsh planet of Arrakis, this online survival game takes inspiration from the legendary Dune universe, dropping players into a vast desert where every decision counts.
The world is alive with dangers, think deadly sandworms, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition for resources. Your main goal is to survive, gather what you need, and find your own path, all while other players are doing the same.
The moment you create your character, you’ll notice a lot of freedom in how you want to look and play. You can choose from several backgrounds and starting classes, including Swordmaster, Mentat, Bene Gesserit, Trooper, and Planetologist.
If you’re just beginning, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that slow you down. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, covering 13 tips that will make your life on Arrakis much easier. From water management to vehicle safety, each tip is based on real gameplay experience and will help you avoid common problems that new players run into.
13 Must-Know Tips for Dune Awakening Beginners
13. Always Prioritize Water
Water is your lifeline. Arrakis is dry and unforgiving, and your character gets thirsty quickly, especially under the hot sun. Collect way more water than you think you’ll need, seriously, double or triple your usual amount.
Set up tools like Dew Collectors or purify blood from enemies when you can. Running out of water is one of the fastest ways to get yourself in trouble. Check out our in-depth guide on how to get water in Dune Awakening here.
12. Don’t Panic in Quicksand
Getting stuck in quicksand can be stressful, especially if you’re on your sandbike or buggy. The key is to keep calm and remember where you entered the quicksand. Try to drive back out the same way instead of abandoning your vehicle. This quick move can often save your ride and all the supplies you’re carrying.
11. Set Your Spawn Points Carefully
Nothing’s worse than dying and waking up on the other side of the desert. Always set your spawn point at your main base, outpost, or on a vehicle when you set up a new area. This saves time and makes it much easier to get back to your stuff if something goes wrong.
10. Use a Scanner on Your Vehicle
Don’t rely on just your map. Install a scanner on your vehicle, it’ll show you dangers ahead like quicksand or other hazards. This one upgrade can save you from a lot of annoying setbacks, like losing your ride or precious gear.
9. Pick Your Base Location Wisely
Choosing where to set up your base isn’t just about looks. Build somewhere that’s close to two different resource areas, one higher tier and one lower. This gives you easy access to important supplies without long trips across the desert, especially early on.
8. Recycle Everything You Can
Throwing away unwanted items is basically throwing away future progress. Unlock the Recycler as soon as possible and use it for all the stuff you don’t need. This way, you turn trash into materials you can actually use, which helps you upgrade and craft better equipment.
7. Scale Up Your Production
If crafting feels slow, it probably is. Build extra Crafting Stations, like more Blood Purifiers or Refineries, instead of waiting on just one. As you grow, look for ways to automate processes so things keep running even while you’re out exploring.
6. Finish Key Story Quests
Don’t skip the early story missions, especially the cave trials. These quests unlock important tech, like the Sand Compactor, and even give you an extra ability slot. Missing these upgrades can really slow down your progress and make things harder later on.
5. Protect Your Vehicles With the Backup Tool
Vehicles are valuable and can get destroyed by sandstorms or stolen if left out. Always carry a Vehicle Backup Tool. It lets you safely store your Sandbike or Ornithopter when you’re not using them, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged or lost.
4. Crash Ship Loot is Worth the Risk
When you see a ship crash on the map, pay attention to where it lands. Higher-tier areas mean better loot. These locations are risky, but the rewards can speed up your progress with stronger gear and rare items.
3. Know Your Loot Timers in PvP and PvE
In player-vs-player (PvP) zones, loot respawns every 20 minutes, but only the first person to open it gets the goods. In PvE areas, the loot takes twice as long to come back, but everyone in your group can grab it once.
Use this knowledge to plan your farming and group runs.
2. Don’t Rush Technology Upgrades
It’s tempting to always chase the next big upgrade, but you’ll waste resources. Stick with basic buildings until you have enough materials to support the jump to better tech. This way, you won’t get stuck without enough supplies to keep things running.
1. Be Smart With Your Money
You’ll earn Salari (the game’s currency) as you play, but don’t spend it right away. Wait until you reach a major city, where you’ll see a wider variety of shops and better items. Also, remember that almost everything you need can be found or crafted, so try not to waste money on things you can get for free with a little effort.
Dune Awakening is a tough but rewarding experience. If you focus on these tips, you’ll avoid a lot of the early mistakes and find yourself enjoying the game instead of fighting against it.
Looking For More?
Check out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide, explore our Server Guide, or head to our Dune Awakening Hub for everything you need to get started!
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