How to Get the Best Start in Dune: Awakening
Time: 2025-06-09 by mmojugg Game: Dune Awakening Guide Tags: Dune Awakening Tips
Jumping into the harsh deserts of Arrakis in Dune: Awakening can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, you can hit the ground running and set yourself up for success in under a few hours. This step-by-step guide is tailored for solo players, covering class choices, early resource gathering, and free upgrades to give you a strong foundation. If you enjoy this roadmap, feel free to bookmark our site for more Dune: Awakening tips and check out our Solari and Spice store for extra in-game goodies to fuel your journey.
Choosing the Right Class for a Strong Start
Your adventure begins with character creation, and while all skill trees unlock eventually, your initial class choice matters for the early game. Here's the breakdown:
Trooper: Skip this one at the start. You'll find a Trooper skill trainer within 30-60 minutes at the Griffin Outpost in the first zone, Haga Basin.
Swordmaster: Geared more for PvP, it's less ideal for early solo survival.
Mantat: A top pick! Its drone deals heavy damage, one- or two-shotting enemies while you stay safe behind cover.
Bene Gesserit: Great for mobility. The Voice Compel distracts enemies, and a speed boost helps you traverse the desert faster.
Pick your poison between Mantat and Bene Gesserit based on your style—damage and safety, or speed and utility. Both give you an edge right from level one.
Early Exploration and Resource Gathering
Once you're out of the tutorial, focus on gathering resources immediately:
- Collect everything—copper, fuel cells, and more—for crafting and powering your future base.
- Stick to shade to preserve hydration and avoid sunstroke, which can dehydrate you quickly.
- Head south to Broken Stone Station in Haga Basin. Up the first set of stairs, grab a unique rifle schematic in the back room—perfect for long-range damage. Below the stairs, you'll find 3-4 sandbikes. Claim one, even if it's broken or low on fuel—it's a game-changer for early travel.
A sandbike, even in rough shape, can carry you from Broken Stone Station to the Griffin Outpost in the north, saving time and effort. If you're a Mantadat, passives help regenerate durability and reduce decay. Grab a welding torch from the main story and craft welding wire to repair it partially.
Base Building and Early Progression
Follow the main story to unlock base building and starter technologies. Set up your base near the center of Haga Basin South for proximity to key areas:
- Close to the Griffin Outpost for contracts and story missions.
- Easy access to resources and exploration spots.
This central location keeps you efficient, whether you're tackling story quests or early contracts. Stick to the main storyline for now—it's your fastest path to essential unlocks.
Griffin Trade Post: Contracts and Skill Trainers
Head northwest to the Griffin Trade Post, a hub packed with opportunities:
Contracts: Grab all three initial contracts from the board, especially “Copper Required.” Collect 40 copper early (found around Haga Basin) to turn this in instantly. This kicks off a chain leading to free MK2 sandbike upgrades.
Errands Refuge: Just across from the trade post, pick up micro sandwich fabrics and EMF generators for a special mission.
Skill Trainer (Gavuri): This NPC unlocks the Trooper skill line. Take down three targets (a task you'll hit en route) to access it.
Merchant: Buy a unique litter john from this vendor. Craft and equip it to deposit water, maintaining high hydration levels early on.
Raiding Key Locations for Loot and Contracts
Next, tackle two key spots for resources and contract progress:
Imperial Testing Station
On your way east, stop at the Imperial Testing Station:
Loot: Packed with water, bullets, crafting materials, shields, and gear. Deal with enemies carefully—there are plenty.
Key Items:
At the circular staircase, find an automated poison snooper in a back room container for a future contract.
Grab a sandbike tread MK1 from a locker for another contract.
Down the stairs, pick up a blue wristband to unlock a door at the facility's start for extra loot.
Interact with a yellow light to reveal a secret room with a sandbike engine and Imperial testing station records—both tied to contracts.
After a quick boss fight, loot a container for mysterious vials (unlocks the Planetologist skill line later) and a unique schematic for Emperor's Wings MK1, a levitation tool.
Bonus: This spot is rich in spice-infused copper dust, which is crucial for creating unique schematics.
Rack of Alion
Head to this crashed ship overrun by bandits:
Goals: Defeat enemies and loot everything.
Key Items:
Grab plastic fibers and plastial plates for story progression (or buy more from Vanderback at Griffin Trade Post).
On the upper deck, find a Hellsman amplifier in a container for the “Wrecking Crew” contract.
After a boss fight, unlock a chest for a unique weapon and more spice-infused dust.
Crafting and Upgrades
Back at your base, craft these game-changers:
Emperor's Wings MK1: Equip this for levitation. Hold the jump button for anti-gravity effects, pairing well with the Trooper's grip claw for obstacle-jumping.
Calf Drinker: A knife that auto-extracts blood from enemies, simplifying water refining.
Sandbike: Combine copper ingots, sandbike tread, PSU, engine, frame, and chassis (unlocked in the research menu) using an assembly tool. This speeds up desert travel.
Vehicle Backup Tool: Store and summon your sandbike safely outdoors to protect it from sandstorms. Avoid MK1 carry capacity or jet boosts—MK2 versions come free soon.
Finishing Strong: Contracts and Skill Trees
With your sandbike, zip to these spots in Haga Basin South to wrap up:
Proving Grounds: Take down three targets at Calip Stand, Shamal Tunnel, and Edgeway Cavern (easy with a Mantadat drone) to unlock the Trooper skill tree, including the grip claw and damage boosts.
Turn In Contracts: Back at Griffin Trade Post, submit:
- “Wrecking Crew” (Rack of Alion loot).
- “Fman Finds” (micro sandwich fabrics and EMF generators).
- “Testing Limits” (automated poison snooper).
- Extra vehicle components and a crafted sandbike tread.
Rewards: You'll get an MK2 inventory expansion slot, MK2 boosters for speed, and a tool to farm iron, boosting copper and granite yields. Stick with the inventory slot for now to store excess materials.
Planetologist Skill Line: Grab the “Assistance Required” contract. Since you have the mysterious vials, head to the top of Imperial Testing Station #2, talk to the NPC, and turn them in. This unlocks healing boosts and anti-gravity skills, enhancing farming and combat capabilities.
FAQ: Starting Strong in Dune: Awakening
Which class is best for solo players at the start?
Mantadat (drone for damage) or Benny Jazzer (speed and distraction) shine early. Trooper skills unlock soon, so skip that initially.
Where do I find a sandbike early?
Check Broken Stone Station in Haga Basin South—3-4 sandbikes spawn below the stairs. Grab one, even if broken, for faster travel.
Why build a base in Haga Basin South?
A central spot near Griffin Outpost keeps you close to story missions, contracts, and resources, saving time.
What's the best early contract to focus on?
“Copper Required” at Griffin Trade Post—collect 40 copper early and turn it in to kick off a chain for free MK2 sandbike upgrades.
How do the Emperor's Wings MK1 help?
This levitation tool lets you hold jump for anti-gravity, perfect for crossing obstacles, especially with the Trooper's grip claw.
Thanks for Reading
In under two hours, you've got a sandbike, powerful schematics, and upgraded skills to conquer Arrakis solo. From smart class picks to raiding facilities and turning in contracts, this guide sets you up for success. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more tips to thrive in Dune: Awakening!
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