Dune: Awakening throws you into the deep end of the desert. There will be no hand-holding, no safe zones – just heat, sandstorms, and a big worm waiting to swallow you whole. If you are jumping in on launch day, here are a few important points of what you should know, or avoid, to not make any early mistakes.
1. Expect Queue Times and Learn How the Servers Work
Like most online game launches, Dune: Awakening will probably have queue times and server issues. On top of that, the game uses a unique server structure. The Deep Desert is split into 9 servers, each with its own grid. Altogether, it forms an 81-tile open world that players can move across. While Early Access is capped at 300 players per Deep Desert zone, those servers will fill up fast, especially in the first few days.
To go a bit more in-depth: The Deep Desert is structured as a 3×3 grid of servers, each with its own 3×3 tile map. That gives you a full 9×9 zone of desert, with PvE-only entry tiles on the southern edge and the highest-value areas further north. It is designed so you can always exit safely, even if the north is completely full.
This setup is designed to avoid players getting stuck on full tiles when trying to leave, but the system will still feel tight when everyone logs in at once.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Server spots are limited, so expect queues or short downtime
- Create your character as soon as the servers go live
- If you want to build a base or settle with friends, you all need to be on the same home server
- You can explore together from any server, but only your home server allows building
- Try not to go AFK in queues! Logging out if you are stepping away helps other players get in
This system might change later based on feedback, but for now, plan ahead and pick a server that works for your group.
2. Consider Starting as Mentat or Bene Gesserit, Not Trooper
You can unlock every class on one character, and freely respec all your skill points, including the first one from your starter class.
- Trooper unlocks super early, usually in the first zone, so there is no real reason to pick it
- Starting Mentat is a popular choice; the turret is strong early on and great for solo players
- Bene Gesserit gives you mobility tools and opens up some nice movement combos later
Since you are not locked into a build and can mix any skills you want later on, your starter choice is really just about what gives you the best early-game edge. Trooper is great… but you are going to get it anyway.
3. Do Not Overbuild Your First Base
Your first shelter is temporary. Just drop four walls and a roof near useful resources, then focus on:
- Crafting the basics (like the sandbike and blood purifier)
- Gathering fuel and gear
- Exploring the map for better long-term spots
You will move eventually, so do not waste materials on something you will leave behind.
4. Build Up High! Sandworms Cannot Reach You There
The best base locations are up high on rocky plateaus or cliffs.
Avoid sandy ground or low spots:
- Sandworms ignore structures, but they will still destroy your stuff if it’s not shielded
- Bases built on solid rock also survive sandstorms better
- Make sure your chosen spot has room to expand later on
5. Your Generator = Your Shield = Your Life
Your base runs on a shield. That shield runs on a generator. That generator runs on Fuel Cells, made from oil.
- Keep your generator fueled at all times
- No power = no shield = anyone can walk in and wreck your base
- Sandstorms will also trash unshielded structures
Every time you head out, check your fuel level first!
6. Get the Sandbike as Soon as You Can
You can unlock and craft a sandbike pretty early, and should definitely do so!
- Way faster than walking
- Can be set as a mobile respawn point
- Saves you water by cutting down on time spent running under the sun
But heads-up: it makes a lot of noise and attracts sandworms. Use with care.
7. Always Carry Blood and Fiber
Your early survival kit should always include:
- Fiber – used to make bandages and light gear
- Blood – harvested from enemies, converted into clean water
Craft a Blood Extractor and Blood Purifier at your base. You will be surprised how fast you burn through your water supply, especially if you travel during the day!
8. Explore at Night, Not During the Day
Forget what you know from other survival games. In Dune, the daytime is the real danger.
- The sun burns through your hydration fast
- Travel at night to conserve water and avoid heatstroke
- Use shade and buildings during the day if you absolutely must move
9. Use Survey Probes to Uncover the Map
When you enter a new zone, the map is covered in fog. You can explore manually… or you can craft a Survey Probe Launcher and do this instead:
- Climb to a high spot
- Launch a probe to instantly reveal the area, including POIs (Points of Interest) and resources
- Plan your next move without wasting time (or dying)
The launcher is reusable, and probes are cheap to make.
10. Climb Everything! It Opens New Routes and Combat Angles
Climbing often lets you bypass enemy defenses or get the high ground in a fight. Here are a few smart ways you can make use of this:
- Sneak into camps from above instead of charging the front gate
- Escape sandworm zones by scrambling up rock walls
- Build up high to make your base harder to raid
11. Shielded Enemies Need Melee, Not Guns
You will run into enemies with energy shields that block bullets. Do not waste ammo:
- Use heavy melee attacks to break shields
- Snipe non-shielded enemies first to give yourself breathing room
- Or pull shielded enemies away from the group and take them out one by one
12. Sandworm Warnings Are Real – Run, Do Not Look Back
When the worm sign turns red, stop what you are doing and run to high ground. If you get swallowed, you lose everything you were carrying.
- Sandbikes make more noise, so worms find you faster
- Being still does not save you – move, or die
- Natural rocky outcrops are safe zones
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