The Planetologist in Dune Awakening isn’t like the other classes, you can’t pick it when creating your character. And of course, that makes it instantly cooler, right? Instead, you’ll need to track down a wandering scholar named Derek Chinara, who will set you on a winding, desert-hopping journey across Arrakis in search of research logs, Minimic Films, and the legacy of Kynes himself. This guide walks you through every single location you’ll need to visit to unlock the Planetologist class fully, from the first meeting all the way to unlocking your final capstone skill.
Where To Find Planetologist Trainer (All Quest Locations)
So, why go through all this? The Planetologist is a survivalist’s dream: the skills boost efficiency while collecting, traveling, and surviving the punishing desert conditions of Arrakis. Derek Chinara, the NPC who helps you unlock and upgrade these skills, is a bit of a nomad. You’ll need to visit multiple Imperial Testing Stations, search hidden rooms, and sometimes even deal with sabotage.
Each quest step unlocks more skills for your Planetologist class, so if you want to go full eco-scientist and roam the sands with style and smarts, keep reading.
This guide is broken into the quests and the exact locations where you’ll find Derek each time:
Assistance Needed (Optional)
Location: Outpost east of Griffin’s Reach
This optional early quest sends you to visit Derek above Testing Station No. 2 in Hagga Basin South. It’s not required but gives you extra XP.
Quest 1 – Minimic Film Recovery
Location: Testing Station No. 2 – Hagga Basin South
Derek Chinara is standing on a mountain ridge above the entrance. Enter the facility below and find the secret room with the golden briefcase containing the Minimic Film. Bring it back to unlock the base Planetologist class.
Quest 2 – Buried Archives
Location: Testing Station No. 197 – West Vermilius
Look for a massive pit you can descend into. Derek is waiting at the bottom. Head down the right-hand ramp inside to reach the film. Returning it unlocks Advanced Trainer Skill Level 2.
Quest 3 – Adhering to Hierarchy
Location: Salusan Bull Bar – Arrakeen City
After your second quest, return to Testing Station No. 2 in Hagga Basin. Derek will send you to meet Cyprian Io in the bar upstairs in Arrakeen (first door on the right, up the stairs). He refuses your request. Return again to Derek in Hagga Basin to complete this quest.
Quest 4 – Science Unlocked
Location: Testing Station No. 76 – Jabal Eifrit Al-janub
Derek is caged inside this facility. Stay left down the ramps. Once you spot a penta-shielded room, Derek is just before it. Retrieve a set of keys from a book on a table, then dive deeper to find the Minimic Film. Unlock Derek and return south to Station No. 2 to reach Trainer Level 3.
Quest 5 – The Search for Kynes
Locations:
- Thufir Hawat – Arrakeen
- Sietch Tarl – Western Shield Wall
- Return to Station No. 2
Speak to Thufir, then head to the entrance of Sietch Tarl. Interact with a tablet there, grab the note, and bring it back to Derek.
Quest 6 – A Reasonable Routine
Location: Testing Station No. 29 – Northern Hagga Rift
Enter and go past the boss room to the loot chamber. There’s a secret door in the back where you’ll find the film and a purple ID bracelet. Return to Derek at the entrance, then fly back to Station No. 2. Completing this unlocks Trainer Level 4 and the Spice Surveyor skill.
Quest 7 – Clues from the Past
Location: Testing Station No. 71 – The O’odham
Derek’s just inside the entrance. You’ll need two ID bands and to access another secret room containing Minimic Film. Then retrieve Kyne’s Research in the final cultist chamber. Return both items to Derek and fly back to Station No. 2. This unlocks Trainer Level 5 and the Conservation of Energy skill.
Quest 8 – The Planetologist Report
Location:
- Arrakeen – Speak with Cyprian Io
- Station No. 2 – Hagga Basin South
After your chat with Cyprian, return to Derek’s usual spot. He’s missing. Clear out two sniper teams just outside. Then check Derek’s desk for a document. This opens the final quest.
Quest 9 – The Final Piece
Location: Testing Station No. 163 – The O’odham
Enter and search for a lush room with a Kyne Hologram. Interact to grab the lecture recording. Derek waits in the next room past the hex shield. Speak with him to receive your final capstone skill and a unique stillsuit.
You’ve officially unlocked Trainer Level 6 and the powerful Heat Management skill.
Wrap-Up
That’s the full journey, from rookie explorer to top-tier Planetologist in Dune: Awakening. Every stop along the way builds out the class into a powerhouse of sustainability and resource efficiency. Whether you’re scouting spice blooms or navigating the cruel sands of Arrakis, being a Planetologist means you’ll always have the edge.
Up next, if you’re looking to unlock the Trooper class too, don’t miss our full guide! We walk you through every location, from your first encounter to completing the entire questline and reaching Trooper Trainer Level 6. Oh, and yes, you’ll be getting that sweet final skill as well!
