Dune: Awakening is an upcoming survival game set in the harsh, unforgiving desert world of Dune. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get started in the game’s Beta test! From choosing the best starting class to understanding the core survival mechanics, this guide will help you navigate the desert landscape and prepare you for the early challenges ahead.
Picking A Class
When you first start playing Dune: Awakening, you’ll need to choose a class. Although you will eventually unlock access to all classes, the Bene Gesserit is highly recommended as your starting choice.
This is because the Bene Gesserit class provides sprint early on, which makes movement much easier. Furthermore, choosing the Trooper class is also a great choice, as this class grants access to a grapple hook (another useful movement feature). These two abilities give you a significant advantage in the early game, especially when navigating the environment.
Choosing Servers
In Dune: Awakening, the game features a main server divided into smaller subservers, known as ”Sietch”. Each of these Sietch is limited to only forty (40) to sixty (60) players. It’s very important that you select the same one as your friends if you plan to squad up and play together.
During the beta test, the game won’t support cross-server play in certain areas like social hubs or the deep desert. You can, however, party up with friends across different Sietch. Just keep in mind that your main base and stash will not be available if you switch servers.
Basic Survival
Surviving in the desert requires attention to several critical factors. Here are the three main survival mechanics you need to keep track of:
Water Management
In the harsh desert environment, dehydration will be the one thing you’ll always look out for. Your water level is indicated by a blue meter on the left side of the screen, and you’ll need to replenish it regularly. You can restore it through these three (3) methods:
- Consuming certain resources found on the map.
- Drinking blood drained from humans.
- Using gear or structures in your base.
Check out my starter guide on resources in Dune Awakening, where I go in-depth into learning how to obtain Iron, Spice, and other rare components!
Sun Exposure
The desert sun is deadly, and staying in direct sunlight for too long will kill you. To survive, always look for shade when you can and avoid prolonged exposure.
Sandworms
A staple of the franchise, Sandworms are a major danger in the desert. If a sandworm catches you, it will instantly kill you, and you’ll lose all of your items. Avoid these massive creatures at all costs—being eaten by a sandworm is the most punishing death in the game.
Early Game Progression
In the beta test, you’ll progress through three different zones. These zones will introduce you to various points on the map, quests, and resource locations. At launch, there will be a total of 12 zones.
As you complete the main quest line and explore these zones, you’ll encounter higher-tier resources and enemies. Each zone will increase the difficulty and provide better loot, allowing you to level up your character and unlock more advanced abilities and gear.
Try not to get too distracted by side objectives until you’ve completed the initial quests! Once you’ve unlocked more abilities and upgrades, exploration becomes more efficient and fun.
Building A Base
Your first base is essential, but it doesn’t need to be extravagant. The bare minimum is all you need early on. Focus on basic structures to get started, as your first base will be temporary. You’ll likely demolish it once you move to the next zone, Vermilius.
After completing the prologue, you’ll find yourself in the desert and will quickly be tasked with building your first base. The ideal location for it is to set it up near the Griffin Reach hub, as it provides easy access to resources and quests.
Research Points
“Research” is the equivalent of experience in this game. As you progress, you’ll gain points that allow you to unlock new recipes and items. Eventually, when you’re pretty much familiar with everything, it is ideal to assign research tasks to different members of your group to maximize efficiency. This allows you and your friends to progress faster and unlock higher-tier gear (which makes it more fun, in my opinion).
That wraps up all the necessary information to help you get started in Dune Awakening! My last tip before wrapping up this guide is to know that the information here may be subject to change as the game is still in its Beta phase. Even so, here you can already experience the early-to-mid stages of the game and learning its basic mechanics, which can prepare you for its official launch in June!
