If you’ve been running around trying to figure out how to complete the “Talk to the Ornithopter Pilot” objective in Dune Awakening, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The “A Wider World” quest drops this on you with zero context, zero markers, and just a vague hint of “go fly somewhere.” In this guide, I’m breaking it all down for you. I’ll show you where to go, who to talk to, how much Solari you’ll need, and why this step is actually super important for opening up the rest of the game. So grab your pack, save your stamina, and let’s get you airborne.
Talk to the Ornithopter Pilot
The A Wider World quest gets auto-added to your Journeys tab as soon as you visit your first tradepost. For most players, that’s going to be Griffin’s Reach Tradepost in the South Hagga Basin, which you usually find during the A Touch of Civilization quest.
Once it’s active, your next objective is to “Talk to the Ornithopter Pilot.” Sounds simple, right? Well… the game doesn’t exactly give you directions.
To actually progress this quest, you need to speak with the Ornithopter Pilot NPC and pay them 2,500 Solaris to take you to a settlement, not a tradepost. That part’s important. Griffin’s Reach may look like a fancy outpost, but it doesn’t count as a settlement. That’s why just showing up there won’t complete the quest.
Where to Find the Ornithopter Pilot (Location Guide)
Here’s where things finally start to make sense:
- Head to Eastern Vermilious Gap – You’re looking for a place called The Anvil, a large rocky structure with an interior hub.
- Go Inside The Anvil – Once you’re in, head toward the back right corner of the room.
- Look for the Hologram – The Ornithopter Pilot is standing right next to a hologram of, you guessed it, an Ornithopter.
- Talk to Her – She’ll offer you a travel menu. Select your destination. You want to choose Arrakeen or Harko Village, since these are the official settlements needed to complete the quest.
- Pay the Fee – Each flight costs 2,500 Solaris, so make sure you’ve got the funds. If not, grind a few contracts at the nearby board first.
- Land and Complete – Once you arrive at either settlement, the A Wider World quest will complete, and you’ll get 200 XP as your reward. Easy!
Why This Quest Matters (More Than You Think)
It might seem like a small side objective, but A Wider World is one of those “hidden progression” quests that quietly unlocks major systems. Fast travel between regions becomes accessible, your world map starts feeling less like a maze of sand and more like a connected series of hubs, and you get a taste of the larger scope of the game.
Plus, reaching a real settlement introduces you to more vendors, quests, class options, and, eventually, your first steps toward advanced vehicles and gear.
Wrap-Up: Stop Running, Start Flying
And that’s it! Once you know where to go, the whole Ornithopter Pilot situation is a quick fix, but Dune: Awakening definitely doesn’t make it obvious. Just remember: tradeposts like Griffin’s Reach start the quest, but only a settlement like Arrakeen or Harko Village will complete it. Make your way to The Anvil, talk to our mysterious Pilot, fork over your 2,500 Solaris, and enjoy your very first flight over the dunes.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into Dune: Awakening’s questlines and progression system, don’t miss my guide on all the First Four Trial of Aql locations. Trust me, if you thought finding Griffin’s Reach and the pilot was tricky, wait until you’re chasing the spice across the desert. It’s quite a journey, and I’ve got your back.
