Exploring the endless deserts of Arrakis is way more fun (and survivable) when you’re not doing it on foot. From sandbikes to scout ornithopters and even buggies, vehicles in Dune: Awakening aren’t just luxuries, they’re essential tools for survival, transport, and resource hauling. But if you don’t store them properly, they can vanish faster than your water in a sandstorm. Whether you’re heading back to base or trying to avoid a sandworm ambush, this guide will teach you exactly how to store your vehicles safely, both at your base and out in the field. We’ll also walk you through the Vehicle Backup Tool, how to get it, how to use it, and what to do if your vehicle stubbornly refuses to be stored.
How To Store Vehicles
Vehicles are a core part of the Dune: Awakening experience. Your sandbike helps you cross dunes at top speed, while your buggy hauls heavy loot like it’s no big deal. But these machines aren’t indestructible, leave them out in the open, and you’ll quickly learn just how hostile Arrakis can be.
Sandstorms? They’ll wreck your ride. Enemies? They’ll try to destroy it. And if your vehicle is lost, damaged, or too far away, you’ll find yourself hoofing it through the desert like a Fremen in training. That’s where proper storage comes in.
How to Store Vehicles at Your Base
First things first: shelter your vehicles. Leaving them exposed is asking for trouble.
I learned this the hard way. One time, I parked my sandbike outside thinking it would be “fine for a minute.” One sandstorm later? It was total scrap. Couldn’t repair it. Just… dust and regret.
To avoid that, make sure your base has a garage or a wide enough door to drive your vehicles inside. You don’t need fancy force fields or sci-fi bunkers. Just give your ride a roof and some walls, and it’ll stay safe from the brutal elements.
Even a simple structure is better than nothing. Just make sure the vehicle is completely covered before logging off or heading out.
How to Store Vehicles on the Go
Now, let’s talk about storing your ride while you’re not at base, because you won’t always have the luxury of driving back home.
That’s where the Vehicle Backup Tool comes in.
You unlock this fairly early in the game (usually right after the tutorial). It’s a utility tool that lets you store one vehicle directly into your inventory, as long as it’s empty. That means no cargo, no hidden loot. If it’s got items inside, the tool won’t work.
Using the Vehicle Backup Tool
- Equip it from your inventory.
- Aim at your vehicle and click to store it.
- Boom, it’s now in your inventory and safe from storms, enemies, and sandworms.
- To deploy it again, use the tool once more.
This tool is perfect for exploration. If I’m not gathering resources, I always keep my ride empty. That way, if a storm rolls in or things get sketchy, I can stash my vehicle and go full stealth mode. It’s way easier to hide one person than a giant machine out in the open desert.
How to Get and Craft the Vehicle Backup Tool
To craft the Vehicle Backup Tool, you’ll need to research its schematic first. You’ll find it under the Copper Products section in the Research tab.
Crafting Materials:
- Copper Ingot x12
- Advanced Servoks x7
Once you have the schematic, head to a General Fabricator and craft it from the Vehicles schematics section. If you’re low on materials or short on time, you can also grab one from other players through:
- The Exchange (the player-driven auction house)
- Direct trading at social hubs like Arrakeen
Vehicle Can’t Be Stored? Here’s the Fix
If you’re trying to store your vehicle but it won’t let you, there’s one common issue: cargo. The Vehicle Backup Tool only works on empty vehicles. So if your sandbike or ornithopter is carrying even one item, it won’t store. Just clear it out, and the tool should work as expected.
Also, note that larger vehicles like buggies can’t be stored using the Backup Tool, at least for now. I tried it, didn’t work. If a future patch adds a version that works with buggies, I’ll update this guide.
Until then, treat your buggy like a VIP and keep it parked at home.
Wrap-Up: Take Care of Your Ride
And that’s the breakdown on how to store vehicles in Dune: Awakening. Whether you’re parking your ride at base or packing it away mid-exploration, a little prep goes a long way. Nothing’s worse than watching your trusty bike turn into scrap just because you forgot to give it a roof.
So craft that Backup Tool, keep your vehicles empty when needed, and never leave them in the open if you can help it. See you out there, and may your sandbike always have fuel. Meanwhile, if your sandbike’s seen better days (thanks, sandworms), I’ve also got a separate guide on how to repair your vehicles in Dune: Awakening. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver, don’t forget to check it out before your ride breaks down mid-run.
