Introduction
In the immersive world of the Dune game, Dune: Awakening, base building is a critical aspect of survival on the planet Arrakis. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, knowing where to build and how to design your base can mean the difference between thriving and barely scraping by. This Dune Awakening base building guide dives into the best locations for your early-game and permanent bases, along with essential tips to ensure your stronghold stands strong against the harsh elements and potential threats. Let’s explore how to master base building and turn Arrakis into your personal fortress.
Best Early-Game Base Location
Wondering where to set up your first camp in Dune: Awakening? Look no further than Hagga Basin South, near the Tradepost. This area is perfect for beginners because it’s safe and resource-rich. Specifically, build on the rocky outcrops below the Tradepost—sandworms can’t traverse rocky terrain, so you’ll be protected from these massive threats. Plus, you’re close to moisture-sealed caves, shipwrecks, and the Imperial Testing Station, which are packed with resources and early-game quests.
Why this location?
- Safety: Rocky terrain keeps sandworms at bay.
- Resources: Easy access to caves, shipwrecks, and the Testing Station.
- Quests: Ideal for completing early main story missions.
Best Overall Base Location
Once you’ve progressed through the early quests and unlocked the Vermillius Gap, consider setting up a permanent base at Jabal Eifrit Al-Janub. This spot is the ultimate choice for long-term survival due to its central location and abundance of resources. It’s still on rocky terrain (safe from sandworms), and it’s near Carbon Ore deposits, other metals, moisture-sealed caves, and a shipwreck. Plus, it’s just a short sandbike ride from the nearest Tradepost, making it convenient for trading and resupplying.
Why Jabal Eifrit Al-Janub?
- Resource-Rich: Surrounded by ores, caves, and shipwrecks.
- Convenience: Close to the Tradepost for easy access.
- Safety: Rocky terrain ensures sandworm protection.
- Central Access: Perfect for exploring all of Arrakis.
Base Building Tips for Dune: Awakening
Building a base isn’t just about picking a spot—it’s about making it functional and efficient. Here are some expert tips to help you get the most out of your base in Dune: Awakening:
- Keep It Compact: Focus on essential structures like the Blood Purifier (for health) and Ore Refinery (for processing materials). A small, efficient base is easier to manage.
- Use Outposts: Take advantage of Sub-Fiefs to set up smaller outposts near key resources or points of interest.
- Save Blueprints: Use the Solido Replicator to save your base designs. This requires Granite Stone and Salvaged Metal but makes rebuilding a breeze.
- Strategic Location: Always build near shipwrecks, Imperial Testing Stations, and ore deposits to minimize travel time.
- Water Management: Position your base near Dew Flowers and use the Dew Reaper to collect water at dawn. Store it in Literjons for later use.
- Protect Your Sandbike: Build a garage to shelter your sandbike. It doesn’t need to be fully enclosed, but it should shield your vehicle from the elements until you research the Vehicle Backup Tool.
Comparison of Base Locations
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of the two best base locations in Dune: Awakening:
| Aspect | Early-Game Base (Hagga Basin South) | Overall Best Base (Jabal Eifrit Al-Janub) |
| Safety | Safe from sandworms on rocky terrain | Safe from sandworms on rocky terrain |
| Resource Access | Good (caves, shipwrecks, Testing Station) | Excellent (ores, caves, shipwrecks) |
| Quest Proximity | Ideal for early quests | Suitable for all stages |
| Permanence | Temporary | Permanent |
| Travel Convenience | Close to Tradepost | Short sandbike ride to Tradepost |
Must-Have Structures for Your Base
Every base needs certain structures to function effectively. Here are the essentials for your Dune Awakening base:
- Blood Purifier: Restores health and keeps you alive.
- Ore Refinery: Processes raw ores into usable materials.
- Dew Reaper: Collects water from Dew Flowers at dawn.
- Garage: Protects your sandbike from the harsh environment.
- Crafting Stations: Workbenches for tools, weapons, and other gear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players can slip up when building a base. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for in Dune: Awakening:
- Building on Sand: Always choose rocky terrain to avoid sandworm attacks.
- Ignoring Water Sources: Water is scarce on Arrakis—build near Dew Flowers.
- Overbuilding: A smaller base is easier to manage and defend.
- Not Saving Blueprints: Use the Solido Replicator to save time on rebuilding.
- Neglecting Defense: While PvE is the focus, consider future updates might bring PvP elements—think about defensive structures.
FAQ: Expert Answers to Your Base Building Questions
Got questions about base building in Dune: Awakening? Here are some expert-level answers, inspired by insights from gaming communities and resources like PC Gamer:
Q: Where’s the best spot for my first base?
A: Definitely near the Tradepost in Hagga Basin South. Build on the rocky areas below to stay safe from sandworms while having access to resources and early quests.
Q: What resources should I prioritize near my base?
A: Water is crucial, so build near Dew Flowers for the Dew Reaper. Ores like Carbon Ore and metals are essential for crafting, so stay close to deposits. Shipwrecks and Imperial Testing Stations also provide valuable materials.
Q: How can I protect my base from other players?
A: While Dune: Awakening focuses on PvE in Haga Basin, building in less trafficked areas and using defensive structures (like walls) can help. Keep an eye on future updates for potential PvP features.
Q: What’s the best way to design my base for efficiency?
A: Keep it compact with essential stations like the Blood Purifier and Ore Refinery. Position it near resources to save travel time and maximize productivity.
Q: Can I move my base if I find a better location?
A: Absolutely. Bases are disposable, and you can relocate as you progress. Use the Solido Replicator to save blueprints and rebuild quickly.
Conclusion: Your Key to Surviving Arrakis
Building a base in Dune: Awakening is both a necessity and an art. By choosing the right location—starting with Hagga Basin South for early-game safety and moving to Jabal Eifrit Al-Janub for long-term success—and following these expert tips, you can create a stronghold that protects you from Arrakis’s dangers while serving as your hub
