The harsh deserts of Arrakis present formidable challenges that only the bravest can endure. Faced with dangers from intense dehydration, relentless heat, lethal bandits, and the fearsome sandworms, players in Dune: Awakening must navigate perilous conditions right from the outset.
A significant threat aligned with the franchise’s lore is the colossal sandworm, known as Shai-Hulud by the Fremen, or “the thing of immortality.”This formidable creature can consume anything in its vicinity, resulting in players losing all items in their inventory if they fall victim to its deadly grasp.
To advance beyond the initial zone in the game, players will inevitably need to traverse the expansive plains while evading being devoured. Although it’s feasible to cross these vast areas on foot, success largely relies on luck and the right gear. Utilizing a vehicle not only enhances safety but significantly increases efficiency in your travels.
As the game necessitates the abandonment of your initial base, it’s prudent to ensure that you and your belongings reach your subsequent destination unscathed.
Unlocking Sandbike Components
Similar to other tools in Dune: Awakening, researching is a prerequisite for constructing the Sandbike. Access your character menu, navigate to the skills and inventory section, and select the Research tab on the top. You’ll need to research the Sandbike Mk1 Assembly under the Copper Products category to unlock the required tools and components:
- Welding Torch Mk1
- Welding Wire
- Sandbike Hull Mk1
- Sandbike Chassis Mk1
- Sandbike Tread Mk1
- Sandbike Engine Mk1
- Sandbike PSU Mk1
- Sandbike Inventory Mk1
After unlocking these components as you level up, you’ll need to utilize a Fabricator to craft them. Prioritize assembling the Welding Torch and Welding Wire, as they are essential for the subsequent assembly of Sandbike parts.
Locating Sandbike Crafting Materials
The initial components of the Sandbike require two primary materials: Copper Ingots and Advanced Servoks. To manufacture Copper Ingots, you’ll need Copper Ore alongside a Small Ore Refinery, so ensure you have these facilities established before attempting vehicle construction.
Copper Ore is relatively abundant throughout the game, identifiable by its blue stone appearance. To mine it effectively, craft a Cutteray Mk1. Use this device to scan stone deposits and methodically extract large quantities of ore, optimizing your gathering process over simply picking up loose ore from the ground.
Acquiring Advanced Servoks is slightly more intricate, requiring a trip to an Imperial Testing Station where they can be looted from inside. These components are generally found within white chests and boxes, alongside ammunition and other valuable crafting resources.
To facilitate resource tracking, consulting your map will help identify locations for both Ore and Imperial Testing Stations. Moreover, launching a Survey Probe in your vicinity significantly aids in pinpointing these resources.
Assembling the Sandbike
Once you have amassed the necessary materials, you can create the individual components of the Sandbike using your Fabricator. Ensure you have adequate inventory space to transport all parts, as you will need to manually assemble the bike with the Welding Torch.
Once the components are in your inventory, equip the Welding Torch, then select the Sandbike Chassis Mk1. Position it on the ground, and proceed to attach the Hull, Engine, and PSU. Treads can be affixed in any sequence, with optional features like an extra seat or additional inventory space available for the rear.
If you find it necessary to disassemble the bike, simply choose the disassemble option from the menu while equipped with the Welding Torch. Additionally, you’ll find customization and repair options; for now, ensure your Sandbike is ready for fueling and your first exhilarating journey across the sands.
To fuel your Sandbike, craft a Small Vehicle Fuel Cell using the Small Chemical Refinery, which requires Copper Ingots and Fuel Cells. Once you have your fuel cell, fill up your Sandbike and prepare for your adventure.
Bear in mind, however, that the Sandbike Mk1 lacks the speed to outrun a charging sandworm. With a maximum speed around 70, it’s essential to navigate quickly between rock formations and steer clear of both quicksand and drumsand. Red circles on your map indicate areas of hazardous sand, and losing your bike to either worms or quicksand can severely hinder your progress.
Maintenance, Upgrades, and Improvements
With your Sandbike ready for expeditions, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure its longevity. Prolonged journeys will deplete its fuel reserves and wear down components, particularly the Treads. Utilize the Welding Torch to select the repair option and restore your bike to optimal condition. Ultimately, components will degrade beyond repair, so it’s wise to maintain a stock of Welding Wire, which you can craft from Salvaged Metal via the basic character Crafting menu.
To preserve the bike’s condition, always park it in a sheltered location. Consider constructing a small garage or dedicated shelter within your base and utilize the Sandbike bays at Outposts or Settlements. Parking your bike in a safe location is vital, as storms can cause irreparable damage, leaving you to navigate the treacherous terrain on foot.
Customization options for your bike are also available, including different paint jobs found under the Swatches tab in the Welding Torch’s Customize feature. While choices may be limited, it can give your vehicle a personalized touch.
As you progress, you can unlock and assemble Mk2 and more advanced models similarly. Although the materials required become progressively complex, a Vehicle Fabricator can be built. Components can be mixed, allowing you to combine parts from different models, which means you don’t always have to construct a new bike from scratch.
Finally, several rare components obtained from enemy bases and traders can enhance your Sandbike, including Boosters and Scanners that expand its functionality. Keep in mind that only one major upgrade can be fitted at any time; I highly recommend enhancing your inventory capacity first, as you’ll want to accumulate resources for your base early in the game.
Equipped with this knowledge, you are now prepared to explore more of Arrakis. In time, you’ll even be able to construct larger vehicles and potentially your very own Ornithopter for personal travel.
Leave a Reply