With the highly anticipated launch of Dune: Awakening just around the corner, thousands of players are about to be dropped into the vast, unforgiving deserts of Arrakis for the very first time. As with any major MMO survival release, the influx of new players, especially those going it solo, will need to rapidly adapt to the game's systems to not just survive but thrive.

While Dune: Awakening includes a surprisingly robust tutorial system through its Journey feature (which covers the basics like crafting, base-building, fuel cell usage, and more), there are several advanced strategies and overlooked mechanics that solo players in particular should understand from the start. This article breaks down the key advice that will help new players avoid early mistakes and establish a strong foundation in the Haga Basin South.

1. The Journey System is Your Friend (But Not Infallible)

Let's start with the good news: Dune: Awakening does not leave players in the dark. The Journey system—the game's structured tutorial—walks you through the essentials such as crafting your first tools, creating a base, harvesting materials, Dune: Awakening Solari and more. It's compatible with both mouse & keyboard and controllers, which makes it accessible to all playstyles.

But here's the catch: while the Journey system covers the “what”, it doesn't always explain the “why” or “how much it matters”. That's where player experience comes into play.

One major example? The Respawn Beacon.

2. Why Respawn Beacons Are Crucial for Solo Players

The Journey system will prompt you to craft your first Respawn Beacon early on. Many players will craft it just to advance the tutorial, then forget about it entirely. Big mistake.

When you die in Dune: Awakening, you're given several respawn options: your home base, a nearby trading post, or any active Respawn Beacon you've placed. If you haven't manually placed a beacon, you risk respawning halfway across the map. And while you don't lose gear on death (like in Rust or Ark), you will lose a portion of your inventory materials, potentially rare or difficult-to-replace items.

For solo players, long-distance corpse runs can be especially punishing. You're vulnerable, probably low on resources, and that 20-minute walk back to your death location might expose you to NPC ambushes or desert hazards.

Pro tip: Anytime you're pushing into a new area—especially dungeons, NPC camps, or Eco-Labs—drop a Respawn Beacon at the entrance. Treat it like a temporary checkpoint. It will save you hours in the long run.

3. Choose Your First Base Location Wisely in Haga Basin South

All new players begin in Haga Basin South, the game's universal starter zone. However, your exact spawn location is randomized, meaning your first few minutes will vary.

Eventually, the Journey system will instruct you to build your first base. But don't rush to place that land claim. Take some time to scout your surroundings. What you're looking for is:

· Proximity to Fuel Cells – Fuel Cells are the lifeblood of early progression. They power:

  o Your base's generators

  o Crafting machines

  o Your sandbike (once you get one)

  o And later, shield systems and environmental defenses

These nodes respawn over time, so having consistent access is a massive bonus.

· Nearby Dew Sources – These are your earliest water supply. While you'll eventually get more advanced water systems (like blood refinement and crafting), dew is a free, clean water source that will keep your suit hydrated early on.

· Scavenged Metal Zones – Look for scattered tech debris, especially near rock formations or ruined structures. These areas often have an abundance of scrap metal, which you'll need in bulk.

· Enemy Camps Within Reach – These are great for early combat experience, loot drops, and, eventually, blood harvesting. You'll need this for both water crafting and certain base systems. Fighting NPCs also helps you understand enemy AI patterns and gear scaling.

If you can locate an area that checks most or all of these boxes, you'll be well-positioned to expand efficiently.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Build Two Starter Bases

Here's a tip most players don't realize until much later: you can have more than one base.

Your first base can be a temporary outpost. Then, once you gain access to better locations (such as those near the trading post or quest hubs), it's completely valid to pack up and relocate.

Thanks to the Blueprint and Deconstruction system, this is incredibly painless. When dismantling a base:

· You regain most, if not all, of the resources spent.

· You can then re-use those materials at your new location.

This means there's no real punishment for changing your mind. As a solo player, feel free to test different layouts and locations. Just be sure to manually deconstruct your old structures before “abandoning” the base via the Sub-Thief terminal (your land-claim device), or you'll lose those resources.

5. Building Near the Trading Post Offers Major Perks

Without giving away story spoilers, there is a trading post in Haga Basin South that becomes an important hub early on. While the game doesn't push this hard, you'll find yourself returning to it multiple times for:

· Quests

· Blueprint unlocks

· Gear upgrades

· Vendor access

If you can, consider building your main base within a short travel distance of this post. It significantly reduces downtime when turning in quests, restocking supplies, or engaging in trading.

That said, exploration is the core of the experience, so don't feel confined to one spot. Use outposts or respawn beacons as temporary stations during long treks.

6. Understanding Death: What You Lose, What You Keep

Let's demystify death in Dune: Awakening a bit more. When you die:

· You keep all your equipped gear (weapons, armor, suit upgrades)

· You lose a random portion of your inventory items

· You can return to your corpse to retrieve what was lost

This means that while dying isn't devastating, it's still costly, especially if you're carrying rare materials, refined fuels, or quest items. Combine this with the long respawn distances if you haven't placed a beacon, and it's clear why smart solo players treat death as more than just an inconvenience.

7. What “Abandoning” a Base Really Means

Eventually, your Journey progression will tell you to abandon your base and move to a new zone. The game doesn't fully explain what this means. So here's the breakdown:

· You are NOT being told to delete your structures blindly.

· What it means is: you need to remove your Sub-Thief terminal (the land claim device that marks your base's area).

· Before doing this, manually deconstruct all your structures—walls, floors, refiners, harvesters, etc.

· This gives you the full return of spent resources.

· Then you can safely “abandon” the base to fulfill the tutorial requirements and move forward.

This lesson teaches you that bases are flexible and temporary if you want them to be. You'll eventually move into more dangerous zones that offer better rewards, but harder enemies, harsher storms, and resource scarcity.

8. Tips for Efficient Solo Progression

Soloing in Dune: Awakening isn't impossible, but it is a different experience from playing in a clan. Here's how to make it smoother:

A. Travel Light, Travel Smart

· Only bring essentials on long treks: weapons, a repair kit, basic food/water, and a Respawn Beacon.

· Use storage containers in your base liberally—don't risk losing rare resources on long journeys.

B. Fight NPCs Strategically

· Many camps are guarded by 2-4 enemies, often with ranged weapons.

· Use terrain and cover to isolate enemies and avoid being overwhelmed.

· Focus on looting blood vials, tech scraps, and ammo.

C. Prioritize Upgrades That Save Time

· Get your sandbike as soon as possible—it drastically reduces travel time.

· Upgrade your Still Suit to improve hydration efficiency and reduce downtime.

· Build refiners early to turn raw material into usable components automatically.

Final Thoughts: Dune is Harsh, But It Rewards Preparation

Dune: Awakening promises to be one of the most immersive MMO survival games released in recent years. The brutality of Arrakis is baked into the design—scarce water, deadly enemies, intense weather, and a constant need to adapt.

But for solo players who take the time to understand mechanics like respawn beacons, base placement, and travel logistics, the game offers an empowering, deeply satisfying survival loop.

Use the Journey system to learn. Use your instincts to thrive.

Looking for more advanced tips, hidden tech tree unlocks, or elite zone guides? Stay tuned for more post-launch breakdowns.