In the unforgiving environment of Arrakis, where surviving day-to-day is a chore and water is like liquid gold, things need to be efficient. Despite how much some players of Dune: Awakening might likely gravitate towards power classes or combat builds, the Planetologist tree waits patiently, seeping into viability as one of the most basic, most essential even for those looking to rule the desert, not just survive it.
Planetologists don’t use brute force or Bene Gesserit-style mystical coercion, but they exert a gentle, utilitarian mastery over the world. Their bonuses improve your gear, facilitate travel, and give vehicles a welcome boost in this vast and unforgiving world. And the best news? You can acquire it sooner—assuming you know where to look.
How to Begin Your Life as a Planetologist?
Your own path to specialization as a Planetologist begins in Hagga Basin South, close to Imperial Testing Facility 02. In your initial “Journey” missions, you will find yourself eventually being sent to the facility as a part of the Sandbike Journey. Keep going until you discover a high cliff overlooking the testing facility. There, tucked away in a small camp, is Derek Chinara—a nomadic scientist with wide experience in planetary science.
Talk to Derek, and he’ll want to share the secrets of Planetology with you. But, as with everything on Arrakis, there’s a catch: he needs a rare artifact to verify your intentions.
Where to Find the Minimic Film (Artifact Needed)?
Next, you will need to obtain a Minimic Film, a priceless artifact of ancient technology hidden within Imperial Testing Station 02. Proceed through the station to the lower levels, taking care to note any environmental clues along the way.
Last but not least, you’ll find yourself in front of a bookshelf with a lit-up yellow book. Talk to the book, and the shelf will slide open, into a secret room. It’s an easy room to miss if you’re not attentive. There, on a round table, you’ll find the Minimic Film in a box. Take it, and prepare to head back to Derek.
Unchaining the Planetologist Skill Tree?
Once you turn over the film to Derek Chinara, he’ll have your training started and unlock access to the base level of the Planetologist tree. While this does unlock the foundation, you’ll need to invest skill points in the tree in order to derive value from it—just like with any other class specialization in Dune: Awakening.
What Does the Planetologist Tree Offer?
The career of Planetologist has three main branches, each of which is designed to get you the most output in a given area of survival and exploration:
- Scientist Tree: Focuses on improving tool efficacy so that you can collect more resources in less time and with minimal effort. Great for long expeditions and collecting under unfavorable conditions.
- Explorer Tree: Offers other mobility choices and terrain scaling abilities, which allow you to more easily traverse the dangerous, often vertical landscapes of Arrakis.
- Mechanic Tree: Offers vital vehicle upgrades, which improve performance, gas mileage, and survivability while traveling in sandstorms or being chased by the enemy.
Multiclassing and Flexibility
One of the most enticing aspects of Dune: Awakening is that it’s so class versatile. You’re never locked into one course of action. If you unlock a skill tree, you can put points in it whenever you feel like it—which lets you multiclass according to your evolving play style or changing requirements.
To gain access to more class trees, you’ll need to find other specialist trainers on the planet and complete the work they assign to you. They’re not necessarily combat trials—sometimes, for example, it’s a question of locating relics, surviving specific biomes, or making key decisions that influence faction politics.
Unlocking the Planetologist skill tree early will give you a strong edge in gathering resources, exploration, and utility—an edge that compounds the deeper you go into the unforgiving world of Arrakis. Whether you want to trade, scout, or simply survive more effectively, becoming a Planetologist is an investment you should strongly consider. Locate Derek Chinara, gain his trust, and begin your journey towards becoming a master of the secrets of Arrakis.
