The Trials of Aql are not only spiritual milestones and functional checkmarks along the way in Dune: Awakening, but also an opportunity to learn more about the Arrakis world and be rewarded with necessary items and lore that relate to the game’s master narrative. The first and second trials are relatively straightforward, but the Third Trial of Aql has stumped many a player, not because of its complexity, but because of its troublesome location.
Here’s where you should head and what to do when you arrive.
Finding the Third Trial of Aql
Unlike the first, the game does not steer you in the direction of the third. Instead, you are left with a riddle hidden deep in the Story tab of the Journey menu. These are atmospheric riddles, but they are also likely to be cryptic and easily misunderstood.
- If you want to avoid guessing, you will have to go all the way west until you reach the far western end of the Western Vermillius Gap.
- In other words, you are looking just east of Mendia’s Gate – a named Point of Interest in this region.
- Once you pass through Mendia’s Gate, you are taken into a vast, open desert landscape.
(Note: This is dangerous because Drumsand is a land that makes noise as you travel across it, which tends to attract Sandworms more than elsewhere. Unless you do not feel comfortable, you should ride through the open using a Sandbike to complete this area in the shortest time possible.)
- Go west, taking a look around for that new cluster of rocks across from Mendia’s Gate. Inside the northern part of this rock formation, you’ll find the cave: The Cave of the Lost Pilgrim.
- You’ll know you’re nearby looking for a set of stone steps cut into the side of the rock that lead straight to the opening of the cave.
How to Complete The Third Trial
When you enter the Cave of the Lost Pilgrim, your target is to locate and activate an ancient altar buried deep inside the cave. However, you have to do it first after fighting or evading the guards that stand guard at the entrance.
- The room directly in front contains a small batch of enemies, two of which are shielded, so direct combat is a little more challenging.
- Alternatively, if you’re more of a stealth or speed player than a meathead, there is a solution.
- Instead of proceeding directly into combat with the enemies, check to your left when you enter the cave.
- There should be a brief tunnel, and this will guide you past a second moisture-locked door.
- This path will loop you around the fight in the middle and have you come at the trial chamber from behind the enemy unit.
- Once past the sealed door, continue through the passageway until you reach a hallway.
- At the far end, you’ll spot a staircase. Climb the stairs, and you’ll emerge into a quiet room with a broken altar at the back.
- Walk up to the altar and look to the right-hand side. You’ll see a Shigawire recording placed there—this is the key to completing the trial.
- Pick up the recording and listen to its message. That’s it—no combat trials, no spice visions, and no puzzle-solving required. Once the recording finishes playing, the Third Trial of Aql is marked as complete.
The Third Trial of Aql is a more introspective experience than the others—easy to accomplish, yet obscured by layers of land and information.
Whether you were fighting your way through or skipping over the enemies, passing this trial progresses you further on your path and deeper into Aql’s enigma. From here, you’ll be one step closer to unlocking even greater crafting abilities and understanding your role within the sands of Arrakis.
