None have mastered Arrakis as the Fremen did. To survive in Dune: Awakening, you’ll have follow their steps and learn their way by completing hidden trials.
In the Trials of Aql, you learn all Fremen deeply understoof Arrakis and how to thrive in its hostile environment. Accessing these precious sources of information requires risking your life and getting close to being attacked by a sandworm or worse — running out of water.
Our in-progress Dune: Awakening guide will cover the location of all the trials, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost in the vast desert of Arrakis.
Trial locations in Dune: Awakening
Image: Funcom via Polygon
While progressing Duna: Awakening’s main story, you’ll want to pursue the Trials of Aql. These are special missions that, in addition to introducing more information about the Fremen (the people of Arrakis), will unlock new pieces of gear for you to craft. In our experience with the game, we know that there are at least five trials to be completed. To start a trial, you first need to find its respective Aql Altar.
The location of a trial is indicated by the quest if you enter the Journey menu and select the available missions in the “Find the Fremen” section. By clicking on “View Trial Location,” you can see an image of where the altar is. However, the game won’t tell you exactly where the location is on the map, making it a quite stressful treasure hunt.
Image: Funcom via Polygon
Below, we go over all trial locations in Dune: Awakening we’ve found so far, indicating on the map where you will find the altars.
First Trial location in Dune: Awakening
Image: Funcom via Polygon
Completing the first Trials of Aql in Dune: Awakening is part of the main quest. During the Echoes from the Past main quest, you need to find the entrance to the altar. You find the first trial on the largest rock formation in the South part of Hagga Basin South.
Image: Funcom via Polygon
Approach it from the west and follow the path upward. You’ll find an opening to your right, which will take you to Mihna Cavern, where you can interact with the altar and start the first trial. Hide from the giant eyes and make your way through the level to complete it.
Second Trial location in Dune: Awakening
Image: Funcom via Polygon
You can go after the second Trial of Aql once you enter the Eastern Vermilius Gap. This new area is more aggressive than the initial one, so be sure to apply all you have learned — and some of the tips we’ve prepared for you — so far to survive. The second Trial is located to the southeast of the largest rock formation, inside a location called the Deep Struggle.
Image: Funcom via Polygon
You will find the entrance by approaching the location from the east side, passing through a gate with a blue Eye symbol, and going up. At the top of the stairs, use your knife to open the path and then turn left to go downward into a hole that takes you to where the trial is. During this trial, you unlock the Static Compactor schematic, which allows you to collect Flour Sand.
Third Trial location in Dune: Awakening
Image: Funcom via Polygon
When it comes to finding the third Trial in Dune: Awakening, travel to the Western Vermilius Gap. The entrance is located in the large rocky area at the edge of the map. Be prepared because you will need to face a few enemies before you can enter the altar. Since you need to cross a long distance in the desert, which might call the attention of the sandworm, consider first going south to a small area.
Image: Funcom via Polygon
Once you get to the place, follow the main path upward to find the entrance. You will see lots of flags from the clans and inside the first corridor, there are three enemies to face. Two of them have shields. Defeat them and follow the only path available inside the cave. It will lead you to where the altar is. Because the Emperor’s forces destroyed the altar, there is no trial to complete.
We are still exploring Arrakis and looking for the remaining trials in Dune: Awakening. Once the path of the Fremen becomes clear to us, we will update this guide!
