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In Dune: Awakening, you’ll encounter five main classes, but the most advantageous one doesn’t unlock until you complete a side quest early in the game while exploring the Hagga Basin South on Arrakis. The Planetologist class offers skills that significantly enhance your ability to explore and gather resources, making it an ideal choice for maximizing your salvaging efforts right from the start. To access the Planetologist, seek out an NPC named Derek Chinara, who can be found at his camp near Testing Station 02.
The Planetologist class is unique among the five in that it’s not available as a starting option, meaning it lacks initial skills. Although you might stumble upon Chinara’s Camp while exploring, this crucial unlock can be overlooked if you’re not careful. Try to secure the Planetologist class as soon as you can to benefit from its survival and exploration perks.
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How To Unlock The Planetologist In Dune: Awakening
Find Chinara’s Camp & Complete A Short Side Quest
To gain access to the Planetologist class in Dune: Awakening, it’s wise to be equipped with some basic gear, such as a Stillsuit or a decent set of armor, along with a Maula Pistol and a knife to handle shielded foes. Expect some combat during this quest, but it won’t be overwhelmingly difficult.
Ensure you have plenty of ammo and understand the combat mechanics before heading into Testing Station 02. It’s also a good idea to tackle this quest alongside other main quests that require items found in the same vicinity to minimize backtracking.
You can find the Minimic Film before talking to Derek and give it to him when you reach Chinara’s Camp.
Regardless of when you visit Chinara’s Camp, talk to Derek and agree to find the Minimic Film at the Testing Station in exchange for lessons in Planetology. You’ll need to search around inside Testing Station 02 to locate the film. It’s hidden in a secret room at the bottom, behind a bookshelf that features a yellow glowing book. Activate it to reveal the hidden area where you can find the container with the Minimic Film, which you will then return to Derek.
Why You Should Unlock Dune: Awakening’s Planetologist Class Early
Planetologist Skills Are Extremely Useful In The Early Parts Of Dune: Awakening
Several skills within the Planetologist class make it worthwhile to unlock it as soon as possible. While some players may find that early tutorial lessons take around 10 hours, you can complete this quest before engaging in major progression missions. However, if you miss gathering materials for other missions in Testing Station 02, you may need to make additional trips there.
Your best strategy is to explore the Testing Station thoroughly and collect everything available.
The Planetologist class and its associated skill tree prove to be major assets in the game’s initial phases since they enhance various survival and exploration capabilities. Notably, you can boost the yields from using the Cutteray device for resources like granite and copper. Additionally, this class also helps you optimize Power Pack regeneration and significantly reduce vehicle wear, which is crucial once you obtain your first Sandbike.
These initial benefits are just the tip of the iceberg; investing in Planetologist skills throughout your journey will greatly enhance your survival odds. Overall, unlocking the Planetologist class early in Dune: Awakening could be one of your best gameplay decisions—just be sure to visit Derek Chinara’s camp during your exploration to seize those vital skills.