MeinMMO reveals to you in the guide to Dune: Awakening where you can find the 8 trials of Aql for the main questline of the survival MMO.
In the main questline of Dune: Awakening, it is your task to find the Fremen on Arrakis. For this, you must master 8 so-called trials of Aql. The tricky part is mainly finding the entrances to the caves where the altars are located, from where you start the trials.
In some cases, you can uncover these by using a surveying probe to reveal a region. However, some cave entrances are so well hidden that they remain concealed from the probes. Therefore, MeinMMO informs you in this guide where you can find all 8 trials and what special features to consider about the trials.
The release trailer for Dune Awakening:
The first trial of Aql
Where is the entrance? In the Southern Hagga Basin, at the central rock formation, slightly northwest of the Keyhole Rock. The quest “The first trial of Aql” also shows the location on the map:
When you reach the altar and inhale the spice, the trial begins.
What should be noted? Simply follow the linear path and make sure that the Watchers do not see you. So dash from cover to cover or only move when the eye closes or moves away from you.
The second trial of Aql
Where is the entrance? In the Eastern Vermillius Gorge, located in the mountains south of “The Anvil”, near Arens Post. You reach the entrance through the cave “The Deep Struggle”.
What should be noted? Use the Static Compactor to extinguish fires, trigger poison traps, and create platforms in the air.
The third trial of Aql
Where is the entrance? Far in the west of the Western Vermillius Gorge, slightly northeast of the Flatrock Outpost, lies the cave of the lost pilgrim. You can reach the entrance directly via a staircase. Follow the path, incapacitate the enemies, and delve deeper into the cave until you reach the destroyed altar.
What should be noted? Since the altar is destroyed, you can only listen to a Shigadrat recording there to complete the quest.
The fourth trial of Aql
Where is the entrance? This is located at the highest point of the Eastern Vermillius Gorge, near the peak of Mirzabah’s head. So prepare for a climbing adventure. Work your way from ledge to ledge, preferably using the grappling hook. At a certain point, parts of the ascent are well marked by destroyed stairs, climbing ropes, and similar.
When you enter the cave “The Hollow Hammer”, the worst is done.
What should be noted? In this trial, you will face a combat challenge, where initially you have only a Crysmesser available. After a while, you will come into contact with spice, which will give you access to three powerful abilities. After successfully completing the trial, you may use the spice for your own purposes.
The fifth trial of Aql
Where is the entrance? This trial is hidden deep in the gorges of the Hagga Rift, specifically southeast of the wreck of the Kytheria, directly above the transition marked on the map. However, approach the point on the map from above and let yourself fall down through the gap there, which will almost land you directly in front of the stairs leading to the altar.
What should be noted? You need to cross quicksand, overcome a level section by climbing without touching the ground, and distract a sandworm.
The sixth trial of Aql
Where is the entrance? In the northeast of Jabal Eifrit Al-sharq. It’s best to first take the Swordmaster’s basics quest “Post Check”, which leads you to the Devil’s Eye cave, where the entrance to the sixth trial is also located.
What should be noted? Again, only a destroyed altar awaits you here. Listen to the recording and then leave the cave.
The seventh trial of Aql
Where is the entrance? The next trial leads you again into the depths of the Hagga Rift. This time the entrance to the trial is further northwest, south of the Northern Bunker. Again, it’s easiest to approach from the overworld, from the north.
Directly above the map icon, you can let yourself fall down. This way you will land in the Weeping Gorge, from where you can fall deeper and deeper through small cracks until you finally reach the right level and the Red Abyss.
What should be noted? Cross the area and reach the protective tents before the sandstorms overwhelm you.
One last trial of Aql (bring Cutteray!)
Where is the entrance? You will find the last trial in the south of the Eastern Shield Wall. Travel to Pinnacle Station, keep south until Helius Gate and then drive west until you are directly above the map marker (which will not yet be displayed in the game).
Then let yourself fall down on your sandbike directly at the narrow gorge and you will land on the path that takes you to Sietch Ta’lab. Caution: There are individual enemies and traps.
What should be noted? In the following, you will need to solve some puzzles and answer questions.
- The order of the answers: 2, 2, 1, 3, 1, 3, 3
Next, a labyrinth of corridors and levels awaits you. Cross the bridge with your new companion and keep to the right at the end of the hall. Follow the path until you must clear the way with your Cutteray.
At the following intersections, first right, then left, then straight ahead. Behind the next rock, a staircase leads up to a combination puzzle where you must correctly assemble 3 lessons from 3 symbols each.
Here is the correct combination:
Follow the path until you reach the next large hall. There you will face the next puzzle, where you need to readjust a mechanism on the stairway to activate an old death distiller. You do this by rotating the three rings to the correct position.
- Rotate the middle ring until the channel faces away from the door toward the altar.
- Rotate the inner ring until the channel part there points to the altar.
- Rotate the outer ring until all channel parts form a single channel.
Interact with the altar to open the chamber. After that, watch the sequence, retrieve the recording from the vault, and exit the chamber through the corridor. Attention: When you reach the large hall at the beginning, various enemies will be waiting for you there. Fight your way through the horde and leave the chamber to complete the last trial.
What happens in the epilogue? Kari contacts you when you arrive at your base. A new quest named “Black Market Technologies” starts, which leads you to Harko Village, where you are to meet a black market dealer.
What do I need to know about Dune: Awakening? The new survival MMO from Funcom was released on June 10, 2025, for PC and takes you to the desert planet Arrakis. However, you will not encounter the well-known storyline from the books or movies, but an alternative timeline in which Paul Atreides was never born.
Hunger, thirst, sun, aggressive enemies – from the very first minute, the struggle for survival is at the forefront of Dune: Awakening. By crafting better tools, equipment, bases, vehicles, and weapons, you increasingly ease your daily life, allowing you to focus more on exploring the game world, mastering dungeons, or experiencing the story.
In large parts of the game world, you can encounter up to 39 other players. Exceptions include the two faction capitals and the Deep Desert, a vast endgame area where PvP is active almost everywhere and which fundamentally changes every week due to a storm. You can find out more in our overview: Dune: Awakening – Everything about the release on PS5, Xbox, and PC
