Player progression in Dune: Awakening involves researching tech, crafting gear, and completing story quests. The Trials of Aql fall under the latter category, and they unlock major milestones in the player's journey across Arrakis. Apart from progressing the narrative, they also unlock important tech and powers for you to use, making them invaluable.
The game will lead players toward the first trial, but as far as the Second Trial of Aql is concerned, everyone is on their own. Exploration plays a big part in Dune: Awakening's experience, but if you just want to get this part of the game over with, here's a guide showing you where to go and what to do.
Dune: Awakening - Second Trial of Aql Location
The Second Trial of Aql is located in Eastern Vermillius Gap, inside a Moisture Cave called The Deep Struggle, and it's marked purple instead of the usual orange. The cave entrance is hidden deep in the cliffs — simply follow the marker to reach it. Scale the walls if you must. Once you find it, cut open the seal and proceed through the tunnels. The trial altar is deep underground.
The Second Trial of Aql
The second trial is pretty straightforward, much like the first one. It's one big linear path from start to finish, and instead of hiding from eyes, the Second Trial of Aql will provide you with a Static Compactor, which you can use to extinguish environmental hazards and create platforms.
There's not much else to say here. Follow the path, use your Static Compactor to get rid of obstacles, and keep going until you reach the end. After the trial, you'll wake up at the Deep Struggle again, and you'll be free to explore the rest of Vermillius Gap however you want.
Rewards
By completing the Second Trial of Aql in Dune: Awakening, you'll unlock the Static Compactor Schematic. This is a gathering tool that's used to clump up Flour Sand and Spice, making it easier for players to collect. Flour Sand is required to make Silicone Blocks, which are needed for essential early game equipment and gear upgrades, including many Unique items.
Players shouldn't feel pressured to finish the Second Trial of Aql, however. Flour Sand can be gathered by hand from white sand patches, and most enemies and containers in Vermillius Gap also drop Flour Sand too. Getting the Static Compactor will make things much more convenient, but if you'd rather focus on upgrading your gear, then travelling north to find Carbon Ore to make Steel might be the better option.
There are eight Trials of Aql in total under the Find the Fremen questline, and most of them will unlock Spice and Arrakis-related items and abilities. You'll eventually want to get all of them in order to unlock the most important mechanics in the game.
Dune: Awakening
- Released
- June 10, 2025
