Time: 2025-11-07
The sands of Arrakis are shifting with the arrival of the 1.2.20.0 Public Test Client patch for Dune: Awakening, setting the stage for a November full release. This update is a game-changer, introducing vital tools that redefine survival and logistics on the desert planet.
At the heart of this patch are two landmark features: the life-altering Base Backup Tool and the long-awaited Carrier Ornithopter transport system. Since these features are currently in testing, let's explore how they work and what they mean for your journey.
Gone are the days of arduous solo treks across the dunes. The new Carrier Ornithopter allows players to airlift ground vehicles—including Harvesters, Buggies, Assault Ornithopters, and Sandbikes—between the Hagga Basin and the treacherous Deep Desert. Think of it as a fast-travel system for your prized vehicles; the inventory inside them remains perfectly safe during transit.
Key Limitations to Know:
No Passengers: For now, the Carrier Ornithopter is a solo operation. The pilot flies alone, and any companions must find their own way to the rendezvous point, though passenger functionality may be added later.
Inventory Access: After delivering a vehicle to key locations like Arrakeen, you cannot access its inventory directly via the local CHOAM Exchange.
This simple Iron Tier item, craftable with just 10 Iron Ingots, is arguably the most significant addition to the game. The Base Backup Tool (BBT) lets you pack your entire base—every wall, workstation, storage box (with all contents), and even complex wiring and plumbing—into a single, portable item.
Crucial Details and Strategic Implications:
Precision Packing: Only items completely inside your structures are saved. Outside items and vehicles must be manually stored before packing.
Solo Operation: Only the base owner can use the BBT; co-owners do not have access to this function.
Fresh Start: When you redeploy your base, everything is perfectly preserved except for permissions, which you'll need to reset.
The Duplication Dilemma: To prevent base duplication across zone lines, the BBT is currently restricted to Hagga Basin. The system will intelligently adapt your base to new terrain if the original spot is occupied.
The Ultimate Risk: If a Sandworm consumes your backed-up base, it is gone forever. Additionally, each base console has a 3-week cooldown on using the BBT.
This patch also brings a slew of refinements that make life on Arrakis smoother:
A new news subscription feature keeps you informed of developer updates directly from the main menu.
The Research UI is more responsive, and the trade interface has been visually streamlined.
New ambient music from the "Spice Wars Symphonics" station sets the mood.
Key bug fixes address issues with vehicle module damage, shield placement, and storm-related inventory clearing, creating a more stable experience.
Collectively, these changes are a clear preparation for future server merges and population consolidation. By making base relocation and long-distance travel seamless, the developers are ensuring that the sands of Arrakis remain populated with active players, which should reignite player engagement, especially in the challenging Deep Desert.
For survivors looking to get a strategic edge in this evolving landscape, securing the right resources is key. Players looking to enhance their journey can find a trusted source for Dune: Awakening in-game items and resources at MMOMAX, ensuring you're fully equipped to thrive in the new era of Arrakis.