When I first stepped onto the scorching sands of Arrakis in Dune: Awakening, I knew that base building would be my top priority. But nothing prepared me for the fierce competition over the best spots—the strategic value of a base location here cannot be overstated! After trying out a couple of less optimal sites, I eventually secured a spot near Aren’s Refuge, and it transformed my game Dune Awakening Solari.

Why Aren’s Refuge?
This rocky island is perfectly nestled between two major landmarks: Griffin’s Reach Trading Post and Imperial Research Station Nº2. This means I got easy access to critical resources and had minimal downtime when preparing to head out on quests or gather essentials. The area is also ringed by several unique schematic chests. Every 45 minutes, these refill with loot, which gave me a steady influx of blueprints and materials for upgrading my gear. It's like having a treasure trove in your backyard!

Tips for Surviving and Thriving Here
If you’re a new player, take your time exploring Aren’s Refuge’s surroundings. Not only will you find camp after camp of bandits (great for combat practice and loot), but you’ll also gain easy access to critical resource nodes like water and metal. I recommend setting a timer for schematic chests—make a circuit, grab what you need, and keep upgrading.

When you squad up, Aren’s Refuge becomes a hive of activity. We often split up, each member hitting a different camp or chest. When the area is contested (which it often is), communication is key. Share loot, cover each other’s backs, and you’ll soon outperform lone wolves.

PvP and Bandit Threats
Bandits are everywhere, but they’re manageable—what’s trickier is other players. I found that while Aren’s Refuge is attractive for all the reasons I dreamt of, it also means you’ll get visitors. Defending your turf adds real adrenaline, especially during peak hours. My advice? Always upgrade your defenses, and stash your best gear in a hidden chest or vault.

The Takeaway
To anyone starting out in Dune: Awakening, snag a spot near Aren’s Refuge if you can. It offers the best of both worlds: abundant resources and enough action to keep things interesting. Plus, you’ll get a taste of what makes base-building on Arrakis so dynamic and rewarding Dune Awakening Items!