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The desert of Arrakis is faceless and unforgiving, but one of the tools inDune: Awakeningcan help map out the endless rocks and dunes.The Survey Probeis an item the player discovers during the Tutorial, and it’s a handy item that can be used to view important locations throughout the region.
A Survey Probe won’t show the player everything, but it can see Trading Posts, Imperial Testing Stations, and Moisture Caves. Players are required to build and use one as part of the “A Touch of Civilization” quest,which is one of manysteps in the long crafting chain that makes up a section of the Tutorial.
The player will need to build a Fabricator to build a Survey Probe, which was part of an earlier quest in this same chain.
Unlocking And Building The Survey Probe
Zantara Guides The Player Through The Process
The Tutorial walks the playerthrough this process initially, which includes taking an initial reading from a high vantage point. Not only does the player make a Survey Probe, but they also have to craft a device to launch it. The Survey Probe Launcher is also made using the Fabricator, and each item requires one copper ingot to make.
The Launcher is reusable, so as long as the character’s backpack doesn’t get eaten by a sandworm, they should be able to use this one until it gets upgraded or needs repairs.
Use A High Vantage Point
Mind The Stamina And Thirst Level
Using the Survey Probe requires a high vantage point, which sounds easy at first. The tall rocky outcroppings that are scattered throughout the desert make ideal sites,but just because the wormscan’t reach that high doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous.
When scaling the high cliffs, remember that characters are vulnerable to Sun Exposure, Thirst, and running out of Stamina. Players are advised to find the shady side of the rocks, bring a Blood Sack for hydration, and keep an eye on that green bar. When climbing, if their Stamina runs out and the player falls from that height, it likely means instant death.
The Survey probe works just as well at night, so one way to avoid the Sun Exposure problem would be to set out for an evening climb. This can also mean fewer Bandits and Scavengers to compete with, depending on the chosen location.
Launching The Probe
Reveals A Section Of The Map
Whatever high point the player decides to use, they shouldn’t be blocked by cliffs or rocks, and it also helps to havea clear, unblocked viewin every direction.
The Survey Probe won’t find certain perilous things and places, like the sandworms, and it also doesn’t detect whether or not enemies are present. It does find resources, which include both minerals and moisture, but not quest items.
