Listen, when I first landed on Arrakis in Dune Awakening, I thought slapping together a boring square base would do the trick. Spoiler: it didn’t. Sandstorms laughed at my sad granite cube, and my friends on the server mocked its lack of style. But after some trial, error, and a few spice-fueled building sprees, I’ve got five killer tips to help you build a base that’s functional, gorgeous, and worthy of a Fremen’s respect. Let’s dive into our Top 5 Best Tips for Base Building in Dune Awakening, and make your Arrakis stronghold the envy of Hagga Basin.
1. Break the Box Mold
Nobody wants to live in a giant granite shoebox. Trust me, I tried, and it was as exciting as watching paint dry in the desert.
Instead of one big, blocky base, think of your build as a cluster of smaller boxes pieced together like a puzzle.
This approach adds depth and makes your base look way more interesting.
- How to do it: Start with a core structure, then attach smaller sections with different shapes. Add a raised platform here, a sloped roof there, or even a tower for flair.
- Why it works: Mixing sizes and levels creates visual variety, making your base feel like a lived-in outpost rather than a storage shed.
- Pro tip: Use the Solido Construction Projector to experiment with layouts before committing resources. It’s like sketching before you paint a masterpiece.
My main base in Hagga Basin started as a single room, but I added a wing for crafting and a raised lookout.
Now it feels like a proper desert fortress, not a cube.
2. Mix Up Your Wall Textures
Ever walk into a base where every wall looks the same? Yawn. Dune Awakening gives you tons of wall variants in each building set, so don’t stick to one boring style.
Mixing textures adds personality without needing a PhD in architecture.
- Try this: Use the CHOAM Level 1 set for starters and swap between curved walls, straight panels, and windowed sections. For example, I put curved walls on the bottom layer of my base and added windowed ones higher up for a sleek look.
- Faction flair: If you’re aligned with Atreides or Harkonnen, their sets (unlocked at Faction Level 2 for 80,000 Solari) offer unique styles. But don’t be afraid to mix them for a custom vibe – just avoid clashing aesthetics.
- Quick tip: Toggle the Construction Tool (RMB/R3) to preview textures. It’s a lifesaver for picking the right vibe.
I used straight walls for my storage area and bulged sections near the entrance.
It’s subtle, but it makes my base feel less like a bunker and more like a home.
3. Craft Custom Windows for Style and Function
Windows in Dune Awakening aren’t just for show; they let in light and can double as entrances. But the default options can feel limiting.
That’s where custom windows come in, especially with the Atreides set, though other sets work too.
Two Easy Window Hacks in Dune Awakening
- Half-Wall Window: Place a half wall, then add an open passageway above it. This creates a tall, open-air window perfect for PvE bases. It’s great for letting in light and offering quick access during sandstorms.
- Railing Gap Window: Build walls on either side of a gap, then place a railing or railing gate in the middle. Top it with a passageway. For taller builds, stack vertical window pieces (Atreides Stronghold set) to extend them upward.
- Why it’s awesome: These windows look slick and let you or friendly players slip in and out easily. Just don’t use them in PvP unless you want uninvited guests.
- Where to use: I built a half-wall window near my crafting stations in Hagga Basin. It lets in dawn light and makes my base feel less claustrophobic.
Experiment with the 2×1 passageway for wider windows if you’ve got space.
It’s a small touch that makes your base stand out.
4. Chase the Sun for Natural Light
Arrakis’s sun is brutal, but it’s also your best friend for making a base feel alive.
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so plan your windows and skylights to catch that golden glow.
- East-facing windows: Perfect for morning light to brighten your crafting area.
- West-facing windows: Great for evening vibes when you’re chilling after a spice run.
- Skylights: Use open passageways or railings on the roof for midday sun. I added a skylight above my Blood Purifier station, and the light makes it feel like a sci-fi lab.
Planning for natural light isn’t just aesthetic – it saves on Glowglobes and Fuel Cells for lighting.
My base near Griffin’s Tradepost has an eastern window that lights up my storage racks at dawn, and it’s honestly a mood-lifter.
5. Add Shape with Roof Covers and Wall Triangles
Want to make your base look less blocky without spending hours? Roof covers and wall triangles are your secret weapons.
These pieces aren’t just for roofs – they can smooth out awkward edges and add flair.
- Roof covers: Hang them under overhangs to soften sharp edges. I used them under my main entrance’s overhang, and it went from clunky to polished.
- Wall triangles: Place them under gates or platforms to blend sections together. They’re great for hiding ugly transitions, like where my Atreides gate meets the upper platform.
- Low effort, high reward: These pieces use minimal resources (like Granite or Scrap Metal) but add tons of shape.
I slapped some roof covers under my Hagga Basin base’s extended roof, and it instantly looked less like a warehouse.
Try it! It’s like adding spice to a bland dish.
Honorable Mention: Steal Ideas from Neo-Brutalist Architecture
Struggling for inspiration? I was too until I stumbled across a gem on the Dune Awakening Reddit: neo-brutalist architecture.
Search it up online, and you’ll find blocky, concrete designs that scream Arrakis.
Think angular shapes, exposed textures, and bold silhouettes.
- How to use it: Look at neo-brutalist buildings for ideas on stacking boxes or creating sharp, clean lines. I based one of my outpost designs on a neo-brutalist museum, and it fits Dune’s vibe perfectly.
- Why it works: The style’s raw, geometric look matches the game’s aesthetic, especially for CHOAM or Harkonnen sets.
Check out sites like Pinterest or architecture blogs for quick inspiration.
It’s a game-changer for planning your next build.
Keep Building, Keep Exploring
There you go – five ways to turn your Dune Awakening base from a boring box into a desert masterpiece. Whether you’re stacking boxes, mixing textures, or chasing sunlight, these tips will make your base functional and easy on the eyes.
Start small, experiment, and don’t be afraid to tear it down and try again – Arrakis rewards the bold. Got a killer base design? Drop it in the comments on GamersandGeek.com, and let’s see who’s ruling Hagga Basin in style. Now grab that Construction Tool and build something epic!
