Getting a buggy in Dune Awakening is a game-changer. This rugged vehicle not only helps you traverse the vast deserts of Arrakis but also turns you into a resource-gathering powerhouse. Whether you’re looking to farm ore efficiently or simply want a reliable way to avoid sandworms, securing a buggy should be high on your priority list.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from finding a free buggy early in the game to crafting your own high-performance model. Let’s dive in.
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. A buggy isn’t just another vehicle—it’s a multi-purpose machine that drastically improves your survival chances on Arrakis.
- Faster Resource Gathering – Equipped with a mining laser, the buggy harvests ores like Copper, Iron, and Aluminum at triple the speed of a handheld cutter.
- Increased Storage – With the right attachments, your buggy can carry thousands of units of ore, cutting down on tedious back-and-forth trips.
- Combat Potential – Some buggy variants can be fitted with missile launchers, making them useful in both PvE and PvP encounters.
- Storm Protection – Unlike walking or using a sandbike, a buggy offers better shelter from Arrakis’ deadly sandstorms.
Now that you know why it’s essential, let’s explore how to get one.
Method 1: Claiming a Free Buggy (Early Game Shortcut)
If you’re just starting out and don’t want to grind for materials, there’s a way to get a free buggy—though it comes with a catch.
Head to Jabal Eifrit Al-janub, specifically near Kant’s Tower. Here, you’ll often find an abandoned buggy sitting at the base of the structure. Approach it and press the interaction key (usually “F”) to claim it.
The Downsides:
- The buggy will be in terrible condition, with all parts at their lowest durability.
- It has just enough fuel to get you back to your base—no more.
- If another player has already taken it, you’ll have to wait for it to respawn.
Once you’ve secured it, drive carefully back to your base and store it under a roof to protect it from sandstorms. From there, you can slowly repair and upgrade it using a Welding Torch and replacement parts.
Method 2: Crafting Your Own Buggy (The Reliable Way)
For those who prefer a brand-new, fully functional buggy, crafting is the way to go. It’s a grind, but the payoff is worth it.
Step 1: Unlock the Buggy Blueprint
Before you can build a buggy, you need to research its components. Head to the Research Menu and unlock the following under the Steel Products tier:
- Buggy Assembly (the core blueprint)
- Buggy Cutteray (for mining)
- Buggy Storage Unit (for carrying resources)
You’ll need Intel Points, which you can earn by exploring outposts or completing missions.
Step 2: Gather the Required Materials
Building a buggy isn’t cheap. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic Mk3 model:
- Buggy Chassis: Steel Ingots (30), Advanced Servoks (21), Cobalt Paste (13), Water (135)
- Buggy Hull: Steel Ingots (30), Advanced Servoks (20), Cobalt Paste (13), Water (135)
- Buggy Engine: Steel Ingots (20), Particle Capacitors (30), Cobalt Paste (13), Complex Machinery (10), Water (135)
- Buggy Treads (x4): Steel Ingots (5 each), Advanced Servoks (7 each), Cobalt Paste (4 each), Water (45 each)
Where to Find These Materials:
- Steel Ingots: Smelt Iron Ore and Carbon Ore in a Small Ore Refinery.
- Advanced Servoks & Particle Capacitors: Loot from Imperial Testing Stations or crashed ships.
- Cobalt Paste: Refine Erythrite Crystals at a Chemical Refinery.
- Complex Machinery: Found in shipwrecks or abandoned factories.
Step 3: Build a Vehicle Fabricator
You can’t craft a buggy without a Vehicle Fabricator. To build one, you’ll need:
- Steel Ingots (40)
- Complex Machinery (30)
Once set up, use the Welding Torch to assemble each part. Start with the chassis, then add the hull, engine, and treads.
Step 4: Attach Essential Upgrades
A basic buggy is good, but a mining-equipped buggy is a game-changer. Here’s what you should add:
- Buggy Cutteray – Lets you mine resources at triple speed.
- Buggy Storage Unit – Stores all the ore you collect.
- Utility Rear Attachment – Allows you to mount additional tools like a mining laser.
Pro Tips for Buggy Owners
Now that you have your buggy, here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Always Store It Indoors
Sandstorms will decay your buggy if left outside. Park it under a roof to keep it safe.
2. Upgrade the Mining Yield
Invest in the Planetologist “Mechanic” skill tree to boost your buggy’s mining efficiency by up to 20%.
3. Plan Your Mining Routes
Fuel is precious. Map out clusters of ore nodes and fuel depots to maximize efficiency.
4. Watch for Sandworms
Buggies are loud and attract sandworms. Keep moving and avoid lingering in open deserts.
