How to Unlock and Fly the Ornithopter – Dune: Awakening Guide
The Ornithopter is one of the most essential vehicles in Dune: Awakening. It allows you to travel quickly across the desert, escape sandworms, scout for spice, and access remote zones. This guide will walk you through how to unlock the ornithopter, fuel and fly it, and avoid common mistakes.
How to Unlock the Ornithopter in Dune: Awakening
Step 1: Progress Through the Main Story
To unlock the ornithopter, you must advance the main questline until you reach the Hagga Basin region. The game will introduce vehicle mechanics and prompt you to construct your first thopter.
Step 2: Acquire or Craft Ornithopter Parts
You need the following components to build your ornithopter:
- Ornithopter Frame
- Engine Unit
- Wing Assemblies
- Power Source
These items can be crafted using the Fabricator or purchased through vendors or the trade network if available.
Step 3: Use a Vehicle Pad or Construction Terminal
After gathering the necessary materials:
- Find a vehicle pad at a base or major settlement.
- Access the Construction Terminal and select “Ornithopter.”
- Confirm the build and wait for the completion timer.
- Once built, it will be stored in your vehicle inventory.
How to Fuel the Ornithopter
Your ornithopter requires fuel cells to operate. You can:
- Craft fuel using refined resources (e.g., synthetic compounds or biofuel).
- Purchase fuel from vendors.
- Store fuel directly in the ornithopter’s inventory before takeoff.
Tip: Always keep backup fuel in your inventory to avoid being stranded.
How to Fly the Ornithopter
Controls and Operation
- Launch: Approach the ornithopter and interact to board. Press the key to lift off (default: Space or equivalent on controller).
- Movement: Use directional controls (WASD or joystick) to steer.
- Altitude: Climb and descend using dedicated keys (often Shift/Ctrl or up/down).
- Map Navigation: Use your map to plan routes and mark spice fields or safe landing zones.
Tips for Flying Safely
- Avoid flying too close to the sand for long periods—worms can still surface.
- Do not land near spice harvesters or thumpers unless you’re ready for conflict.
- Watch wind direction and storm warnings; sandstorms can cause crash damage or force landings.
Where to Store and Repair the Ornithopter
- Park your thopter near player bases or safe zones.
- Use a Repair Station to fix damage using basic resources.
- You can call the ornithopter back to you using the Vehicle Recall feature from your map if stranded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to refuel: Always check your fuel level before departure.
- Landing in PvP zones: Hostile players may camp spice fields or bases.
- Not using altitude: Higher flying reduces risk of worm detection and PvP sniping.
Advanced Uses for the Ornithopter
- Spice Farming: Scout for low-traffic spice fields in the Deep Desert.
- Escape Vehicle: Use as a quick escape when PvP or worms become a threat.
- Exploration: Reach map regions that are inaccessible on foot due to terrain or heat exposure.