Sandworms in Dune: Awakening – Everything You Need to Know

Sandworms are easily the most iconic—and dangerous—creatures in the Dune universe, and they’re just as terrifying in Dune: Awakening. 

Whether you’re wandering the dunes alone or caught in a PvP scramble in the Deep Desert, encountering one of these beasts can end your run fast. Here’s what you need to know to survive (or at least not lose everything).

🐍 What Are Sandworms in Dune: Awakening?

In the game, Sandworms are massive environmental hazards. The Fremen call them Shai-Hulud, and they only appear in open sand dune areas—they can’t surface on rocky terrain.

They’re attracted to vibrations:

• Footsteps
  
• Vehicles
  
• Thumpers
  
• Gunshots and explosions
  

If you’re making noise on the sand, you’re basically ringing the dinner bell.

📍 Where You’ll Find Them

• Hagga Basin (Starter Region): Smaller Sandworms, but still deadly.
  
• Deep Desert: Giant, aggressive worms—frequent in PvP zones. These monsters often leave behind Spice deposits, making them risky but rewarding targets.
  

🔊 How Vibration Lines Work

As you move across open sand, you’ll see vibration lines on-screen:

• Gray line: You’re safe for now
  
• Orange line: A Sandworm is getting close
  
• Red line: You’re in serious danger
  

Once the line turns red, stop wasting time—escape ASAP.

❌ Can You Kill or Ride a Sandworm?

• Can you ride them?
  Not yet. You will get eaten if you try. But devs haven’t ruled it out for the future.
  
• Can you kill them?
  Nope. Sandworms are invincible. Your best bet is to avoid them completely.
  

✅ How to Avoid Sandworms

Surviving a Sandworm encounter is all about planning ahead and being smart with your movement:

Basic Tips:

• Stick to rocks whenever possible
  
• Cross dunes quickly, but save your movement abilities for emergencies
  
• If you’re on foot:
  
  • Run the first half
    
  • If the vibration turns red, pop Bindu Sprint or Shigawire Claw to get out
    

Erratic movement like in the books doesn’t help here—rhythm or not, they’ll still come for you.

🚗 Vehicles & Thumpers: Bonus Strategies

• Sandbikes are a must-have early on—they’re fast and safer than walking
  
• If a Sandworm chases your vehicle, drive toward where it came from—you might actually pass over it
  
• Ornithopters (flying vehicles) are safest if you have access to one
  
• Thumpers can lure worms away when placed strategically
  
• If you’re in a group, one player can draw the worm’s attention while others escape
  
• Crouch-walking reduces vibrations—but don’t rely on it if the worm’s already too close
  
• Crossing into a new region will cause a Sandworm to stop following
  
• Build your base near rocky terrain, not on dunes
  

Nighttime doesn’t help avoid worms—but it will help you dodge heatstroke.

💀 What Happens If You Die to a Sandworm?

If you’re unlucky (or careless) and get swallowed:

• You lose all your gear, backpack items, and your vehicle if you were in one
  
• You’ll respawn at your Respawn Beacon or closest checkpoint
  

But hey—silver lining:
You get a Worm Tooth, which can be used to craft a Crysknife.

Survival Checklist

• Stick to rocks
  
• Save movement abilities
  
• Use vehicles (especially Sandbikes or Ornithopters)
  
• Watch your vibration line—red means run
  
• Build smart, travel smarter
  

Play Dune: Awakening on Steam

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• Moisture Sealed Cave Locations & Quest Guide – Dune: Awakening First Trial of Aql
• Dune: Awakening Sandbike Guide – Crafting, Refueling, Repairing, and More