Here’s how to unlock the Planetologist class in Dune Awakening, including where to find the starting trainer location on Arrakis.
Dune Awakening drops you into a brutal open-world survival MMO set on the unforgiving planet of Arrakis. As you explore, build, and fight for resources, you’ll also need to pick a class that matches your strengths. There are five in total: Trooper, Swordmaster, Mentat, Bene Gesserit, and Planetologist, and each one opens up a completely different playstyle.
If you’re interested in scanning the desert, gathering valuable resources, and mastering survival in extreme environments, the Planetologist might be the right fit. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to unlock the class and walk you through where to find the trainers tied to its skill tree progression.
How to Unlock the Planetologist Class
You won’t see the Planetologist as an option during character creation. Instead, you’ll need to complete a quest chain started by a specific NPC: Derek Chinara.
To find him, head to Hagga Basin South, just east of Griffin’s Reach Tradepost. Look for a high ridge above Imperial Testing Station No. 2. That’s where Chinara is usually set up. Sometimes he appears a bit off from his usual camp (thanks to a known bug), so check around the nearby rock formations if he’s not immediately visible.
Once you speak to him, you’ll begin the quest “Minimic Film Recovery”. It sends you into the depths of Testing Station No. 2, which is crawling with scavengers. Work your way through the facility until you reach the lower level, then look for a hidden office behind a glowing bookcase. Inside a suitcase, you’ll find the Minimic Film.
Return it to Derek, and just like that, you’ll unlock the Planetologist skill tree and start earning perks focused on exploration and survival.
Planetologist Trainer Locations – Full List
Derek Chinara is your go-to trainer for everything Planetologist-related. He’s not like the other class trainers who stay put; instead, he moves around the map as you complete his quests. Each time you advance, he’ll pop up at a new Imperial Testing Station somewhere on Arrakis.
Tip
Keep in mind that some Testing Station has hostile enemies, so be prepared before heading out. Bring water, ammo, and gear suited for PvE encounters.
Here’s where to find him at each stage of progression:
Hagga Basin South
- Imperial Testing Station No. 2
- Starting point for the class unlock quest
- You’ll find Derek on a cliff above the lab
West Vermilius Gap
- Imperial Testing Station No. 197
- Needed to unlock higher-tier Planetologist abilities
Jabal Eifrit (Al-Janub region)
- Imperial Testing Station No. 76
- Mid-tier advancement location for Planetologist upgrades
Hagga Rift
- Imperial Testing Station No. 29
- Found in the northwestern corner of the Rift
The O’odham Region
- Imperial Testing Station No. 71
- Imperial Testing Station No. 163
- Both labs are located in the southern part of the region
As you progress through the Planetologist questline, Derek’s location won’t always be marked. If he vanishes, check his last known camp; he often leaves behind a note or a map showing where he’s headed next. It’s worth investigating these hints to keep your progression on track.
Before You Go
If you’re looking to really master the Planetologist, make sure to check out our full guides:
