The Second Trial of Aqb is tucked away in Eastern Vermillius Gap, just beyond the familiar sands of the Hagga Basin starting area. If you’re progressing through the story in Dune: Awakening, this trial is your next big stop—and luckily, it’s a lot less punishing than the first one.
Where to Find the Second Trial of Aqb?
To reach the trial, you’ll have to travel through the desert and east into the Eastern Vermillius Gap. Remember that this trial will not show up on your map until you’re nearly standing on it, so don’t freak out if you can’t see it at first.
The trial is within a cave system known as The Deep Struggle, which you can find north of the Southeast Ironworks. It’s an enclosed, water-sealed cave, and you’ll encounter a handful of bandits upon entering.
(Note: Watch your footing—literally. The entrance is filled with mines, and they will cause some serious damage if you happen to set one off.)
What to Expect From the Trial?
Compared to the first trial, this one is more of a tool tutorial than a head-scratcher. It introduces the Compactor, a device that you’ll be using frequently to harvest Flour Sand later on. Once you’ve got the tool in hand, your job is simple: use it to blast away sand piles, clear traps, and get past floating sand platforms.
There aren’t any actual puzzles here—just a simple series of steps to acclimate yourself to how the Compactor operates.
Bonus Tip: Visit Imperial Testing Station 10
Since you’re already way out in Eastern Vermillius Gap, take a quick detour to Imperial Testing Station 10. It’s located just a bit further east from the trial. The station is loaded with valuable loot, materials, and even some unique gear—definitely worth the effort if you’ve got room in your inventory and time to spare.
If you’re just visiting to advance the story a bit or simply wish to test out the Compactor, the Second Trial of Aqb is a fast but gratifying detour in your travels across Arrakis. Just avoid stepping on those mines.
