In the sun-scorched expanse of Dune Awakening Items, survival means mobility. Early in the game, the Sandbike becomes your lifeline—your fastest way to outrun sandworms, navigate the shifting sands, and haul precious resources. But to build and upgrade one effectively, you need to understand the machine’s anatomy. From chassis to scanner, this guide breaks down every key part of the Sandbike and how to use them to your advantage.

The Core Sandbike Frame: Mk 1 Essentials

All players begin with access to the Mk 1 Sandbike frame, a modular vehicle made up of six core components:

  1. Sandbike Hull Mk1

  2. Sandbike Chassis Mk1

  3. Sandbike Tread Mk1 (×3 required)

  4. Sandbike PSU Mk1

  5. Sandbike Engine Mk1

These parts can be crafted using the Fabricator once unlocked through the questline Across the Gap. Materials include iron ingots, copper, and fuel cells, all of which are gathered in early zones. The Mk 1 is a serviceable ride, offering moderate speed and durability. But it’s merely a stepping stone.

Performance Powerhouse: Mohandis Engine Mk1

If you're lucky (or persistent), you’ll encounter your first unique engine early in the game: the Mohandis Sandbike Engine Mk1. This isn’t crafted—it’s found.

You can get this engine by exploring Keyhole Rock, where one of the three major chest drops may reward you with the Mohandis variant. With a drop rate hovering around 33%, persistence pays. Alternatively, you might find it for trade on the Exchange, though pricing can vary dramatically by server and availability.

Why is it worth the grind? The Mohandis engine increases top speed significantly—but beware, it also runs hotter than the standard Mk 1 engine. You’ll need to manage your power and heat buildup more actively.

Scaling Up: Tier Progression (Mk 2 to Mk 6)

As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock or acquire blueprints for higher-tier parts. Each jump adds performance, but also complexity and cost:

  • Mk 2 Tier (Iron-tier): Slightly faster, with improved cooling and power handling.

  • Mk 3 Tier (Steel-tier): Increased durability; ideal for mid-game trade routes.

  • Mk 4 Tier (Aluminum-tier): Excellent speed/durability balance.

  • Mk 5/6 Tier (Duraluminum & Plastanium): Rare, end-game parts offering high-end performance.

Some upgraded parts—especially the Mk 5 and Mk 6—cannot be crafted without blueprints obtained through exploration or contracts, making them hot commodities on the Exchange.

Inventory Modules: Carry More, Worry Less

One of the first quality-of-life upgrades you should prioritize is the Sandbike Inventory Mk 2. This module adds 15 extra storage slots, which can be a game-changer when harvesting spice, salvaging tech, or completing long missions.

To craft it, you’ll need:

  • Intel Points

  • Iron Ingots

  • Servoks

It’s unlocked after completing early contract chains, such as Scrap Mettle, and can also be traded or purchased from other players.

The Scanner: Navigating Arrakis’ Hazards

Another upgrade to consider is the Sandbike Scanner Mk2, with the Duneman variant being the most powerful currently known. While information about this part remains somewhat elusive, it is confirmed to increase detection range and hazard awareness—particularly helpful during sandstorms or when entering uncharted zones.

Though the exact drop locations remain debated, it’s commonly believed to be a reward for certain mid- or late-game quests and may also be found on the Exchange.

Boosters: Get There Faster

Speed isn’t just about engines. Boosters offer quick bursts to escape danger or cover vast distances. The Night Rider Boost series ranges from Mk 2 to Mk 6, each offering better thrust, recharge times, and efficiency.

  • Night Rider Mk 2 is iron-tier and relatively accessible.

  • Night Rider Mk 5/6 are rare drops, often found in high-difficulty zones like Vermillius Gap or Imperial Testing Stations.

Make sure your bike can handle the power requirements before slotting them in—higher-tier boosters demand more PSU.

Tips for New Riders

  • Always fuel up. Your bike runs on Fuel Cells—medium is the most efficient early on.

  • Avoid the heat. Storing bikes in the open causes damage. Use a Vehicle Backup Tool when not in use.

  • Use Contracts. Many early upgrades, like Inventory Mk 2, come from questlines rather than random drops.

  • Don’t hoard parts. Sell lower-tier gear on the Exchange—others will want it!

Conclusion

Building the perfect Sandbike in Dune: Awakening is more than slapping parts together. It’s about balancing your needs—speed, storage, survival—against what you can Buy Dune Awakening Items craft or scavenge. Master these parts, and you won’t just survive the desert. You’ll own it.