In Dune Awakening Solari, the five classes each bring unique abilities—but the Planetologist stands apart. You can’t choose it at creation; you must unlock it through exploration, discovery, and dedication. Let’s walk through how to find Derek Chinara, trigger the quest chain, and kickstart your Planetologist journey.

Who Is Derek Chinara and Where to Find Him

Derek Chinara is your gateway to the Planetologist class. He’s not tucked into a hub or obvious location—he’s hiding near western Hagga Basin, above Testing Station No. 2, East of Griffin’s Reach Tradepost .

Pro tip: Approach via the west side of the rocky outcropping near Griffin’s Reach; follow the narrow path upward. Derek’s camp perches above the entrance, sometimes inside a cave-like structure bathed in green light .

The Quest That Changes Everything: Minimic Film Recovery

Once you speak to Derek, he jumps into action with your first quest: "Minimic Film Recovery."

You’re sent into Testing Station No. 2—a dungeon-like area full of enemies and winding corridors. Descend through a spiral staircase into a large circular room with overgrown trees. Follow the green energy door ahead—but don’t go through it just yet! Instead, scan the surrounding walls until you spot a glowing section of a bookshelf—a hidden entrance. Inside lies the case with the coveted Minimic Film .

Retrieve it, clear out, and return to Derek. Completing this unlocks the Planetologist skill tree, granting access to resource-gathering perks and survival passives. You’ve unlocked a new class .

What Makes It Stand Out?

  • Hidden and rewarding: Unlike other class trainers, Derek is tucked away. Spotting the bookstore clue feels like a genuine in-world discovery.

  • Strategic depth: The quest combines combat, navigation, and exploration—a robust opening to the class’s theme.

  • Not obvious path: Many players miss it without guidance, meaning you get ahead of the curve.

Quick Summary

Step Location / Action
1⃣ Find Derek Chinara above Testing Station No. 2, near Griffin’s Reach Tradepost.
2⃣ Speak to him to receive "Minimic Film Recovery."
3⃣ Head into Testing Station No. 2; locate the glowing bookshelf hiding a secret door.
4⃣ Grab the Minimic Film from the hidden area.
5⃣ Return to Derek to unlock your Planetologist skill tree.

Looking Ahead

That initial quest is just the beginning. Once completed, Derek disappears from that area and reappears—or sends you to—other testing stations across Arrakis. These quests unfold across dangerous zones, including West Vermilius, Jabal Eifrit, Hagga Rift, and The O’odham. You’ll also involve other characters like Cyprian Io and Thufir Hawat, and eventually confront sniper teams and deeper mysteries—all culminating in top-tier Planetologist skills and powerful gear 

Final Thoughts

Unlocking the Planetologist class is one of Buy Dune Awakening Solari ’s most compelling early-game adventures. It blends exploration, combat, and hidden secrets into something that feels genuinely rewarding. It’s a journey worth following—especially if you love survival, resource management, and uncovering hidden paths.