Funcom’s grand, open-world game titled Dune: Awakening offers gamers the opportunity to traverse the expanses of Arrakis as they embark on a quest to stir the Fremen from slumber.
In the review for Dune: Awakening, it’s noted that the game features challenging survival elements and various combat zones. Your choice of character class significantly impacts how you experience and approach playing Dune: Awakening.
In the game, you can choose from various schools, also known as Institutions of the Imperium or Mentor groups, when prompted by the Reverend Mother at the start of the game.
Each class provides a distinctive approach to traversing Dune (Arrakis), but don’t fret! As you progress through the game, skills from other classes can be acquired, ensuring that no skill is permanently forfeited.
In terms of choosing a class, some options may prove more beneficial initially than others. Here’s a guide to assist you in selecting the perfect fit for your needs.
Full list of Dune: Awakening classes
The full list of Dune: Awakening classes looks like this at the start of the game:
- Bene Gesserit
- Swordmasters
- Troopers
- Mentat
Additionally, a class can be unlocked through gameplay:
- Planetologist
Best starter class for Dune: Awakening

If you don’t already have a particular preference or specific requirements, we would recommend selecting a Bene Gesserit Mentor as your character in Dune: Awakening, as this choice seems to offer the most benefits and could be an excellent starting point for you.
They prioritize skills that enhance survivability, minimize harm, and offer a stylish appearance for their abilities and skill development.
If you don’t choose the Bene Gesserit class at the start, it’s the final one you can access later on. Having a Bene Gesserit Mentor from the get-go gives you an advantage in the game’s progression.
In essence, the class you select won’t limit your ability to learn other skills; instead, you might need to find Guides or Experts in your field of interest outside of your formal education.
What is the Bene Gesserit class in Dune: Awakening?

A Bene Gesserit character is well-suited to start off as they possess the ability called Compel, which attracts adversaries toward them and momentarily disorients them, enabling them to manage modest numbers of opponents with ease.
Under the guidance of a disciple from a secretive order, you’ll be instructed on how to adapt to toxic substances, thrive in extreme conditions, and manipulate or deceive adversaries with your speech.
Among other essential abilities are the Bindu Sprint, a technique that facilitates traversing sandy terrains and swift escapes in combat, and Weirding Step, a move that enables players to secretly position themselves behind adversaries for surprise assaults by teleporting.
Contrary to the portrayal in Frank Herbert’s original Dune, it is not necessary for one to play as a female character to master the teachings of the Bene Gesserit.
What is the Trooper class in Dune: Awakening?
Fighting enemies with shields requires well-timed melee attacks. And a whole lot of parry.
These soldiers have been thoroughly trained by the Great Houses of Landsraad, making them ideally equipped for infantry duties, medium-range battles, and demolition tasks.
The Shigawire Claw, a trooper’s grappling hook, offers an efficient method for maneuvering during the initial stages of the game. It’s ideal for quick ascension and speedy traversal.
Troopers are among the initial characters that players can unlock early on, implying that after the initial stages of gameplay, Troopers offer little advantage in terms of power or usefulness.
What is the Swordmaster class in Dune: Awakening?
When upgraded, Swordmaster’s Knee Charge can deal serious damage to unsuspecting enemies.
Skilled in the craft of fencing and self-defense, Swordmasters were the lethal disciples of the highly esteemed Ginaz School.
Ideal for tight combat situations, the Swordmaster character boasts both robust health and exceptional stamina, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a graceful and efficient way to vanquish foes.
With its opening move, Knee Charge, it can thrust itself forward towards foes, causing significant damage and knocking them back. As it progresses, it gains Thrive On Danger, a later-stage ability that boosts healing speed and reduces stamina usage when health is low.
Swordmasters are a highly versatile class which excels at causing (and surviving) damage.
What is the Mentat class in Dune: Awakening?
If you prefer playing tactically, keeping a low profile and taking precise shots, then the clandestine Order of Mentats could suit your style perfectly.
As a gamer, when I find myself grappling with combats, Mentat’s opening power, The Sentinel, comes in quite handy. It shoots at nearby foes, offering me some much-needed assistance on the battlefield.
After fully developing their talent pool, Mentats will be able to pinpoint enemy vulnerabilities, set up illusionary distractions, and enhance their marksman abilities.
How to unlock the Planetologist class in Dune: Awakening
Unlike most other classes, you won’t find Planetologists readily available at the game’s onset. Rather, you need to locate a mentor, Derek Chinara, to acquire the unique skills associated with this class.
You can accomplish this task by agreeing to the “Assistance Required” agreement and linking up with Derek Chinara at his base near Imperial Testing Station No. 2, in return for some training.
Once located, he’ll task you with retrieving minimic reels from the Testing Station. Upon bringing them back, you can initiate the process of unveiling your Planetologist skill line.
Keep in mind, Derek Chinara wasn’t present at his outpost during our gameplay. If you encounter this situation, you might have to leave and re-enter the area, or perhaps even begin anew on a different server.
If you’re curious about how to access the Planetologist class in Dune: Awakening, have a look at the helpful video provided below.
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2025-06-10 20:05