Looking to find Thufir Hawat in Dune: Awakening? This guide walks you through the full Planetologist questline leading up to your meeting with the legendary Mentat in Arakeen. While your journey starts at Imperial Testing Station No. 197, everything builds toward tracking down Thufir and unlocking powerful Planetologist skills. Here’s how to complete each step and uncover Thufir’s exact location along the way.
Step 1: Start at Imperial Testing Station No. 197
Kick things off by heading to Station No. 197, down in the southern part of Western Vermillius Gap. You’ll see a huge hole—yep, that’s your entry point. Drop down and you’ll meet Derek, the guy who gets you started with the Planetologist stuff.
He wants you to find a weird film item (called a Minimic Film) that’s hidden in the station. These things are often stashed behind breakable or fake walls, but your compass will point them out when the quest’s active.
Important: don’t use the nearby door—it’s actually the exit. Instead, take the rocky path going northwest. After walking a bit, you’ll find the real entrance. Inside, find the green door, go through, and immediately turn left. The film is right there.
Once you’ve got it, head back to Derek.
Step 2: Visit Derek’s Camp
Derek’s base is just above Testing Station No. 2, roughly 500 meters out from Griffin’s Reach. After the first mission, he’ll ask you to check in with someone in Arakeen.
You can fly there using an Ornithopter. If you don’t have your own, pay 2,500 Solari to hop on one—Griffin’s Reach is a good departure point.
Step 3: Chat With Cyprian in Arakeen
When you land in Arakeen, go up the stairs ahead of you and take the first right into a building called the Salusan Bull. Go up two more sets of stairs. In the back right corner of the bar, you’ll find Cyprian sitting under an umbrella, bodyguard and all.
Talk to him, then head straight back to Derek’s camp to report what he said.
Step 4: Go Deep Into Station No. 76
Next up, Derek sends you to Station No. 76, in the Jabal Eifrit Al-janub zone. Use a Survey Launcher and a probe if you’re not sure where it is exactly—they’ll guide you.
This time, Derek’s stuck in a cage inside the station. Head down the first flight of stairs and look for him tucked between two doors. His glowglobe gives him away.
To free him and continue the quest, you’ll need two things:
- Another Minimic Film (look for glass windows to your left, go upstairs, and check the back-right wall for a hidden path).
- A key to Derek’s cage (found in a nearby overgrown room).
After grabbing both, return to the camp once again.
Step 5: Thufir Hawat Location
Now Derek asks you to find a Mentat named Thufir Hawat. Head back to Arakeen. From where your Ornithopter drops you, make your way to the open-air section on the opposite side. That’s where Thufir’s hanging out.
But you’re not done yet. Derek also wants you to visit a place called Sietch Tarl. It’s located right where northern O’odham meets the edge of the Western Shield Wall. Look for a crack in the rocks near your map marker, go inside, read a note that’s there, and then… back to camp you go.
Step 6: Station No. 29 in the Hagga Rift
Your next destination is Imperial Testing Station No. 29, just northwest of Station No. 23. There’s a steep drop into this one (no staircase), and Derek will be down there waiting. Just like earlier, you’ll need to pick up another Minimic Film record—this one’s located close to the final room, so be prepared to explore almost the entire Station to reach it.
Step 7: Station No. 71 – Double Trouble
From Station 29, move west to find Station No. 71. This one’s got two key items:
- A Minimic Film record, found early in the level if you take the left-hand path.
- A note hidden inside one of the small rooms connected to the last big, circular fight room filled with enemies.
Once you collect both, return to camp for the usual debrief.
Step 8: One More Talk with Cyprian + A Surprise Attack
Head back to Arakeen and catch up with Cyprian one last time. Then return to Derek’s camp—but be ready for action.
As soon as you arrive, two enemy groups will launch an attack—one right beside the camp, and the other on the pillar next to it. Take them out. When the dust settles, look for a note on Derek’s table and give it a read.
Final Step: Finish at Station No. 163
Last stop! Head just north of Station 71 to reach Station No. 163. You’ll need to clear the whole place because the final film is in the last room. Compared to the others, it’s not too difficult—just a bit of walking.
Once you’ve got that last film, head back to camp for the final time. Derek will now unlock all the advanced Planetologist abilities for you, and you can use your skill points to access them however you want.
