Dune Awakening: Sandbike vs. Buggy—Which Ride Should You Choose?

Walking wasn’t going to cut it when I first landed on Arrakis in Dune Awakening. The desert went on forever, and I needed a quick ride. I first encountered the Sandbike and the Buggy, two early-game vehicles, at that point.

Although it might seem like a straightforward choice, picking one over the other can significantly impact how you play.

Every vehicle serves a distinct function. In the early game, one is a speedster that excels, and the other is a tough animal designed for heavy farming and long journeys.

I discovered where each one excels after spending countless hours in the game. Here is everything I discovered while surviving the dunes in case you’re having trouble choosing between the Sandbike and the Buggy.

Dune Awakening Sandbike vs. Buggy: Which Ride Should You Choose to Conquer Arrakis?

The Sandbike: Your Quick Desert Explorer

The Sandbike is the ideal early-game companion and the first actual vehicle you can obtain. You can start right away—literally—because you don’t have to work extremely hard to build it.

Why I Initially Liked the Sandbike?

It was ideal for short missions, quick, and incredibly simple to build. I could zip through enemy territory before they even noticed me, and I could explore new zones in record time.

The finest aspect? I had the impression that I was flying across the sands thanks to boosts. However, its drawbacks eventually caught up with me.

Where is it insufficient?

Space for inventory was a joke. Just to drop off loot, I had to run back and forth. Even worse, it provided no defense against the hostile sun or adversaries.

What about mining? Don’t worry, it slowed down a lot because I had to dismount each time. The Sandbike lacks the muscle necessary for serious operations, but it’s ideal for getting your bearings and racing through objectives.

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The Buggy: The Mid-to-Late Game’s True MVP

Building the buggy felt like a significant upgrade once I had a solid setup and adequate supplies, and it was.

Why the Buggy Is Heroic

You can think of the Buggy as your mobile base. I could mine without ever going outside in danger because of its integrated Cutteray tool, and I could carry a ton of loot without worrying about space.

Yes, it is slower than the Sandbike, but the protection and usefulness it provides make the trade-off worthwhile.

I was protected from sandstorms and heatstroke by its covered frame, and I didn’t have to freak out when my enemies pursued me. A few blows wouldn’t stop the Buggy from rolling.

The Catch?

The cost of construction is high. You can’t jump right in. But believe me, the Buggy becomes your preferred option for farming, carrying equipment, and taking on more difficult missions as soon as you unlock it.

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Which Is Better, a Buggy or a Dune Awakening Sandbike?

To be honest, there isn’t a clear winner in this case. Where you are in the game determines everything. Let’s start with the Sandbike.

It’s inexpensive, quick, and ideal for resource grabs and exploration. It covers ground fast and helps you get a sense of the game in the first few hours.

But the Buggy?
The Buggy will become indispensable as you gain more recognition. It is perfect for long excursions into danger areas because of its storage, mining, and protection features.

You’ll eventually need both if you’re serious about making progress and controlling the desert. For short rides and scouting, use the Sandbike, and depend on the Buggy when it’s time to do real work.

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Wrapping It All

Although they are in different stages of development, the Sandbike and the Buggy are both essential in Dune Awakening. One is your workhorse, and the other is your sprinting partner. You’ll level up more quickly, save time, and make wiser decisions if you know when to use each.

Plan your build route, take your time getting the buggy, and savor the speed rush while it lasts on the sandbike. After a while, you’ll be riding across the sands in your armored buggy, prepared for anything.