How Item Decay and Repair Work in Dune: Awakening
Dune: Awakening uses a full durability and decay system where weapons, armor, tools, and vehicles lose condition through use and exposure. To avoid gear failure, you’ll need to learn how to use Repair Stations, Welding Torches, and Construction Tools to keep everything running. This guide explains all major repair systems and when to use them.
1. How to Use the Repair Station in Dune: Awakening
The Repair Station is used to fix all types of weapons, armor, and tools. You unlock it in Vermillious Gap by completing the Maintenance questline. Most players reach this about 7–10 hours into the game.
- Unlock Requirement: Spend 5 Research Points in the Building tab
- Materials: 40 Iron Ingots (crafted from ore using a Small Ore Refinery)
- Function: Insert damaged items and matching materials to restore durability
- Restriction: You must have researched the item’s blueprint to repair it
Tip: The red segment in the durability bar shows permanent durability loss. Rotate between sets to avoid overusing one item.
2. How to Repair Vehicles and Sandbikes
Vehicles like the Sandbike take damage from storms, combat, and decay when parked unsheltered. Use a Welding Torch and Welding Wire for on-the-go repairs. For full durability restoration, you’ll need to remove parts and use a Repair Station.
- Welding Torch: 6 Copper Ingots (crafted at the Fabricator)
- Welding Wire: 5 Salvaged Metal per unit
- Repair Mode: Equip the torch, right-click to switch to Repair mode, then left-click each damaged part
- Welding Torch Tiers: Higher-tier torches (Mk1–Mk5) reduce both repair time and max durability loss. A Mk5 torch repairs at 90% efficiency, meaning only 10% of the repaired amount is lost from max durability.
- HUD Indicators: Green = healthy, Orange/Red = damaged, Red slice = max durability lost
- Detach & Repair: Use Detach mode to remove a part, repair it at a Repair Station, then reattach it using Assemble
Important: Parts must be attached to the vehicle to be repaired in the field. Keep 200 Welding Wire on you to cover all emergencies.
Tip: Don’t leave your Sandbike outside during storms. Use a garage or the Vehicle Backup Tool to store it safely.
3. How to Repair Base Buildings and Structures
Buildings only decay if your Sub-Fief Console loses power or goes offline. Use the Construction Tool in Repair mode to restore damage before it spreads across your base.
- Repair Tool: Equip the Construction Tool, switch to Repair mode
- Target: Aim at damaged walls, foundations, or machines and hold left-click
- Decay Conditions:
- Inactive or offline Sub-Fief Console
- No power due to missing Fuel Cells
- Long periods of player inactivity
Tip: Build extra generators and always keep Fuel Cells in reserve to maintain your base’s shield.
Damaged Duneman Heavy Pants
4. How Durability Works in Dune: Awakening
Durability is a core mechanic tied to every item, vehicle, and structure. Once durability hits zero, items stop functioning, and repeated repairs slowly reduce the maximum limit.
- Degradation: Durability drops with use, combat, or weather
- Repair Penalty: Each repair reduces max durability by 20% of the amount restored
- Decimals Behind the Scenes: Durability is tracked in decimal values. You may see 100%, but invisible damage can still trigger repair costs or long-term degradation
- Broken Items: Can’t be used but can be recycled
Tip: Don’t worry about when you repair — the penalty is always based on the amount restored. Whether you fix early or late, the max durability loss is proportional.
5. Best Skills and Specializations to Reduce Durability Loss
Some class-based skills and specializations reduce how quickly your items wear out. These are essential if you want to minimize repair costs and material usage.
- Tailoring (Mentat): –25% durability loss on clothing and light armor
- Gunsmith (Trooper): –25% durability loss on weapons and tools
- Vehicle Repair (Planetologist): –25% durability loss on vehicles
How It Works: These skills reduce the base 20% loss. For example, with Gunsmith, 20% becomes 15% — not zero.
6. How to Recycle Broken Weapons, Armor, and Tools
Fully broken items can’t be repaired anymore, but they still have value. Use the Recycler Station to reclaim materials and keep your crafting loop going.
- Return Rate: Recover 20–40% of the original materials
- High-Yield Items: Tools or armor with Plasteel give better returns
- Spice Warning: Enhanced items may yield reduced recycling results
Tip: Always salvage broken gear — never leave it sitting in inventory.
7. Best Repair Tips to Maximize Item Lifespan
Mastering repairs is about more than tools — it’s about smart preparation. These tips help you avoid unnecessary losses and stretch every resource further.
- Carry 200 Welding Wire at all times for field repairs
- Use 2–3 sets of weapons and armor to rotate between missions
- Stick with Tier 3 gear when possible — it’s cheaper and more durable than some T4
- Place a second Repair Station at your PvP outpost for emergencies
- Always upgrade to a higher-tier Welding Torch to reduce durability loss on vehicles
- Store your Sandbike before logging out or entering indoor locations
Repair FAQ – Dune: Awakening
How do I unlock the Repair Station?
Can I fully repair a Sandbike part in the field?
Can I repair looted or gifted weapons?
What causes building decay?
How do I craft Welding Torch and Wire?
Does it matter when I repair my item?
Why do I lose durability even if my item says 100%?
