Ground vehicles in Dune: Awakening define how quickly and safely you move across Arrakis. The Sandbike is the first true ride most players unlock, but with the Lost Harvest DLC released in September 2025, the Treadwheel entered the desert as a brand-new option.
Both machines fill the same role—fast personal transport—but they handle very differently. This guide compares their strengths, weaknesses, and practical uses so you can decide which suits your journey best.
In this guide we’ll cover:
- How to unlock the Sandbike and the Treadwheel
- Key stat comparisons: speed, acceleration, grip, and vibration
- Handling styles and maneuverability differences
- Best use cases: travel, combat, co-op play, and survival
- Crafting, fuel, upgrades, and maintenance requirements
- Other vehicles available in Dune: Awakening (Buggy and Ornithopters)
- Final verdict on which vehicle is the better fit
| Feature | Sandbike (Base Game) | Treadwheel (Lost Harvest DLC) |
| Unlock Method | Story quest Across the Gap (base game) | Lost Harvest DLC questline / Season Pass |
| Starting Tier | Mk1 (basic, early-game) | Mk4 (Aluminum tier, higher base stats) |
| Top Speed (Mk6) | 108 km/h (higher max) | 96 km/h (lower max) |
| Acceleration | Slow start, steady build | Instant burst, explosive launch |
| Handling | High grip, stable & predictable | Low grip, drifting maneuvers, 180° spins |
| Inventory Capacity | Standard (same as Treadwheel) | Standard (same as Sandbike) |
| Sandworm Detection | Higher vibration (easier to detect) | Lower vibration (slightly stealthier) |
| Seats | Single rider | Optional two-seater module (co-op play) |
| Special Modules | Engines, boosters, scanners | Co-op seat, agility-focused modules |
How to Unlock the Sandbike and Treadwheel in Dune: Awakening
Before we dive into performance, the most immediate distinction is how you acquire each vehicle. The cost is not just in materials, but sometimes in real-world currency.
- The Sandbike: This is your introductory vehicle, unlocked naturally through the main story quest, “Across the Gap“. Its schematics start at Mk1, making it accessible to all players early in their journey in Awakening. You can find its schematic on the vehicle research page in your menu once unlocked.
- The Treadwheel: This vehicle is exclusive to owners of the Lost Harvest DLC or the Season Pass; the initial cost of entry is the DLC purchase. You unlock its schematics by progressing through the DLC’s unique questline. Crucially, the Treadwheel is not a Sandbike skin; it is an entirely separate vehicle. You must construct it from its own set of parts after the schematics have been researched. It starts at a higher tier, with its base model being the Mk4 (Aluminum tier).
Note: While the recipe is locked behind the DLC, a player who owns one can craft a Treadwheel and give it to a player who does not. This upholds the developer’s policy of avoiding significant gameplay advantages from paid content.
Dune: Awakening Treadwheel vs Sandbike Stats
At a glance, both vehicles share the same inventory capacity and core components. The real differences, however, lie in the Engine and the Treads, which fundamentally change how they feel to drive across the dunes of Dune: Awakening.
Speed vs Acceleration in Dune: Awakening Vehicles
This is the most significant performance tradeoff between the two.
- Sandbike (The Marathon Runner): The Sandbike boasts a higher top speed. At the max Mk6 tier, it can reach 108 km/h. It takes a moment to get up to its impressive full speed, but it excels when you need to cross long, uninterrupted distances.
- Treadwheel (The Sprinter): The Treadwheel has a lower top speed, maxing out at 96 km/h at the Mk6 tier. Its advantage is its explosive acceleration. It reaches its cruising speed almost instantly, complemented by unique animations that emphasize its rapid launch.
Practical Takeaway: For long journeys across open desert, the Sandbike will eventually pull ahead. For everything else—dodging enemies, navigating tight canyons, or making quick stops—the Treadwheel’s immediate burst of speed feels more practical and responsive in Dune: Awakening.
Handling & Maneuverability Compared: The Grip and the Drift
The feeling of driving these vehicles is worlds apart due to one key stat: Grip. This is complemented by fluid and unique animations that make maneuvering feel distinct.
- Sandbike (The Grip): With a higher grip rating, the Sandbike feels planted and predictable. It turns reliably and offers stability at high speeds.
- Treadwheel (The Drift): The Treadwheel has a much lower grip rating, giving it a distinct “drifting” sensation. While this might sound like a negative, it’s the core of its unique handling, allowing for incredibly sharp maneuvers, including a full 180-degree spin with minimal speed loss.
| Situation / Playstyle | Best Choice | Why It’s Best |
| Long desert crossings | Sandbike | Higher top speed wins over distance |
| Predictable travel | Sandbike | Stable grip and smooth handling |
| Customization builds | Sandbike | More access to performance modules |
| Combat & evasion | Treadwheel | Explosive acceleration & agility |
| Tight canyon runs | Treadwheel | Low grip drifting handles terrain |
| Co-op raiding | Treadwheel | Two-seater lets a friend provide fire support |
| Sandworm avoidance | Treadwheel | Lower vibration rating reduces detection |
Survival and Sandworm Detection
A lesser-known but important stat is vibration, which influences how easily Sandworms can detect you. The Treadwheel has a slightly lower rating, giving you a small edge when trying to slip past a worm’s territory unnoticed.
Best Uses for Sandbike and Treadwheel
With these differences in mind, when should you choose which vehicle?
You should choose the Sandbike for:
- Long-Distance Travel: If you have a long, straight shot across a vast dune sea, the Sandbike’s superior top speed is unmatched.
- Predictable Traversal: Its stable handling is perfect for players who prefer a reliable and straightforward driving experience.
- Specialized Builds: The Sandbike has access to unique modules like specialized engines and boosters, allowing for more customization. These optional scanners and performance parts can be added to tailor the bike to your needs.
You should choose the Treadwheel for:
- Combat and Evasion: Its incredible acceleration and tight turning radius are ideal for dodging incoming fire from enemy weapons or repositioning to use your own character abilities. It’s perfect for players who want to quickly aim and fire before speeding away.
- Complex Terrain: When navigating dense rock formations or canyons, the Treadwheel’s agility shines.
- Co-Op Play: The two-seater module is perfect for bringing one of your friends along for a raid. While you drive, a passenger equipped with a powerful weapon can provide cover fire.
Here are a few extra tips: The main thing to remember is that neither vehicle is a mobile fortress. Your best defense is speed and smart positioning, not trying to absorb damage.
Crafting, Upgrades, and Maintenance
The assembly process for both vehicles is similar. You must first gather the necessary pieces, which can be crafted or sometimes found in damaged condition in looted enemy camps. Then, you use a Welding Torch to construct the vehicle. Each new tier represents a modified and improved version of the original schematic.
- Fuel: Both vehicles require fuel cells to run. You can produce higher-quality fuel at a Chemical Refinery. Always check your fuel gauge before a long trip and carry a spare cell. When you’re ready, you need to manually open the vehicle’s menu to fill its tank.
- Upgrades: New parts like boosters or additional seats can be added to your vehicle. Some modules, like advanced scanners, must first be researched. Once you unlock a schematic, its design has been edited for your use.
- Repairs and Maintenance: The harsh Arrakis sun will degrade your vehicle over time, so don’t leave it exposed. Storing it in the shade of your base is a good practice. For damage, you must first craft welding wire. Once you have it, equip your Welding Torch and switch it to repair mode. This will allow you to fix individual components. If a part is too damaged, you can always replace it with new ones. The entire design of these vehicles has been edited over time to be modular.
Don’t forget the Vehicle Backup Tool (VBT). This invaluable item lets you pack up and carry your vehicle in your inventory, which is the only way to save it if you get stuck in quicksand.
Other Vehicles on Arrakis
While the Sandbike and Treadwheel are the most common ground rides, they are not the only vehicles available in Dune: Awakening. Two other options play very different roles:
- The Buggy: A larger, four-wheeled ground vehicle designed for durability and teamwork. It can seat two players (driver and passenger) and has a much bigger cargo hold than the Sandbike or Treadwheel. The Buggy excels at harvesting operations thanks to its built-in mining attachment, letting players gather ore and resources several times faster than by hand. Its trade-off is speed—slower and heavier than bikes—and the fact that it cannot be packed away with the Vehicle Backup Tool, meaning it must be stored safely in a base garage.
- Ornithopters: Flying vehicles that unlock later in progression. The Scout Ornithopter is the first model most players access, built for speed and reconnaissance, though it only fits a single pilot. Larger models, such as the Carrier Ornithopter, can haul more and potentially carry additional passengers. Ornithopters bypass many ground hazards, including sandworms, but they demand significant resources to craft and maintain.
These vehicles don’t compete directly with the Sandbike or Treadwheel: the Buggy is a utility transport for resource gathering and co-op excursions, while Ornithopters provide aerial travel. By contrast, the Sandbike and Treadwheel remain the agile, fast ground options best suited for personal mobility and day-to-day exploration.
Final Verdict: Which Vehicle is Best in Dune: Awakening?
The Treadwheel is not a straightforward “better” vehicle; it’s a different thing entirely. It represents a trade-off: you sacrifice top-end speed for superior acceleration and maneuverability. It doesn’t make the Sandbike obsolete, but it does offer a high-skill, high-reward alternative.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your mission and playstyle in Dune: Awakening. Do you prefer steady reliability or nimble agility? Now, you have the choice, and you know how each vehicle will hold up in the challenges to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you unlock the Sandbike in Dune Awakening?
The Sandbike is unlocked naturally through the story quest Across the Gap, making it the first ground vehicle every player acquires. Once the quest is complete, its Mk1 schematic appears in your vehicle research menu. From there, it can be assembled at a fabricator using basic alloys and fuel cells. Because it comes so early, the Sandbike acts as the introduction to the vehicle system, teaching players how to build, upgrade, and maintain machines on Arrakis.
How do you unlock the Treadwheel in Dune Awakening?
The Treadwheel is not part of the base game; it requires the Lost Harvest DLC or Season Pass. Players unlock its schematics by completing the DLC questline, which is designed around the new content. Unlike the Sandbike, the Treadwheel cannot be obtained purely through story progression unless the DLC is owned. Its schematics appear in the vehicle research menu only after the DLC quests are advanced. Once unlocked, you can assemble the Treadwheel from higher-tier components, starting at Mk4 (Aluminum tier).
Is the Treadwheel in Dune Awakening better than the Sandbike?
Neither is strictly better. The Treadwheel favors agility, acceleration, and combat utility, while the Sandbike prioritizes high speed and stability. This makes them side-grades rather than upgrades. The Treadwheel offers a co-op module and lower vibration rating, making it better for tight terrain and sandworm avoidance. On the other hand, the Sandbike excels in open deserts where maintaining a high top speed is critical. The choice depends entirely on your mission type and playstyle.
What is the top speed of the Sandbike vs. the Treadwheel?
At Mk6, the Sandbike reaches approximately 108 km/h, while the Treadwheel tops out at around 96 km/h. Over long distances, this speed difference means the Sandbike will consistently arrive faster. However, the Treadwheel compensates with its ability to hit cruising speed almost instantly, which can be more valuable in combat encounters or when navigating complex terrain.
What is the main advantage of the Treadwheel over the Sandbike?
The Treadwheel’s explosive acceleration and unique low-grip handling make it highly effective in short bursts of movement, combat engagements, and evasive maneuvers. It is also the only ground vehicle with an optional two-seater module, allowing a second player to ride and provide fire support. This makes it the stronger choice for cooperative raids, PvP ambushes, or situations where dodging fire and repositioning quickly is more important than raw speed.
What is the main advantage of the Sandbike over the Treadwheel?
The Sandbike’s biggest advantage is its higher top speed and reliable stability. Thanks to its grip-focused chassis, it handles smoothly and predictably even at maximum velocity. This makes it ideal for long desert crossings where distance efficiency matters more than quick turns. It also benefits from a broader range of upgrade modules, like boosters and advanced engines, giving players more customization for speed-focused builds.
Can you assemble a Treadwheel without owning the Lost Harvest DLC?
You cannot unlock its schematic without the DLC, but players who own it can craft and trade a Treadwheel to those who do not. This fits the developer’s philosophy of avoiding pay-to-win advantages while still keeping ownership of the schematics tied to DLC. For non-DLC players, it means they can still drive and maintain a Treadwheel if one is given to them, though they won’t be able to fabricate new schematics or research further upgrades themselves.
How do chassis differences affect vehicle handling in Dune Awakening?
Chassis is a core mechanic that defines how a vehicle handles. The Sandbike’s chassis is designed for grip and stability, keeping it grounded even at high speed. The Treadwheel’s chassis, on the other hand, emphasizes agility through drift-style low-grip mechanics, allowing it to spin and turn sharply. This difference in chassis fundamentally changes how each vehicle feels to drive, giving them distinct personalities and tactical applications.
How does vibration affect sandworm detection?
Vibration measures how much a vehicle disturbs the desert, influencing sandworm aggression. The Sandbike has a slightly higher vibration level, making it more noticeable to worms, while the Treadwheel emits less, lowering detection risk. This means players sneaking across worm territory have a slightly safer time with the Treadwheel, though it’s not a guarantee of safety. Smart movement and awareness are still required to avoid attacks.
What modules can be added to the Sandbike?
The Sandbike supports a variety of modules, including specialized engines, boosters, and resource scanners. These can be researched and fabricated over time, then attached to improve performance. For example, boosters provide temporary bursts of speed, while scanners reveal hidden resources in the dunes. This customization allows players to tailor the Sandbike toward exploration, resource farming, or long-distance desert racing.
What modules can be added to the Treadwheel?
The Treadwheel can use similar boosters but also has unique options, including the two-seater module that allows cooperative play. A second rider can man weapons, turning the Treadwheel into a mobile combat platform. Other agility-focused modules enhance its handling even further, giving players more control in tight environments. This flexibility makes it the combat-ready choice among personal vehicles.
How do you repair vehicles in Dune Awakening?
All vehicles degrade over time, especially when exposed to the harsh Arrakis sun and sandstorms. To repair them, players need to craft welding wire, equip a Welding Torch, and switch it into repair mode. Each damaged component must be repaired individually, and if a part is beyond repair, it must be replaced entirely. Parking vehicles inside a base or under cover slows degradation and reduces the need for constant upkeep.
What fuel do vehicles use in Dune Awakening?
Vehicles consume fuel cells, which can be crafted in a chemical refinery. Higher-quality fuel increases efficiency and extends travel range. Before any long trip, it’s essential to check the fuel gauge and carry spares. Running out of fuel in the desert can leave players stranded and vulnerable, making proper fuel management a critical survival mechanic.
What is the Vehicle Backup Tool (VBT) used for?
The Vehicle Backup Tool allows a vehicle to be packed into a portable form and stored in your inventory. This is the only way to safely recover a vehicle if it gets stuck in quicksand or terrain bugs. It’s also useful for safeguarding vehicles when traveling to dangerous zones, as it prevents them from being left behind and damaged. The VBT is considered an essential utility for all players.
Are there other vehicles besides the Sandbike and Treadwheel?
Yes. The Buggy is a heavy-duty ground vehicle with two seats and a large cargo hold, ideal for co-op resource gathering and mining expeditions. It trades speed for durability and utility but cannot be stored in a VBT. Ornithopters represent the flying vehicles in Dune: Awakening. The Scout Ornithopter is usually the first unlocked, designed for solo scouting and fast aerial transport. Larger models, like the Carrier Ornithopter, allow for hauling and group play. These options complement rather than replace the Sandbike and Treadwheel, ensuring each vehicle serves a specific niche.
