In Dune Awakening, Sandworms are the absolute deadliest creatures you’ll face. Imagine something faster, tougher, and more terrifying than any other monster on the map—these worms can kill any player instantly the moment they catch them. What’s even scarier is that they can’t be killed by players at all. Your only hope when dealing with these giant beasts is to stay hidden and move quickly. If they don’t notice you, you’re safe, but once they do, it’s a race for your life to find safety.

These Sandworms show up only on open sandy areas, and the game helps you keep track of their attention with a vibration meter right in the middle of your screen. The more noise and movement you make on the sand, the higher the meter climbs, increasing the chance a worm will burst out of the ground nearby. They might pop up a little over a thousand feet away or sometimes closer than 300 feet—it seems random. The farther away they appear, the better your chances of escaping.

Once a Sandworm appears, it will head straight for you without hesitation. If it reaches you, it’s game over instantly. Nothing you do—armor, weapons, or skills—will save you from being eaten. The worst part is losing your backpack, and all the loot inside it disappears forever unless it’s your first time getting caught, in which case the game teaches you this consequence.

Surviving Sandworm Attacks Using Stealth and Terrain
If you find yourself dying too often to these terrifying creatures, here are my best tips for survival. First, always try to stick to rocky ground as much as possible. Use rocks and small islands as safe stepping stones. It’s far better to take a longer path that keeps you on rocks than risk crossing exposed open sand directly.

Movement makes a huge difference too. Crouching reduces the vibrations you create, making you stealthier, while sprinting loudly attracts worms faster. If you must spend time on the sand, be as quiet and subtle as you can. You won’t have unlimited time out there, but staying quiet can extend it slightly.

Be aware that shields and levitation devices actually draw the worms toward you. Even if you’re hovering above the sand, these items make you more noticeable. When crossing open sand, turn off these technologies to avoid attracting attention.

What To Do If The Worm Appears
If you hear the telltale rumble and see a worm erupting nearby, don’t waste time—get to rocky ground immediately. At this point, the worm already knows exactly where you are, and any noise only speeds it up. Use your fastest movement skills or vehicles to reach safety buy Diablo 4 Items.

Speaking of vehicles, sandbikes are excellent for quick travel, but remember, they’re not faster than the worm forever. The Sandworm will eventually catch you if you keep running, so don’t assume the vehicle makes you invincible. Keep your wits about you and plan escape routes ahead.

Watch out for “drumsand,” the red patches on the sand that create extra noise when you walk on them, attracting more unwanted attention. Avoid these noisy patches if you can.

Special Gear and Items to Lower Vibration
Some rare gear and items in Dune Awakening actually help reduce your vibration level below the normal minimum, making it easier to avoid detection. These are situational and uncommon but definitely worth prioritizing if you want to survive longer in sandy areas.

Crashed ships that appear in sandy spots are tempting to loot but come with the risk of worm attacks. Approach these slowly and quietly, then sprint for safety once the worm notices you. If you chose the Trooper mentor when creating your character, you can use the grapple hook to escape more easily in these dangerous moments. If not, you can still learn this skill later at Griffin’s Reach Tradepost.

Final Thoughts
The Sandworms in Dune Awakening make exploring the open desert an intense challenge. The key to surviving them lies in calm, strategic movement and knowing when to hide or run. Play smart, use the terrain to your advantage, and never underestimate the massive threat lurking just beneath the sand. Stay quiet, stay fast, and maybe you’ll avoid becoming their next meal Diablo 4 gold.