How to Pay Taxes in Dune: Awakening: Complete Guide to Avoid Base Destruction
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about paying taxes in Dune: Awakening—from who collects them, how to pay, the consequences of skipping payments, and tips to ensure you never fall behind. Let’s dive in.
Are you playing Dune: Awakening and struggling to figure out how to pay your in-game taxes? You’re not alone. Many new players are surprised to find out that taxation is a critical mechanic that can make or break your base on Arrakis. If you ignore these payments, you risk losing your base’s protective shield, making it vulnerable to sandstorms and player raids.
Understanding the Tax System in Dune: Awakening
Taxes in Dune: Awakening are not just cosmetic or lore-based. They are part of the game’s survival and base-building mechanics. Paying taxes ensures that your base remains protected under the Imperium’s shield systems. Failure to pay can lead to dire consequences including base decay, looting, and permanent loss of territory.
Why Are Taxes Important in the Game?
Taxes serve a dual purpose:
- Gameplay Balance: Encourages active participation and resource management.
- Lore Integration: Reflects the harsh rule of the Imperium over the desert planet Arrakis.
By integrating this system, Dune: Awakening forces players to constantly evaluate their priorities: resource collection, combat, and economic upkeep.
Who Do You Pay Taxes To in Dune: Awakening?
In the world of Dune: Awakening, taxes are collected by the Imperial Tax Collector, an official NPC stationed in the primary settlements. Specifically, you’ll find them in:
- Arrakeen
- Harko Village
These cities serve as the hubs for tax-related activities and other major interactions. The Tax Collector’s location will be marked on your map, so don’t worry about missing them.
Lore Tip:
Paying taxes in this game is more than just a mechanic—it reflects the reality of life under the rule of the Padishah Emperor and the influence of the CHOAM Company and the Landsraad. Fail to pay, and you risk attracting the wrath of the Sardaukar.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Taxes?
Failing to pay taxes in Dune: Awakening is not something you want to take lightly. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens if you neglect your duties:
1. Initial Grace Period
You typically get a two-week grace period after a missed payment. During this time, your base remains shielded, giving you a chance to recover and gather enough Solari (the in-game currency) to pay off your debt.
2. Base Shields Deactivate
If the grace period expires (usually after around 30 days of missed payments), the shields protecting your base deactivate. This is where the real trouble begins.
3. Environmental Hazards Begin
Without shields, your base is exposed to the deadly environment of Arrakis:
- Sandstorms start damaging your base.
- Decay kicks in gradually, leading to structural damage.
- Weathering Effects may affect crafting stations and resource generation.
4. PvP Vulnerability
Other players can now:
- Raid your base
- Loot your hard-earned resources
- Possibly claim your territory or rebuild on the ruins
5. Eventual Base Collapse
If left unchecked, your base will deteriorate to the point where recovery becomes impossible. You’ll need to rebuild from scratch, which is costly both in terms of time and resources.
Bottom Line:
Always pay your taxes on time if you want to keep your base and progress intact. The consequences are not worth the delay.
How to Pay Taxes in Dune: Awakening – Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the importance of taxes, let’s look at how to pay them efficiently. Follow these steps to make sure your base stays safe:
Step 1: Check Your Due Date and Amount
- Go to your Advanced Sub-Fief Console Panel within your base.
- Look for the Base Shields section.
- Here, you’ll see the amount of Solari due and the next payment date.
- Make a note or set a reminder. Staying organized is key.
Step 2: Gather Enough Solari
- Solari is the main currency used to pay taxes.
- Earn Solari by:
- Completing contracts and missions
- Trading goods
- Looting PvE enemies or rival bases
- Operating outposts
- Keep a reserve specifically for taxes to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Step 3: Travel to a Tax Settlement
- Head to one of the main settlements:
- Arrakeen
- Harko Village
- Use your in-game map to fast travel or walk there.
- Be cautious of PvP zones or ambushes while traveling with Solari.
Step 4: Locate the Imperial Tax Collector
- Once in the settlement, open your map and look for the Tax Collector icon.
- Typically marked clearly as an NPC, often standing near central administrative buildings or plazas.
- Approach and interact with them.
Step 5: Initiate the Tax Payment
- When you talk to the NPC, select the dialogue option: “I’d like to pay my taxes.”
- Confirm the transaction using the correct amount of Solari.
- Once paid, you’ll receive confirmation and your base shield timer will reset for the next cycle.
Pro Tips to Keep Up With Taxes in Dune: Awakening
Here are some smart strategies to avoid tax troubles in the game:
1. Set Calendar Reminders
Use a real-world calendar app (Google Calendar, etc.) to remind you a day or two before your payment is due.
2. Keep a Tax Fund Reserve
Always keep a stash of Solari set aside exclusively for taxes. This prevents you from accidentally spending it on crafting or gear.
3. Automate Solari Generation
Invest in automated resource-gathering systems, outposts, or trade routes that can bring in steady income.
4. Assign Base Roles
If playing in a guild or clan, assign someone the responsibility of checking and managing tax payments for shared bases.
5. Upgrade Early
Upgrade your base defenses and shields before you’re overdue. Sometimes investing early helps reduce the tax amount or prolong shield duration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Solari in Dune: Awakening?
Solari is the primary in-game currency used for trade, purchases, and paying taxes. You can earn it through combat, exploration, or missions.
Q2. Can taxes be paid remotely?
No. Taxes can only be paid in person by visiting the Imperial Tax Collector in either Arrakeen or Harko Village.
Q3. Is there a tax penalty if you’re late?
Yes. If you delay payment beyond the grace period, your base becomes unprotected and eventually deteriorates. There’s no gold penalty, but the risk of total loss is far greater.
Q4. Can other players steal your Solari?
Yes. If you’re carrying Solari in PvP areas and get killed, other players can loot your resources. Travel smart and protect your funds.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Taxes Destroy Your Empire
In Dune: Awakening, taxes are not just background noise—they’re a fundamental part of the survival system. Whether you’re a solo builder or part of a massive alliance, staying on top of your tax duties ensures your base remains protected from sandstorms, raids, and eventual destruction.
By understanding the process, preparing your Solari reserve, and visiting the Tax Collector on time, you can maintain your foothold on Arrakis and continue expanding your dominion. So, keep your economy tight, pay your dues, and survive the desert.
Because on Arrakis, the spice must flow—and so must your taxes.