Skills
Every skill in all five trees, what it costs and does at each level, what you need first, and the trainer and contract that unlock it, with where to find them on the map.
Unlock Swordmaster
How skill points work
Every skill shows the game's point cost for each of its levels. Attributes start cheapest, abilities and techniques cost more, and spice skills cost the most. A skill also needs one of the skills it links to in the tree. Levels 2 and 3 and the capstone at the bottom of each block stay locked until the advanced trainer's contracts open them.
JourneyProwess of the Swordmaster10 steps
The Swordmasters of Ginaz were legends. If I wish to emulate their fabled martial prowess, I must find proper trainers who can hone my inner mettle to a monomolecular edge.
- Find information regarding a basic Swordmaster trainer at a tradepost
- Talk to Arno at Pinnacle Station
- Complete contract "SWORDMASTER: BASICS: Checking the Post"
- Ask about advanced swordmaster training at Pinnacle Station
- Find an advanced Swordmaster trainer in Harko Village
- Complete contract "SWORDMASTER: ADVANCED: A Tormented Soul"
- Complete contract "SWORDMASTER: ADVANCED: Piercing Eyes"
- Complete contract "SWORDMASTER: ADVANCED: Art of the Sword"
- Complete contract "SWORDMASTER: ADVANCED: Forged in Dishonor"
- Complete contract "SWORDMASTER: ADVANCED: The Last Stand of Seron Varlin"
LeadHoning of the BladeArno · Tradepost: The Anvil
I reach out to those who wish to perfect their skill with a blade. I am Arno, and you may find me at Pinnacle Station.
- Talk to Arno at Pinnacle Station
BasicsChecking the PostArno · Tradepost: Pinnacle StationUnlocks Swordmaster Skill Tree
After years of silence, someone has finally reached out to me. It is hard to overstate how important it is that this contact remains a secret. Whoever left these messages might very well recognize me, and it is better that no one knows I still live. I need you to check a few of my dead-drop sites for other messages. Bring back any that you find.
- Find Devil's Eye Cavern
- Search Devil's Eye Cavern
- Find a way into the wreck of the Pallas
- Search the wreck of the Pallas
- Enter Imperial Testing Station No. 76
- Search Imperial Testing Station No.76
- Report back to Arno at Pinnacle Station
Rewards: Unlocks Swordmaster Skill Tree
In the contracts listAdvancedA Tormented SoulSeron Varlin · Settlement: Harko VillageUnlocks Level 2 Swordmaster Skills
In a recent scrape, I gave as good as I got, but the knaves made off with the last possession that is important to me... the hilt of my old Ginaz sword. While I have come to expect the harassment, the theft crossed a line. Find out who did this and I’d be in your debt. As with most unsavory elements around here, I suspect you’ll be able to pick up their trail in Hannivar's, the local drinking establishment.
- Search Hannivar's for clues
- Question Elara Tuek about the contract
- Report back to Seron
- Enter the Sandfly base at Western Comms
- Find and kill the leader
- Take the hilt from the leader's corpse
- Return Seron's Sword Hilt
Rewards: Unlocks Level 2 Swordmaster Skills
In the contracts listAdvancedLab CleanupTleilaxu Trader · Tradepost: Pinnacle Station
A small number of experimental specimens, property of the Bene Tleilax, have found their way to Arrakis, and into one of the old Imperial Testing Stations, para-north of here. While the place is probably crawling with Sandflies, our request is simply that you handle our specimens. They are dangerous and must be put down, discreetly.
- Enter Imperial Testing Station No. 17
- Enter Imperial Testing Station No. 17
- Eliminate the Tleilaxu "experiments"
- Return to the Tleilaxu trader
AdvancedPiercing EyesSeron Varlin · Settlement: Harko VillageUnlocks Level 3 Swordmaster Skills
Through frightful arts, the Tleilaxu make metal eyes to replace ruined flesh, and if I am not strong enough to resist the creeping corruption of their devices, all is for naught. Yet, having my Ginaz hilt returned to me stirred something vengeful in this old disfigured body, I sense a path available to me, so long as I can reclaim my sight. Do you understand? I <i>need</> Tleilaxu eyes. Seek out Anoushka Hannivar, the black market trader. Order a Kirana Brandy from her, she will know what it means.
- Ask the black market trader about Tleilaxu Eyes
- Inquire about eyes with the Tleilaxu trader
- Complete Contract "Lab Cleanup"
- Deliver the Tleilaxu Eyes to Seron
- Check in on Seron
Rewards: Unlocks Level 3 Swordmaster Skills
In the contracts listAdvancedArt of the SwordSeron Varlin · Settlement: Harko VillageUnlocks a Swordmaster Capstone Skill
You show great promise, but talent is no substitute for the perfection of form over countless hours. Go into the desert and practice your abilities. Hone your edge. If you run into any bandits, I recommend seizing the opportunity for some practical application of your skills.
- Practice Knee Charge
- Practice Eye of the Storm
- Practice Crippling Strike
- Return to Seron
Rewards: Unlocks a Swordmaster Capstone Skill
In the contracts listAdvancedForged in DishonorSeron Varlin · Settlement: Harko VillageUnlocks a Swordmaster Capstone Skill
Damasteel swords serve many purposes within the Ginaz school, some of them purely ceremonial. In my youth, I neglected to learn the intricacies of their forging, but Arrakis is not Ginaz, and I would not have you repeat my mistake. Find Swordmaster Duncan Idaho, at Helius Gate. I trust my old pupil possesses the knowledge you seek. Once you have mastered the art, present me with the fruits of your labor.
- Introduce yourself to Duncan Idaho
- Learn Damasteel forging from Duncan
- Gather blood with a Blood Extractor
- Craft the item they ask for
- Present the goods they ask for to Seron
Rewards: Unlocks a Swordmaster Capstone Skill
In the contracts listAdvancedThe Last Stand of Seron VarlinSeron Varlin · Settlement: Harko VillageUnlocks a Swordmaster Capstone Skill
The foolish Count thinks me cowed, and for a time, he was right. However, you, my pupil, have dragged me out of the back alleys and into the blistering light of Arrakis's sun. Now, honor demands I put Hasimir Fenring to the sword in a duel. Present my written challenge to Elara Tuek, at Hannivar’s establishment. She will know how to get it to Fenring.
- Deliver the written challenge to Fenring's associate
- Encourage or dissuade Seron
- Meet Seron after the duel
Rewards: Unlocks a Swordmaster Capstone Skill
In the contracts list
The Blade7
Blade DamageAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
You know exactly where and how to strike with a blade to cause additional damage.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Bonus | +3% | +6% | +9% |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
Dance of BladesTechnique · 3 levels2 / 3 / 4 pts
Defeating an enemy with a melee attack empowers your next melee attack for a brief period. The skilled swordmaster dances between opponents, keeping their damage high.
Techniques only take effect when equipped.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 | 3 | 4 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Blade Damage, Eye of the Storm, Long Blade Damage
RetaliateAbility2 pts
You enter a heightened state of awareness and when next attacked in melee, you parry and counterattack with a savage riposte that bleeds and damages your enemy.
Abilities must be equipped and activated from the ability bar.
| Level 1 | |
|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 |
| Cooldown | 12 s |
| Stamina Cost | 15 |
| Weapon Damage | 120% |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Needs one of Long Blade Damage, Blade Damage, Foil
Long Blade DamageAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
Your training with long blades such as swords and rapiers gives you increased damage with those weapons.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Bonus | +5% | +10% | +15% |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Eye of the Storm, Foil, Retaliate, Dance of Blades
Eye of the StormAbility · 3 levels2 / 3 / 4 pts
You pirouette with your blade, becoming a whirlwind of piercing damage that cuts everything around you. While seemingly chaotic, the swordmaster maintains calm - the eye at the heart of the storm.
Abilities must be equipped and activated from the ability bar.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Cooldown | 20 s | 18 s | 16 s |
| Stamina Cost | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Damage | 20 | 65 | 140 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Dance of Blades, Long Blade Damage, Precise Parry
FoilAbility2 pts
You enter a heightened state of awareness and when next attacked in melee, you parry and counterattack with a precise strike that damages their arm and numbs them. For a short period of time, their damage output is reduced.
Abilities must be equipped and activated from the ability bar.
| Level 1 | |
|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 |
| Cooldown | 12 s |
| Stamina Cost | 15 |
| Weapon Damage | 120% |
| Duration | 10 s |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Needs one of Retaliate, Precise Parry, Long Blade Damage
Precise ParrySpice skill · 3 levels · Capstone · Spice3 / 3 / 3 pts
Requires Prescience When your blood is infused with melange, your parries expose additional weaknesses in the defense of your enemies. Their ability to mitigate damage is decreased.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 3 | 3 | 3 |
- To learn it Unlock Skill at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contracts: "Art of the Sword" or "Forged in Dishonor" or "The Last Stand of Seron Varlin")
- Needs one of Eye of the Storm, Foil
The Will6
DeflectionAbility · 3 levels1 / 2 / 3 pts
You enter a defensive stance, deflecting darts that are fired at you. This ability lasts as long as your stamina holds out.
Abilities must be equipped and activated from the ability bar.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Cooldown | 8 s | 6 s | 4 s |
| Stamina Cost | 3 | 2 | 1 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
Bleed ToleranceAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
You have become harder to bleed due to a combination of training and resistance. Bleeding status takes a longer time to build on you.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Bonus | +15 | +25 | +35 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Deflection, Solid Stance
Reckless LungeTechnique · 3 levels2 / 3 / 4 pts
Lunging at an enemy will often provide them with an easy opening to attack, but you have learned to turn a lunge into an advantage. Sprint attacks provide bonus damage mitigation for a short while after a lunge.
Techniques only take effect when equipped.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 | 3 | 4 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Confidence, Deflection
Solid StanceAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
As your training increases, you have learned to avoid being knocked around by enemy attacks. You can take more poise damage before being staggered.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Bonus | +3% | +6% | +9% |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Bleed Tolerance, Thrive on Danger
ConfidenceAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
Every time you attempt a difficult attack like a sprint attack or a slow blade, you gain increased confidence, which reflects as damage mitigation.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Reckless Lunge, Thrive on Danger
Thrive on DangerTechnique · Capstone2 pts
When you are low on health, you regenerate health faster, receive less poise damage, and reduce all stamina costs for actions.
Techniques only take effect when equipped.
| Level 1 | |
|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 |
- To learn it Unlock Skill at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contracts: "Art of the Sword" or "Forged in Dishonor" or "The Last Stand of Seron Varlin")
- Needs one of Confidence, Solid Stance
The Way9
Knee ChargeAbility · 3 levels1 / 2 / 3 pts
You propel yourself forward into battle with a terrific knee charge into the enemy. Deals damage and severely staggers your opponent, but costs stamina.
Abilities must be equipped and activated from the ability bar.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Cooldown | 15 s | 12 s | 10 s |
| Stamina Cost | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Damage | 50 | 160 | 325 |
| Poise Damage | 120 | 140 | 160 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
Field MedicineAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
You recover more health immediately when using healkits due to your excellent conditioning.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Bonus | +10% | +15% | +20% |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Knee Charge, Crippling Strike, Disciplined Breathing
Optimized HydrationAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
Your body knows how to make optimal use of water, so you have additional stamina reserves when well-hydrated.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Bonus | +15% | +20% | +25% |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Knee Charge, Disciplined Breathing, Inspiration
Crippling StrikeAbility · 3 levels2 / 3 / 4 pts
You move in, striking at a low angle to cut your enemies below the knees. For a while after being hit, your enemies are slowed and their dashes require more stamina. While not the most honorable of attacks, the swordmaster understands that there is a difference between a duel and a war.
Abilities must be equipped and activated from the ability bar.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Cooldown | 20 s | 17.5 s | 15 s |
| Stamina Cost | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Damage | 50 | 160 | 325 |
| Dash Cost Multiplier | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Duration | 7.5 s | 7.5 s | 7.5 s |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Field Medicine, General Conditioning
Disciplined BreathingTechnique · 3 levels2 / 3 / 4 pts
When you focus on your technique and breathing, you can recuperate your stamina reserves more quickly.
Techniques only take effect when equipped.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 | 3 | 4 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Field Medicine, Optimized Hydration, General Conditioning, Desert Conditioning
InspirationAbility · 3 levels2 / 3 / 4 pts
You inspire yourself and your companions to greater heights, increasing the damage of your melee attacks.
Abilities must be equipped and activated from the ability bar.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Cooldown | 30 s | 25 s | 20 s |
| Stamina Cost | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Duration | 14 s | 18 s | 23 s |
| Blade Damage | 25% | 30% | 35% |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Optimized Hydration, Desert Conditioning
General ConditioningAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
Your extensive physical training has increased your maximum stamina.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Bonus | +15 | +20 | +25 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Crippling Strike, Disciplined Breathing, Prescient Strike
Desert ConditioningAttribute · 3 levels1 / 3 / 4 pts
You have trained yourself to deal with the rigors of the deserts, decreasing your max stamina loss while dehydrated.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill points | 1 | 3 | 4 |
- To learn it Unlock Tree at the basic Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Checking the Post")
- Level 2 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "A Tormented Soul")
- Level 3 Unlock Upgrade at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contract: "Piercing Eyes")
- Needs one of Disciplined Breathing, Inspiration, Prescient Strike
Prescient StrikeSpice skill · Capstone · Spice3 pts
Requires Prescience When your blood is saturated with melange, you see multiple ways in which to damage your enemies. After using any swordmaster ability, your next strike will strike twice, reflecting two possible versions of the future converging in a single spacetime. The second strike deals 70% of the damage dealt by the initial strike.
| Level 1 | |
|---|---|
| Skill points | 3 |
- To learn it Unlock Skill at the advanced Swordmaster Trainer (contracts: "Art of the Sword" or "Forged in Dishonor" or "The Last Stand of Seron Varlin")
- Needs one of General Conditioning, Desert Conditioning
Skills, costs, values, requirements, trainers and contracts from the Dune: Awakening game files. Game content © Funcom Oslo AS. Fan site, not affiliated with Funcom.
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