Dune Awakening: How to Find the Holtzman Amplifier and Complete Wrecking Crew
In the sprawling, resource-scarce deserts of Dune: Awakening, contracts serve as a key progression mechanic. While some contracts guide you with clear instructions and markers, others—like the early "Scrap Metal: Wrecking Crew" job—offer minimal help. One crucial item in this contract is the Holtzman Amplifier, and despite its importance, the game gives you few clues about where to find it.
Whether you're new to Arrakis or a seasoned survivor, this guide will walk you through exactly where to locate the Holtzman Amplifier, why it's worth your time, and what to do once you've secured it.
Why the Holtzman Amplifier Matters
The Holtzman Amplifier isn't essential to the main story, but completing the "Wrecking Crew" contract that requires it rewards you with valuable currency, experience points, and unlocks future job opportunities. That alone makes it a worthwhile side task. The catch? It's hidden in a hard-to-spot location with no objective marker and a crate that blends into the environment.
Locating the Holtzman Amplifier in the Alcyon Wreck
Your mission brief will mention that the amplifier is located somewhere inside the Alcyon wreck, an abandoned and dangerous area littered with scavengers. However, unlike many other quests in Dune: Awakening, this one doesn't feature a map indicator or on-screen guidance. And to complicate things further, the container holding the amplifier lacks the usual green glow that most lootable objects have.
Here's how to find it step-by-step:
1. Enter the Alcyon Wreck
Approach with caution, as the entrance is guarded by a group of scavengers. Take your time to eliminate them before proceeding further inside. Bring plenty of healing items and gear suited for mid-level combat.
2. Look for the Staircase in the Back-Right Corner
After clearing the entry room, head toward the back-right corner. You'll find a staircase leading upward to a higher level.
3. Enter the Navigation Room
At the top of the stairs is a navigation room, easily recognized by a holographic planet chart on a central table. This room has a few stacks of crates and other equipment, and this is where your objective lies.
4. Find the Hidden Crate
To the left of the holographic chart table is a stack of crates. One of these crates—specifically, the one at the far end—contains the Holtzman Amplifier. Interact with it, and you'll not only receive the amplifier but also a small stash of Dune Awakening Solari, the game's currency.
Why You May Think You Missed It
Here's a quirk that trips up many players: Dune: Awakening doesn't immediately update your quest tracker when you pick up the amplifier. The quest log will still say something like "Find the Holtzman Amplifier" even though you've already obtained it.
Don't worry—this is normal. You don't need to pick it up again. Once it's in your inventory, you're safe to continue the contract.
Make the Most of Your Trip to the Alcyon Wreck
While you're in the wreck, it's wise to explore thoroughly. The Alcyon is full of salvageable materials, and taking down scavenger enemies nets you solid experience points. Additionally, many of these foes drop blood, which is crucial for refining in your blood purifier, a key part of your crafting and survival system.
And if you're working on "The Wreck of the Alcyon" main quest, you'll be knocking out two birds with one stone.
Completing the Wrecking Crew Contract
Once you've secured the Holtzman Amplifier, your next stop is the Griffin Trading Post, the hub for turning in contracts and shopping for supplies.
How to Complete the Turn-In:
Visit the contract terminal inside the trading post.
Submit the Holtzman Amplifier to fulfill the "Wrecking Crew" job.
Receive 350 XP and 2,000 Solari as a reward.
While the payout might seem modest at first, completing this contract unlocks additional side jobs, many of which require resources you may already have. By turning in multiple contracts in one go, you can quickly boost your wealth and reputation.
Use Your Reward Wisely
Once you've been paid, you'll have access to more than just bragging rights. The Griffin Trading Post features a merchant's stall where you can spend your Solari on essential supplies, including:
Plant fiber -- used for crafting basic survival gear
Welding wire -- needed for equipment repairs and more advanced crafting
These Dune: Awakening items can be gathered in the wild, but buying them saves time and energy, especially if you want to focus on contracts or PvP.
Final Thoughts
Tracking down the Holtzman Amplifier in Dune: Awakening might feel like a chore at first, especially with no quest markers or visual indicators, but it's a smart investment of your time. Not only will you complete an early-game contract and earn valuable rewards, but you'll also unlock a chain of future jobs that can snowball your progress.
If you're exploring Alcyon, consider bringing a friend or guildmate for backup, and remember: sometimes the best loot comes from the crates that don't shine.
Let me know if you want help optimizing your contract turn-ins or best starter loadouts for soloing early wreck zones!
MMOexp Dune Awakening Team