The Eighth Trial of Aql, or as it’s known as in the game 'The Footsteps of the Fremen', is the final 'main' quest in the series of Trials with an 'epilogue' quest to follow.
While the name has changed, the structure remains the same for the Footsteps of the Fremen. This quest is a major part of the game's story, and fully sets us off on our adventure in Dune Awakening. This quest won’t send us on a Spice trip like previous Trials of the Aql, but it does have a number of steps.
To start, go to your Journey tab and click on The Eighth Trial of Aql. Hit "View Trial Location" to bring up a painted mural and a short clue:
“The crevice that hides… the mountain that protects… the sands that provide. Home”
Note: Before you start. Make sure you bring your Cutteray with you, alongside a weapon as normal.
The Footsteps of the Fremen Location
The Footsteps of the Fremen (Eighth Trial of Aql) can be found in Sietch Ta'lab, situated within the Eastern Shield Wall. As shown above, the location appears to be at the top of the cliff edge. However, it isn’t. The trial location is actually in the crack in the cliff. You can walk in from ground level. You can also drop in from the top, like we did.
Once you make it inside, the trial begins.
Note: Major spoilers ahead for the puzzles for each test.
Test One: Mind
Pro tip: If the area is busy, this quest may not let you interact with the wall. Just wait, and it should be ok.
You're seated before a series of lore-based questions. Each one draws from earlier missions, location details, off-hand NPC comments, and specific story beats. It's not timed, and you get unlimited tries. But most players won't clear it on the first go. Review your logs. Some answers only make sense if you paid attention ten hours ago.
If you want the answers, you can find them below.
- Nilotic al-Qurouba
- Poritrin
- Salusa Secundus
- Bela Tegeuse
- Rossak
- Thurgrod
- Harmonthep
If you can’t be bothered to read, this is the number sequence for the answers: 2-2-1-3-1-3-3
Test Two: Symbol
Now we have a friend with us; we also get some lore info as we travel. A lot of the rooms have some nice loot, mostly to prepare you for later.
Once we get to the correct room, you're told to solve the puzzle based on the sixteen ancient Fremen glyphs. If you're paying attention, three holograms nearby give you the answers directly. It’s not about guessing. It’s about hearing the truth and acting on it.
If you want the answer, then look at the screenshot below.
These are the symbols you need if you don't like pictures.
Bind - Dune - Grass
Planting - Shelter - Downwind
Animal - Aerate - Soil
Test Three: Blood
This final part is more ritual than puzzle. Three rotating circles must be activated in the right order, then you must offer your blood. This moment links your character with old bloodlines and changes how later story beats play out.
Pro tip: Before we reveal the puzzle answer, a tip for doing the puzzle is to work from the inside out.
Here is the puzzle in its final form. We are positioned with our backs to the shrine.
Some online suggestions are that the puzzle is set, and can be solved in the following order. We did it after we saw this, so we cannot confirm. Regardless, if it looks like our screenshot, you are good to go:
Inner Ring - 2x
Middle Ring - 1x
Outer Ring - 2x
Once that's done, you can interact with the altar and commence the ritual. The angle can be a bit odd, we suggest standing on the altar and then try to interact with it.
The Hidden Thread: Ari’s Truth
Complete all three tests, and Ari starts talking as you enter the final room. Once the cutscene is over, and you learn more, she will take the data and meet up with you later.
We are not done just yet, however, because those pesky Maas Kharet are here, and they want to stop us. Ari runs off, leaving us to deal with it.
The Final Trial: Fight!
The final part is a fairly tough fight against a group of well-equipped Maas Kharet. Deal with them and you are free to escape. The original path is blocked, so use the exit underneath the Sandworm statue from which we jumped.
That’s it for now. The Epilogue, as the game refers to it will follow in due course.
