The expansive desert world of Arrakis has become even more intriguing in Dune: Awakening with the introduction of CHOAM cargo events. Since early 2025, players have been navigating the complex relationship between survival, profit, and the ever-present threat of sandworms when dealing with these lucrative but dangerous opportunities.

CHOAM (Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles) has established a significant presence in the Hagga Basin, with their cargo freighters becoming prime targets for both players and the game's Kirab bandits. The recent CHOAM Salvage Rights Event showcased just how central these cargo operations have become to the game's evolving economy and player experience.

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Understanding CHOAM Cargo Mechanics

When CHOAM freighters are shot down across the Hagga Basin, their scattered cargo becomes available for salvage. However, claiming these resources isn't straightforward. Players must navigate multiple challenges:

  1. Kirab bandits defending crash sites

  2. Competing players seeking the same resources

  3. Dramatically increased sandworm activity near crash sites

  4. Limited time to extract valuable cargo before it despawns

The risk-reward balance has been a hot topic among the community. As one player noted in a recent forum discussion: "I have enough in my inventory to get the skins I was missing when the vendor vanished, and if I can't do anything with it, that's just a permanent -15v debuff."

Strategies for Successful CHOAM Cargo Retrieval

Veteran Dune: Awakening players have developed several strategies for maximizing CHOAM cargo retrieval while minimizing losses:

Equipment Redundancy

Always maintain backup gear and vehicles before venturing out to salvage CHOAM cargo. The high-risk nature of these operations means losses are common.

Target Selection

Be selective about which cargo holds to approach. As one player advised: "If you feel like you're lagging, or if you're faced with two burning or poison holds, just let it go and search for another wreck."

Minimal Engagement

Fighting attracts sandworms faster. The most successful salvagers often avoid combat entirely: "Don't engage with the raiders. Just hop into your 'thopter and fly away."

Surface Awareness

Be mindful of where you land. "It could be that you've inadvertently landed on drum sand. Some of the smaller spice fields are in or near them, and that really makes them pop up like every five seconds or so," warned an experienced player.

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The Evolution of CHOAM Cargo Events

Since the initial CHOAM Salvage Rights Event that concluded in September, Funcom has refined the mechanics based on player feedback. The developers acknowledged that the initial sandworm spawn rates near cargo sites were problematic, with many players describing the situation as "BS" due to the extreme difficulty.

These events have become increasingly integrated with the main storyline, particularly following the release of Chapter 2 and The Lost Harvest DLC. CHOAM merchants at tradeposts now regularly offer contracts to investigate downed shipments, sabotage Kirab guns, and retrieve ship salvage.

Rewards and Incentives

The primary rewards for engaging with Dune: Awakening CHOAM cargo activities include:

  • Exclusive CHOAM weapons

  • Decorative items like miniature turret base decorations

  • Special cosmetic skins

  • Resources necessary for crafting high-end equipment

Some players question whether the rewards justify the risks. As one player commented: "The loot isn't good enough to hit both sides and risk everything anyway. Your reward is only skins when you turn stuff in and not actual weapons."

Looking Forward

As Dune: Awakening continues to evolve in 2025, CHOAM cargo interactions remain a central element of the gameplay experience. The developers have indicated that future updates will continue to refine this system, potentially addressing the balance issues that have frustrated some players.

For now, the burning ships leaving black streaks across the sky continue to tempt players with the promise of valuable cargo, even as the rumble of sandworms serves as a constant reminder of Arrakis's unforgiving nature.

Whether you're a veteran spice harvester or a newcomer to the dunes, understanding the nuances of CHOAM cargo operations is essential for survival and prosperity in the harsh world of Dune: Awakening.

"Arrakis will test you!" - as the community reminds new players. And nowhere is this more true than in the high-stakes game of CHOAM cargo salvage operations.