Dune: Awakening's studio, Funcom, is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch as they prepare for a large-scale beta this weekend. Dive into the details to discover what Funcom has planned for its servers at launch and what fans can anticipate.
Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates
Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared
As the release of Dune: Awakening approaches, Funcom is reassuring fans of their readiness for a packed launch in June. In a May 7 Steam post, following the first closed beta, the developer addressed key concerns about server capacity and large-scale multiplayer mechanics.
Upon starting the game, players will select a server as their home base within a World, which consists of at least 20 servers. This setup allows players to connect and engage with others across servers in the same World.
Despite this, some fans have voiced worries about server load and potential queues. Funcom anticipates a high demand at launch, with certain servers reaching full capacity. They are confident, however, in having "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch."
Funcom highlighted the dynamics of server populations, stating, "What’s important to note is that while a Hagga Basin server can support 40 people playing concurrently, the way populations ebb and flow over the course of a day means that it still supports several hundred people picking that server as their home." They've rigorously tested these scenarios during the closed beta and have implemented systems to prevent overpopulation on popular servers.
Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, yet it remains enjoyable for solo players. While joining a multiplayer world, players can explore Arrakis alone. Single-player and private servers are not available at launch but are planned for post-launch updates.
What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend
Before the official launch, the large-scale beta weekend is on the horizon, and Funcom has shared more details about what to expect. In a May 8 post on the Dune: Awakening's official website, they outlined the features of the upcoming beta.
Access to the beta weekend is available through wishlisting and requesting access on the game's Steam page, signing up on the official website, or receiving an access code during the Global LAN party on May 10.
The large-scale beta weekend will take place from May 9 to May 12. Check out the schedule below to see when the stream begins in your region:
During the beta, players will experience the first 20-25 hours of the game, covering early to mid-game content. Additional features include the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap regions, access to the Sandbike, early and mid-game combat, and segments of Act I of the story. Funcom has confirmed that progress made during the beta weekend will not transfer to the full game.
Dune: Awakening is scheduled for release on PC on June 10, 2025, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions to follow at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the game by checking out our article below!
