"Dune: Awakening Set to Launch for Thousands, Developer Confirms"

Dune: Awakening's studio, Funcom, is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch as they prepare for the game's large-scale beta this weekend. Dive into the details to discover what Funcom has planned for its servers at launch and what fans can look forward to.

Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates

Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared

As the release date for Dune: Awakening draws near, Funcom reassures fans that they are ready for a possible overcrowded launch in June. In a Steam post dated May 7, the developer addressed key concerns post the first closed beta, detailing the game's server infrastructure and large-scale multiplayer mechanics.

At the outset, players will select a server to call home, which is part of a larger World containing at least 20 servers. This setup allows players to interact with others across different servers within their World.

However, concerns about server capacity and queues have been voiced by the community. Funcom anticipates a heavy load at launch, with some servers reaching maximum capacity. They've promised "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch" to manage this.

Funcom highlighted, "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 this during the closed beta and have systems to limit character creation on overly popular servers, reducing the risk of servers filling up completely.

Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, but it's also designed to be enjoyed solo. While you'll enter a multiplayer environment, you can explore Arrakis on your own. Single-player and private servers won't be available at launch but will be added in post-launch updates.

What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend

Before the official release, the large-scale beta weekend is on the horizon, and Funcom has shared more about what to expect. On May 8, they detailed the upcoming beta on the Dune: Awakening’s official website.

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 beta weekend will run from May 9 to May 12. Check the timetable below to see when the stream starts in your region:

The beta will feature the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game content. Players will have access to the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Region, the Sandbike, early and early mid-game combat, and parts of Act I of the story. Funcom has clarified that any progress made during the beta weekend will not carry over to the full game.

Dune: Awakening is slated for release on June 10, 2025, for PC, with releases for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S to follow at a later, unannounced date. Stay updated with the latest game news by checking out our article below!