"Dune: Awakening Set to Launch for Thousands of Players, Developer Announces"

Dune: Awakening's studio is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch while preparing for its large-scale beta this weekend. Dive in to discover Funcom's plans for server management at launch and what fans can look forward to.

Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates

Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared

As Dune: Awakening nears its release date, Funcom reassures fans that they are ready for a potentially crowded launch scheduled for June. In a Steam post dated May 7, Funcom addressed key concerns post the first closed beta, particularly about server capacity and large-scale multiplayer mechanics.

When you start the game, you'll select a server as your home base. These servers are part of a broader "World," each containing at least 20 servers, allowing for interactions across servers within the same World.

However, concerns have been raised about server load and potential queues. Funcom anticipates a high demand at launch, with some servers reaching their limits. They've assured players that there will be "thousands of servers grouped into hundreds of Worlds available at launch."

"What’s crucial to understand is that while a Hagga Basin server can handle 40 concurrent players, the natural fluctuation of player activity throughout the day allows for several hundred to choose it as their home," Funcom explained. "We've thoroughly tested this during the closed beta, and we have systems in place to limit character creation on overly popular servers, reducing the risk of them becoming full."

Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, yet it remains enjoyable for solo players. You can explore Arrakis on your own within the multiplayer environment. Single-player and private servers won't be available at launch but are planned for future updates.

What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend

Before the official launch, the large-scale beta weekend is approaching, and Funcom has shared details on what to expect. In a post on the Dune: Awakening official website dated May 8, they outlined the features of the upcoming beta.

To participate in the beta weekend, you can wishlist and request access on the game's Steam page, sign up on the official website, or obtain an access code during the Global LAN party on May 10.

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

According to their post, the beta will include the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game content. Other features include the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Region, access to the Sandbike, early and mid-game combat, and parts of Act I of the story. Funcom has clarified that 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 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S releases to follow at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by checking out our article below!