"Dune: Awakening Set to Launch for Thousands"

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

Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates

Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared

As Dune: Awakening approaches its release, developer Funcom is assuring fans that they are ready for a potential overcrowded launch in June. In a May 7 Steam post, Funcom addressed fan questions following the first closed beta, focusing on server capacity and large-scale multiplayer mechanics.

Players will start by choosing a home server within a World, which contains at least 20 servers. This setup allows interaction with players across different servers within the same World.

Concerns have been raised about Funcom’s server load and potential queues. The studio anticipates a heavy load at launch, with some servers reaching capacity. They've reassured fans that "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds will be available at launch."

Funcom elaborated, "While a Hagga Basin server can support 40 players concurrently, daily population fluctuations mean it can accommodate several hundred players choosing it as their home." These dynamics were extensively tested during the closed beta, and systems are in place to limit character creation on overly popular servers, reducing the likelihood of them filling up.

Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer but can also be enjoyed solo. At launch, single-player and private servers won't be available 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 approaching, and Funcom has shared details about what fans can expect. In a May 8 post on the Dune: Awakening official website, they outlined the features of the upcoming beta.

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

The large-scale 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. 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 parts of Act I of the story. Funcom has confirmed that progress made during the beta weekend will not carry over to the final 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, unannounced date. Stay informed with the latest updates by checking out our article below!