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

As the much-anticipated release of Dune: Awakening approaches, developer Funcom is gearing up for what could be an overcrowded launch. With a large-scale beta on the horizon this weekend, let's dive into Funcom's preparations for its servers and what fans can expect.

Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates

Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared

As Dune: Awakening edges closer to its June release, Funcom is reassuring fans of their readiness for a potentially crowded launch. In a Steam post dated May 7, following the first closed beta, Funcom addressed the community's concerns about server capacity and the game's large-scale multiplayer mechanics.

At the outset, players will select a server within a World, which contains at least 20 servers. This setup allows players to interact and engage with others across their World, fostering a dynamic community.

Addressing concerns about server load and queues, Funcom anticipates a high demand at launch, with some servers reaching capacity. They've promised "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch," aiming to accommodate the influx of players.

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 in place to limit character creation on overly popular servers, minimizing the risk of servers becoming full.

While Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, it's designed to be enjoyed solo as well. Players can explore Arrakis alone within the multiplayer environment. However, single-player and private servers will not be available at launch but are planned for post-launch updates.

What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend

Ahead of the official launch, the large-scale beta weekend is set to take place, and Funcom has shared details about what fans can anticipate. In a post on the Dune: Awakening official website on May 8, 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 during the Global LAN party on May 10.

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

During the beta, players will experience the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering the early to mid-game stages. Key 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 segments of Act I of the story. Funcom has clarified that any progress made during the beta 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, yet-to-be-announced date. Stay updated with the latest news by checking out our article below!