Dune: Awakening's studio is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch as it prepares for a large-scale beta this weekend. Dive in to discover Funcom's server plans for the launch and what fans can anticipate.
Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates
Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared
As Dune: Awakening approaches its release date, developer Funcom reassures fans that they are ready for a bustling launch in June. In a Steam post dated May 7, Funcom addressed critical concerns following the first closed beta, particularly about handling a potential overcrowded launch, and provided insights into the game's server and large-scale multiplayer mechanics.
At the outset, players can select a server to call home. These servers are part of a larger World, which consists of at least 20 servers, allowing players to interact and connect with others within their chosen World.
However, fans expressed worries about server capacity and wait times. Funcom anticipates a high server load at launch, with the possibility of some servers reaching full capacity. They aim to mitigate this by ensuring "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch."
Funcom elaborated, "While a Hagga Basin server can accommodate 40 concurrent players, the natural fluctuation of player activity throughout the day means it can support several hundred choosing it as their home server." They emphasized that rigorous testing during the closed beta has equipped them with systems to prevent overpopulation on popular servers, reducing the likelihood of servers becoming full.
Dune: Awakening emphasizes its large-scale multiplayer features, yet it also supports solo play. Players can navigate Arrakis alone despite being in a multiplayer environment. Single-player and private servers won't be available at launch but are planned for post-launch updates.
What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend
Before the official release, the large-scale beta weekend looms on the horizon, and Funcom has shared details about what fans can expect from this event. In a post on the Dune: Awakening official website dated May 8, 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, and receiving an access code during the Global LAN party on May 10.
The beta weekend is scheduled from May 9 to May 12. Check the timetable below to see when the stream begins in your region:
According to Funcom, the beta will feature the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering the early to mid-game stages. Other elements 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. Importantly, Funcom has clarified that player progress 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 versions to follow at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Stay tuned for the latest updates by checking out our article below!
