Dune: Awakening's studio, Funcom, is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch while preparing for its large-scale beta this weekend. Dive in to discover Funcom's strategies for managing server capacity at launch and what enthusiasts can anticipate.
Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates
Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared
As Dune: Awakening approaches its eagerly awaited release, Funcom is assuring fans of their readiness for a potentially overwhelming launch scheduled for June. In a detailed Steam post dated May 7, Funcom addressed the most pressing concerns following the first closed beta, particularly about server capacity and large-scale multiplayer dynamics.
Upon starting the game, players will select a server as their home base. These servers are part of a larger World, containing at least 20 servers, allowing for interactions with players across the World.
However, concerns have been raised about server load and potential queues. Funcom anticipates a high demand at launch, with some servers possibly reaching capacity. They are reassuring players by stating that there will be "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch."
Funcom explained, "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 choosing that server as their home." They further emphasized that these dynamics have been extensively tested during the closed beta, with systems in place to limit character creation on overly popular servers, reducing the likelihood of servers reaching full capacity.
While Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer experiences, it's also designed to be enjoyable solo. Players can explore Arrakis alone, despite being part of a multiplayer environment. Note that single-player and private server options will not 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 on the horizon. Funcom shared detailed insights on what to expect from this event in a post on the Dune: Awakening official website on May 8.
Participants can access the beta weekend by wishlisting and requesting access on the game’s Steam page, signing up on the official website, or obtaining an access code during the Global LAN party on May 10.
The beta weekend is scheduled to run from May 9 to May 12. Below is a timetable to help you find out when the stream starts in your region:
During the beta, players will experience 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 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 versions 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!
