"Dune: Awakening Set to Launch for Thousands"

Dune: Awakening's developer, Funcom, is gearing up for what could be a bustling launch while also preparing for a large-scale beta this weekend. Dive into the details to discover Funcom's server strategies and what fans can anticipate at launch.

Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates

Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared

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

At the outset, players will select a server to call home, which is part of a larger World containing at least 20 servers. This setup allows players to interact with others across different servers within the same World.

However, fans have expressed worries about server load and queue times. Funcom anticipates a high demand at launch, with some servers possibly reaching full capacity. They are committed to having "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch."

Funcom clarified, "While a Hagga Basin server can support 40 players concurrently, the daily fluctuations in player numbers mean it can accommodate several hundred choosing it as their home server." They emphasized that these scenarios were rigorously tested during the closed beta, with systems in place to prevent server overcrowding by limiting character creation on popular servers.

Although Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, it also supports solo play on Arrakis. 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 launch, the large-scale beta weekend is on the horizon. Funcom has shared insights into what fans can expect during this event. In a post on the Dune: Awakening official website on May 8, they outlined the features of the upcoming beta.

Access to the beta weekend can be secured by wishlisting and requesting access on the game's Steam page, signing up on the official website, or obtaining an access code at the Global LAN party on May 10.

The beta will run from May 9 to May 12. Below is the timetable to help you find out when the stream starts in your region:

The beta will feature the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game content. Players will explore the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Region, use the Sandbike, engage in early and mid-game combat, and experience parts of Act I of the story. Funcom confirmed that progress made during the beta weekend will not transfer 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 following at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the game!