Dune: Awakening Set to Launch for Thousands of Players, Developer Confirms

Dune: Awakening's studio, Funcom, is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch as they prepare for a large-scale beta this weekend. Here's what you need to know about Funcom's server readiness and what fans can expect from the game's launch.

Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates

Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared

As Dune: Awakening approaches its release date, Funcom is reassuring fans that they are ready for a potentially overcrowded launch in June. In a recent Steam post dated May 7, the developer addressed concerns about server capacity and large-scale multiplayer mechanics following the first closed beta.

When starting the game, players will select a server within a World, which comprises at least 20 servers. This setup allows players to interact with others from different servers within the same World.

Funcom is aware of fan concerns about server loads and queues. They anticipate a high volume of players at launch, with some servers reaching capacity. To mitigate this, they plan to have "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 picking that server as their home." They emphasized that these dynamics have been rigorously tested during the closed beta, and they have systems in place to prevent servers from becoming overly popular, thus minimizing the risk of servers filling up completely.

While Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, it can also be enjoyed solo. Players can explore Arrakis on their own within a multiplayer environment. However, single-player and private servers won't be available at launch; these features are slated for post-launch updates.

What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend

Before the official launch, the large-scale beta weekend is set to take place, and Funcom has shared details on what fans can expect. 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 can be obtained by wishlisting and requesting access on the game’s Steam page, signing up on the official website, or receiving an access code during the Global LAN party on May 10.

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

During the beta, players will experience the first 20-25 hours of the game, covering early to mid-game content. Features include the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap regions, access to the Sandbike, early and early mid-game combat, and parts of Act I of the story. Funcom has clarified that any 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, unannounced date. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by checking out our article below!