As the highly anticipated release of Dune: Awakening approaches, the game's developer, Funcom, is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch while preparing for a large-scale beta this weekend. Dive in to discover Funcom's server strategy and what fans can look forward to.
Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates
Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared
With Dune: Awakening nearing its launch date, Funcom is reassuring fans of their readiness for a potentially overcrowded debut 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.
At the outset, players will select a home server within a broader "World" that encompasses at least 20 servers. This setup allows players to interact with others across different servers within the same World. However, concerns about server load and queues have been raised by the community. Funcom anticipates heavy server traffic at launch, with some servers potentially reaching capacity. To mitigate this, they plan to have "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch."
Funcom elaborated on their server management strategy, stating, "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 closed beta and have 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 interactions, it remains accessible for solo play. Players can navigate the Arrakis environment alone, despite being in a multiplayer setting. Single-player and private servers, however, won't be available at launch but 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 kick off, and Funcom has shared insights into what participants can expect. In a post on the Dune: Awakening official website on May 8, they outlined the features of the upcoming beta.
To join 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 at the Global LAN party on May 10. The beta will run from May 9 to May 12. Check the timetable below for stream start times in your region:
During the beta, players will experience the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, 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 confirmed that any progress made during the beta weekend will not carry over to the full game.
Dune: Awakening is scheduled 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 informed with our latest updates on the game below!
