"Dune: Awakening Set to Launch for Thousands, Developer Confirms"

Dune: Awakening's studio is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch while preparing for its large-scale beta this weekend. Dive in to discover Funcom's plans for server management at 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 is reassuring fans that they are fully equipped to handle a potential surge of players come June. In a detailed Steam post dated May 7, Funcom addressed key concerns raised during the first closed beta, particularly about server capacity and large-scale multiplayer features.

At the outset, players will select a home server within a World, which comprises at least 20 servers. This setup allows for interactions and meetings with players from different servers within the same World.

However, the community expressed worries about server load and potential queues. Funcom anticipates high demand at launch, with some servers reaching maximum capacity. They aim to mitigate this by ensuring "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds will be available at launch."

Funcom clarified, "While a Hagga Basin server can accommodate 40 players concurrently, the natural fluctuations in player activity throughout the day mean it can support several hundred choosing that server as their home." They've rigorously tested these dynamics during the closed beta and have systems in place to limit character creation on overly popular servers, reducing the risk of full servers.

Dune: Awakening emphasizes its large-scale multiplayer mechanics but remains enjoyable for solo players. Although the game launches in a multiplayer environment, players can explore Arrakis on their own. Single-player and private servers 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 on the horizon, and Funcom has shared insights into what fans can expect. On May 8, through a post on the Dune: Awakening official website, they outlined the features of the upcoming beta.

To participate in 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 large-scale beta weekend will take place from May 9 to May 12. Check the timetable below to see when the stream starts in your region:

The beta will cover the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, spanning from early to mid-game phases. Key features include the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Regions, access to the Sandbike, early and mid-game combat, and parts of Act I of the story. Funcom has 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 versions to follow at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Stay tuned to our articles for the latest updates on the game!