Dune: Awakening Set to Launch for Thousands, Developer Confirms

As Dune: Awakening approaches its highly anticipated release, developer Funcom is gearing up for what could be a crowded launch. Scheduled for June 2025, the game's studio has been proactive in addressing fan concerns and outlining their server strategy. Dive into the latest updates and what to expect during the upcoming large-scale beta weekend.

Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared

With the release date drawing near, Funcom has taken to Steam to reassure fans that they are ready for a potential surge in player numbers. In a detailed post dated May 7, the studio tackled questions about server capacity and multiplayer mechanics following the first closed beta.

Upon starting the game, players will select a server within a World, which consists of at least 20 servers. This setup allows for interaction between players across different servers within the same World. However, concerns about server load and queues have been raised by the community. Funcom anticipates a high demand at launch, with some servers reaching capacity. To address this, they plan to have "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch."

Funcom elaborated on server dynamics, stating, "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 rigorous testing during the closed beta has led to the implementation of systems that prevent servers from becoming overly popular and full.

While Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, it remains accessible for solo players. At launch, single-player and private servers won't be available, but Funcom has promised these features in future updates.

What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend

Before the official launch, a large-scale beta weekend is set to take place, offering fans a taste of what's to come. Funcom shared details about this event on the game's official website on May 8.

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 will run from May 9 to May 12, and a timetable is available to help fans know when the stream starts in their region:

The beta will feature the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game content. Players can explore the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Region, and use the Sandbike. Early and early mid-game combat, as well as parts of Act I of the story, will also be available. Funcom has confirmed 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 tuned for more updates and insights into this exciting new addition to the Dune universe.