As the highly anticipated release of Dune: Awakening draws near, developer Funcom is gearing up for what could be a crowded launch. With a large-scale beta scheduled for this weekend, the studio is making sure fans are well-informed about their plans for server management and what to expect from the game.

Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates

Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared

As Dune: Awakening approaches its June release, Funcom has taken to Steam to address fans' concerns about server capacity and the possibility of an overcrowded launch. In a post dated May 7, following the first closed beta, the developer outlined the game's server structure and large-scale multiplayer features.

Upon starting the game, players will select a server within a 'World', which consists of at least 20 servers. This setup allows players to interact and collaborate with others across different servers within the same World.

Funcom acknowledges the potential for heavy server loads at launch, with some servers possibly reaching full capacity. To mitigate this, they have prepared "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds" for the launch day.

Funcom elaborated on server dynamics, stating, "While a Hagga Basin server can support 40 players concurrently, the natural ebb and flow of player activity means it can still serve as a home for several hundred players." The studio emphasized that rigorous testing during the closed beta has led to the implementation of systems that limit character creation on overly popular servers, reducing the risk of servers becoming full.

While Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, it also supports solo gameplay. Players can explore Arrakis alone within the multiplayer environment. However, 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

Ahead of the official launch, Dune: Awakening is set to host a large-scale beta weekend, and Funcom has shared details on what participants can expect. In a post on the game's official website dated May 8, they outlined the features of this upcoming beta.

To participate in the beta, 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 weekend will run from May 9 to May 12, with a detailed timetable available for different regions:

The beta will include the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game content. Participants will have access to the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Regions, the Sandbike, early and mid-game combat, and parts of Act I of the story. Funcom has confirmed that progress made during the beta 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, unannounced date. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest on Dune: Awakening!