Dune: Awakening’s studio is gearing up for what could be a bustling launch, with preparations in full swing for its large-scale beta this weekend. Dive in to discover Funcom’s strategic plans for server management at launch and what fans can look forward to.
Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates
Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared
As Dune: Awakening approaches its eagerly awaited release, developer Funcom reassures fans that they are fully equipped to handle a potential surge of players in June. In a detailed Steam post dated May 7, Funcom tackled critical questions post the first closed beta, elaborating on the game's server capabilities and large-scale multiplayer dynamics.
At the outset, players will select a server to call home, within a broader "World" that encompasses at least 20 servers. This setup allows for seamless interactions among players from different servers within the same World.
However, concerns about server load and queue times have surfaced among the community. Funcom anticipates a high demand at launch, with some servers potentially reaching capacity. They've reassured players by stating there will be "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds available at launch."
Funcom further clarified, "While a Hagga Basin server can support 40 concurrent players, the daily fluctuations mean it can comfortably accommodate several hundred players choosing that server as their home." They stressed that extensive testing during the closed beta ensured robust systems are in place to prevent servers from becoming overly crowded by limiting new character creation on popular servers.
While Dune: Awakening emphasizes its large-scale multiplayer features, it's also designed for solo play. Players can navigate the challenges of Arrakis alone within the multiplayer environment. Single-player and private server options won't be available at launch but are slated for inclusion in future updates.
What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend
Before the game officially hits the shelves, the large-scale beta weekend looms on the horizon, and Funcom has shared insights into what participants can anticipate. In a post on the Dune: Awakening’s official website dated May 8, they outlined the features of the upcoming beta.
Access to the beta weekend is available through wishlisting and requesting access on the game’s Steam page, signing up on the official website, or securing an access code during the Global LAN party on May 10.
The beta weekend will span from May 9 to May 12. Check out the schedule below to see when the stream kicks off in your region:
The beta will encompass the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game stages. Players can explore the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Region, and utilize the Sandbike. Early and early mid-game combat, as well as segments of Act I of the story, will also be available. Funcom has made it clear that progress made during the beta weekend will not transfer to the full game.
Dune: Awakening is slated for release on June 10, 2025, on PC, with subsequent releases planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at a yet-to-be-announced date. Stay tuned to our articles for the latest updates on the game!
