Dune: Awakening's studio, Funcom, is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch as they prepare for the large-scale beta this weekend. Dive into the details to discover Funcom's server strategies and what fans can anticipate for the game's launch.
Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates
Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared
As Dune: Awakening approaches its eagerly awaited release, Funcom reassures fans of their readiness for a potentially overwhelming launch in June. In a detailed Steam post dated May 7, the developer tackled key concerns post the first closed beta and shed light on the game's server infrastructure and large-scale multiplayer dynamics.
At the outset, players will select a server as their home within a World, which comprises at least 20 servers. This setup allows for seamless interaction with other players across different servers within the same World.
Addressing fan concerns about server capacity and potential queues, Funcom anticipates a high volume of players at launch, with some servers reaching their limits. They emphasize that "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds" will be available to accommodate players.
Funcom elaborated, "While a Hagga Basin server can support 40 concurrent players, the fluctuating populations throughout the day enable it to serve as a home for several hundred players." The studio has rigorously tested these dynamics during the closed beta and has systems in place to manage server popularity and prevent overcrowding.
Dune: Awakening emphasizes its large-scale multiplayer features but remains enjoyable in solo mode. While players will enter a multiplayer environment, they can explore Arrakis alone. Single-player and private servers are not slated for the initial launch but are planned 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 provide a glimpse into what players can expect. Funcom outlined the specifics of this event in a post on the Dune: Awakening official website on May 8.
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 obtaining an access code during the Global LAN party on May 10.
The large-scale beta will run from May 9 to May 12. Below is the timetable to find out when the stream starts in your region:
The beta will include the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game content. Players can explore features like the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Region, 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 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 yet-to-be-announced date. Stay tuned for the latest updates by checking out our related articles below!
