Dune: Awakening’s studio is gearing up for a potentially crowded launch while preparing for its large-scale beta this weekend. Read on to discover Funcom’s plans for managing server capacity at launch and what fans can anticipate.
Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates
Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared
As Dune: Awakening approaches its release, developer Funcom is confident in handling a possible overcrowded launch in June. In a Steam post dated May 7, Funcom addressed concerns about server capacity following the first closed beta, detailing the game's server infrastructure and large-scale multiplayer mechanics.
Upon starting the game, players will select a server as their home base. These servers are part of a larger World, which consists of at least 20 servers. This setup allows players to interact with others across servers within the same World.
However, fans have expressed worries about server load and potential queues. Funcom anticipates a significant load at launch, with some servers possibly reaching capacity. To alleviate these concerns, the studio has promised "thousands of servers grouped into hundreds of Worlds available at launch."
Funcom elaborated, "While a Hagga Basin server can support 40 players concurrently, the natural ebb and flow of player populations throughout the day allows for several hundred people to choose that server as their home." The studio has rigorously tested these dynamics during the closed beta and implemented systems to limit character creation on overly popular servers, reducing the risk of servers becoming full.
Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer mechanics but remains enjoyable for solo players. Although the game launches into a multiplayer environment, players can explore Arrakis alone. Single-player and private servers will not be available at 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 on the horizon, and Funcom has shared details about what participants can expect. In a post on the Dune: Awakening official website dated May 8, they outlined the features of the upcoming beta.
Fans can gain access to the beta weekend 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 large-scale beta weekend will run from May 9 to May 12. Check out the timetable below to find out when the stream starts in your region:
According to their post, the beta will feature the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game content. Other highlights include 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 player progress 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 releases for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S to follow at a later, unannounced date. Stay updated with the latest news by checking out our article below!
