As the much-anticipated release of Dune: Awakening approaches, the game's developer, Funcom, is gearing up for what could be an overcrowded launch. The studio is actively preparing for its large-scale beta this weekend, ensuring fans are well-informed about their server plans and what to expect at launch. Dive in to discover Funcom's strategies for handling high player volumes and what's in store for fans.
Dune: Awakening Pre-Launch Updates
Funcom’s Servers Are Prepared
With Dune: Awakening edging ever closer to its June release, Funcom is confident in its readiness for a potentially crowded launch. In a Steam post dated May 7, the developer addressed key concerns post the first closed beta, particularly around server capacity and large-scale multiplayer dynamics.
Upon starting the game, players will select a server as their home base, which is part of a larger World containing at least 20 servers. This setup allows for interaction between players across different servers within the same World.
Despite these assurances, fans expressed worries about server load and waiting queues. Funcom anticipates a high server load at launch, with some servers reaching capacity. They emphasize that "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds will be available at launch," aiming to mitigate overcrowding.
Funcom elaborated, "While a Hagga Basin server can support 40 concurrent players, daily fluctuations mean it can accommodate several hundred players choosing that server as their home." The studio confirmed rigorous testing during the closed beta and the implementation of systems to limit character creation on overly popular servers, thus reducing the likelihood of full servers.
Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer, yet remains enjoyable for solo players. At launch, single-player and private servers won't be available, but Funcom plans to introduce them in future updates.
What To Expect During The Large-Scale Beta Weekend
Ahead of the official release, Dune: Awakening is set for a large-scale beta weekend, and Funcom has shared detailed expectations in a May 8 post on the game’s official website.
To participate in the beta weekend, fans can wishlist and request access on the game's Steam page, sign up via the official website, or secure an access code at the Global LAN party on May 10.
The large-scale beta weekend will span from May 9 to May 12. Here's a timetable to help you catch the stream in your time zone:
During the beta, players will experience the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game phases. Features include the CHOAM building set, exploration of the Hagga Basin South region, the Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap Regions, access to the Sandbike, early and mid-game combat, and elements of Act I of the story. Funcom has clarified that progress made during the beta weekend will not transfer to the final game.
Dune: Awakening is slated for release on June 10, 2025, for PC, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S releases to follow at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Stay tuned for the latest updates by checking out our article below!
