The studio behind Dune: Awakening is gearing up for a potentially massive launch as it prepares for its large-scale beta weekend. Learn more about Funcom's server infrastructure plans for launch day and what players can anticipate.
Pre-Launch Updates for Dune: Awakening
Funcom's Servers Are Ready
With Dune: Awakening's release approaching, developer Funcom has reassured the community that its infrastructure is prepared for a potential surge of players in June. In a May 7th Steam post, the team addressed key questions from the first closed beta about server capacity and detailed the game's server architecture and large-scale multiplayer systems.
At the beginning of the game, players select a home server. These servers exist within a World, with each World containing at least 20 individual servers. Players can meet and interact with others from any server within their World.
However, some fans expressed concerns about server load and potential queues. The studio acknowledges that launch will bring heavy traffic, with some servers potentially reaching capacity. They want to assure players that "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds will be available at launch."
"While a Hagga Basin server supports 40 concurrent players, the natural population fluctuations throughout the day mean it can accommodate several hundred players who choose it as their home," Funcom explained. "We rigorously tested this during closed beta and have implemented systems to limit character creation on trending servers, minimizing the risk of servers becoming overpopulated."
Although Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer mechanics, it's designed to be enjoyable for solo players. Even within the multiplayer environment, individuals can explore Arrakis on their own. Regarding single-player and private servers, these features won't be available at launch but are planned for post-launch updates.
What to Expect During the Large-Scale Beta Weekend
Ahead of the official launch, the large-scale beta weekend is imminent, and Funcom has shared additional details about what participants can expect. In a May 8th post on the official Dune: Awakening website, the team outlined the beta's features.
Players can gain beta access by wishlisting and requesting access on Steam, signing up through the official website, or obtaining a code during the Global LAN party on May 10.
The large-scale beta weekend runs from May 9 to May 12. Check the timetable below for regional start times:
According to the announcement, the beta includes the first 20-25 hours of gameplay, covering early to mid-game content. Features include the CHOAM building set, the Hagga Basin South region, Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap regions, Sandbike access, early combat mechanics, and portions of Act I of the story. Funcom also confirmed that player progress from the beta will not transfer to the full game.
Dune: Awakening launches on June 10, 2025 for PC, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions following at unannounced dates. For the latest updates on the game, check out our article below!
