"Dune: Awakening Set to Launch for Thousands, Developer Confirms"

As Dune: Awakening approaches its highly anticipated release, developer Funcom is sending a clear message: the servers are ready for a massive influx of players at launch. With the large-scale beta weekend just around the corner, the studio is offering deeper insight into its server infrastructure and multiplayer framework—reassuring fans that they’re prepared for what could be a crowded June debut.

Funcom’s Server Infrastructure Is Battle-Tested

In a recent update posted on Steam on May 7, Funcom addressed key concerns following the game’s first closed beta, particularly around server capacity and player queues. The team confirmed that players will begin by selecting a home server, with each server residing within a larger structure called a World. Each World will consist of at least 20 interconnected servers, allowing seamless interaction between players across different servers within the same World.

Acknowledging the potential for high demand, Funcom stated that launch will feature "thousands of servers grouped together in hundreds of Worlds." While individual servers—like the Hagga Basin instance—can support around 40 concurrent players, the dynamic nature of player activity means that hundreds can still call a single server their home over time.

"We’ve rigorously tested this during closed beta," Funcom explained. "To prevent overcrowding, we’ve implemented systems that limit character creation on servers that are gaining too much popularity, reducing the risk of servers hitting full capacity."

While Dune: Awakening emphasizes large-scale multiplayer experiences, solo play remains a viable option. Players can explore Arrakis independently, even within the shared world. However, dedicated single-player modes and private servers won’t be available at launch. These features are planned for inclusion in post-launch updates.

What’s Coming in the Large-Scale Beta Weekend

Before the official launch, players have the chance to dive into the large-scale beta weekend—running from May 9 to May 12. Funcom shared details on May 8 via the game’s official website, outlining what participants can expect.

Access to the beta is available through multiple avenues: wishlisting the game on Steam, signing up on the official Dune: Awakening website, or obtaining an access code during the Global LAN Party event on May 10.

The beta will showcase the first 20–25 hours of gameplay, covering the early to mid-game experience. Featured content includes:

• The CHOAM building set
• The Hagga Basin South region
• The Eastern and Western Vermillius Gap regions
• Sandbike traversal mechanics
• Early and mid-tier combat systems
• Key segments of Act I of the main story

It’s important to note that no progress made during the beta will carry over to the full game release.

Launch Details and Platforms

Dune: Awakening is scheduled to launch on June 10, 2025, exclusively for PC at launch. Versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are in development and will follow at a later, unannounced date.

Stay tuned for more updates as the launch nears—there’s a lot more to uncover on Arrakis.