The large-scale beta weekend for Dune: Awakening is live, and it’s giving players their most complete look yet at Funcom’s ambitious open-world survival MMO. Running until May 12, the event lets anyone with a key—or simply those who preordered the game—dive into the first 20-25 hours of content free of restrictions.
Dune: Awakening beta now open to all who preorder the game
After some initial confusion, Funcom quickly corrected course and unlocked beta access for all players who’ve preordered Dune: Awakening. The move came shortly after the beta launched, with the studio responding to feedback by adding a “Beta Weekend” product to the Steam libraries of all preorderers.
It was an odd misstep, considering how common beta access is as a pre-order perk, but Funcom’s quick reversal ensured the most dedicated fans didn’t miss out. Still, the mix-up led to some overlap—many players redeemed beta keys from giveaways despite already having access through their preorders.
The free beta weekend lets you play the entire first act
One of the standout features of this beta is the sheer amount of content on offer. Funcom says players can experience most of Act 1, roughly 20-25 hours of gameplay. That includes story missions, exploration, base building, and early-to-mid game combat. If you focus solely on the story, you’ll still get a full taste of what Dune: Awakening aims to deliver.
Players can roam the Hagga Basin South Region, experiment with the CHOAM building set, and even pilot sandbikes across the dunes. The developers have removed the NDA for this weekend, so streaming and sharing footage is fully allowed. What you see is what you get—and Funcom wants your feedback.
Funcom assures players it’s ready for server load at launch
With so many players jumping in, concerns about server stability were inevitable. But Funcom has been proactive, even posting a detailed explanation on Steam about their plans to handle player surges. The studio emphasized that this isn’t their first MMO launch and that they’re well-equipped to manage heavy traffic.
Each “Hagga Basin” server supports 40 concurrent players, but Funcom notes that several hundred can inhabit a server over time without issues. They’ve also built systems to limit character creation on overly popular servers to prevent early overcrowding. And when servers do fill up, players will enter queues—something Funcom calls a “quality-of-life” feature, not a compromise.
Build, fight, and survive in a brutal world of sand and spice
Dune: Awakening isn’t just borrowing from Denis Villeneuve’s film aesthetic—it’s trying to capture the harsh, unforgiving spirit of Arrakis itself. The game blends survival mechanics with MMO elements, pitting players against each other and the environment in a struggle for control over the spice.
The beta lets you mine spice, defend your bases from raiders, and avoid the ever-present threat of sandworms. PvP is a core component, but so is resource management. Players must balance building strongholds with staying mobile enough to survive the shifting dangers of the desert.
How to get a Dune: Awakening beta key this weekend
If you haven’t locked in a beta key yet, there’s still time. Funcom is distributing tens of thousands of codes through its official Twitch event on May 10. Simply tune in and you’ll have a chance to grab a key while watching the developers showcase the game.
Additionally, wishlisting the game on Steam and signing up for Funcom’s mailing list can increase your chances of receiving a beta key. Even without guaranteed access, the door isn’t closed until the weekend ends.
Delayed launch means extra time to refine the experience
Dune: Awakening was originally scheduled for release on May 20, but Funcom pushed the date back to June 10. The extra time is meant to “implement changes and fixes” based on player feedback from beta tests like this one. It’s a smart move that may pay off in a smoother launch experience.
Whether you’re a fan of the films, the books, or just love survival MMOs, this beta weekend is your best shot to see if Dune: Awakening sticks the landing. With no NDA, plenty of content, and active server support, Funcom is giving the community full access to what they’ve built on Arrakis.