The sands of Arrakis are shifting, and Funcom is inviting players to step into the storm. The studio has officially announced a large-scale Beta weekend for Dune: Awakening, running from May 9 to May 12, giving players a substantial taste of the upcoming open world survival MMO ahead of its June 10 launch.
With over 20 hours of content including most of Act 1 of the main story, this will be the most extensive Beta yet and it comes without an NDA. That’s right: players can stream, share, and discuss everything they experience as they survive the brutal deserts of Arrakis.
How to Join the Beta
You have two options:
Global LAN Party Broadcast
Broadcasting live from London and PAX East (May 10), Funcom is throwing a digital party for the ages. The event will feature:
- Special guest appearances from around the world (lineup still under wraps),
- Lead developer interviews, and
- Content creators clashing in live in-game competitions.
If you're hoping to secure a Beta key, this is the stream to watch, just showing up gives you a shot at instant access. For those on the ground at PAX East, Funcom is also offering exclusive hands-on demos and meet-and-greets with the dev team.
New Story Trailer
Accompanying today’s announcement is a brand-new story trailer, teasing the emotional and narrative depth that Dune: Awakening is aiming for. Cinematic storytelling isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the core gameplay. As the trailer hints, your journey begins with a chilling ultimatum from the Reverend Mother: “Find the Fremen. Wake the Sleeper".
From there, players will explore a vast, dynamic Arrakis shaped by harsh survival mechanics, ancient prophecies, and political intrigue. It's a survival game wrapped in the rich lore of Frank Herbert’s legendary universe – inspired by the visuals and tone of Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed films.
Pre-Order and Prepare
Dune: Awakening officially launches on June 10, but those who pre-order the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition will receive:
- 5-day early access, starting June 5,
- A trove of exclusive in-game items to give you a head start on the sands.
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