Dune: Awakening is about to open the doors of Arrakis in what will be the game’s most ambitious beta test to date. This marks a shift from previous closed testing phases and offers the players a broader look at what lies ahead for Funcom’s highly anticipated survival MMO.

The upcoming beta weekend will run from May 9 to 12 and will give players access to the first 20 hours of gameplay, which includes most of Act 1. That means we’ll not only get to try the core survival mechanics and explore the early open-world locations, but also gain a substantial glimpse into the game’s story.

You have a chance to get access to the playtest in a couple of ways. One option is to request access on the Dune: Awakening Steam page. Another is to tune into the global broadcast on May 10, where tens of thousands of beta codes will be given away to viewers. The event will be live-broadcast from both London and PAX East, jumping across multiple international locations. We can expect developer discussions, in-game competitions featuring content creators, and other surprises.

For those attending PAX East in person, there will be a dedicated Dune: Awakening booth where visitors can get hands-on with the game and chat directly with the team behind it.

The new story trailer gives a glimpse of what makes Dune: Awakening unique. Set in Frank Herbert’s universe, the story follows a cast of characters through cinematic cutscenes. Players will face the challenge of survival and search for their identity in the desert. Whether joining the Fremen or waking the Sleeper, your choices will shape the journey.

Since the game’s release was delayed by a few weeks, the upcoming playtest should be a worthwhile experience while we wait for the Dune: Awakening release on June 10, 2025.