How to play the Dune: Awakening Beta Weekend

You’ve decided to brave the harsh deserts of Arrakis in the Dune: Awakening Beta Weekend.

It’s clear this isn’t a spa retreat. Between sandworms, scorching sun, and bandits lurking around, you might wonder why anyone would want to risk it all.

But for some, this challenge is appealing. The harsh sands provide exactly the survival experience they’re looking for, and Dune: Awakening is putting on a Beta to give players a taste of what that’s like before it launches.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Beta Weekend, including how to participate & when it ends.

Funcom

When is the Beta Weekend?

The beta runs from May 9-12, with the following start times:

• North America: 8:00 AM EDT / 5:00 AM PDT
• South America: 9:00 BRT
• Europe: 2:00 PM CEST
• Asia: 8:00 PM CST / 9:00 PM JST

And don’t get comfortable, because it ends at these times:

• North America: 5:59 PM EDT / 2:59 PM PDT
• South America: 6:59 PM BRT
• Europe: 11:59 PM CEST
• Asia: 5:59 AM CST / 6:59 AM JST (May 13)

How to get a Beta Weekend Key

Dexerto

There are three ways to earn your chance at entering the Arrakis survival party:

1. Wishlist on Steam and request access.
2. Sign up with your email on the official website.
3. Watch the Global LAN Party Broadcast on Twitch on May 10 and get one of the thousands of beta codes flying around.

Do all three. It’s not cheating; it’s strategy. And spice is all about strategy.

What to do in the Beta

In the Beta Weekend, you’ll spend your days in Hagga Basin, tackling PvE quests, surviving the sands, and building everything from shelters to sandbikes. It’s likely you’ll get to craft, gather, explore, and face off against some pesky sandworms.

There’s a chance you’ll stumble upon other players (PvP is a thing, but mostly in small pockets), so watch your back. You can join factions like the Atreides or Harkonnen, take part in faction quests, and maybe even try to outsmart a sandworm.

The beta features 20-25 hours of early gameplay, so consider this just a taste before the full feast. If you’re curious about Dune Awakening’s official release date or requirements, we’ve got you covered.