Survival MMO Dune: Awakening is making waves even before its official release. During its advanced access period, the game has already attracted close to 100,000 concurrent players on Steam, showcasing its immense popularity.

Announced nearly three years ago, Dune: Awakening has been highly anticipated by fans of Frank Herbert's Dune universe. Instead of directly following the books, the game presents an alternate timeline where players explore the harsh desert planet of Arrakis and investigate the mysterious disappearance of the Fremen. Originally slated for release on May 20, 2025, the launch was delayed to June 10, allowing Funcom to conduct one final beta test.

Following a successful final beta, Dune: Awakening entered its five-day advanced access period with strong momentum. According to SteamDB data, the game peaked at 93,634 concurrent players shortly after early access began—an impressive feat considering access was limited to players who purchased the $70 Deluxe Edition or $90 Ultimate Edition. The full launch on June 10 will open the game to those who opted for the $50 Base Edition, likely leading to a further surge in player numbers.

The game has received a "Mostly Positive" rating on Steam, with approximately 76% of nearly 1,900 reviews being favorable. However, some players have reported crashes and performance issues, which are being actively addressed in community discussions. While the response has been largely positive, there is still room for technical improvements.

Funcom is committed to enhancing the player experience by introducing private servers, offering greater flexibility and control. Additionally, to celebrate the early launch, the studio has partnered with Twitch to provide exclusive in-game rewards. From June 5 to June 24, 2025, players can earn three exclusive Observer building pieces through Dune: Awakening Twitch Drops, giving them a head start in base construction.