Greetings, Spice Seekers! The winds of Arrakis are stirring, and Funcom has dropped exciting news about the Dune: Awakening Large-Scale Beta Weekend, happening from May 9 to May 12, 2025. This is your chance to step into the vast deserts of the open-world survival MMO before its official release on June 10, 2025. Whether you’re ready to craft your first base or uncover the secrets of the dunes, this beta is your ticket to Arrakis. Let’s dive into the details, including the exact start time, a global time zone chart, and what you can expect during this epic event!
Beta Weekend Start Time
The action begins on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 14:00 CEST (Central European Summer Time). That’s when you’ll be able to fire up your sandbike, dodge sandworms, and start your journey in this unforgiving world. To make sure you don’t miss a second of the adventure, we’ve put together a time zone chart to help you plan your dive into Arrakis.
Time Zone Chart for Beta Weekend Start
Here’s when the Dune: Awakening Beta Weekend kicks off in various time zones, based on the official start time of May 9, 2025, at 14:00 CEST:
| Time Zone | Date | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| CEST (Central European Summer Time) | May 9, 2025 | 14:00 (2:00 PM) |
| BST (British Summer Time) | May 9, 2025 | 13:00 (1:00 PM) |
| EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) | May 9, 2025 | 08:00 (8:00 AM) |
| CDT (Central Daylight Time) | May 9, 2025 | 07:00 (7:00 AM) |
| MDT (Mountain Daylight Time) | May 9, 2025 | 06:00 (6:00 AM) |
| PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) | May 9, 2025 | 05:00 (5:00 AM) |
| AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) | May 9, 2025 | 22:00 (10:00 PM) |
| JST (Japan Standard Time) | May 9, 2025 | 21:00 (9:00 PM) |
| IST (India Standard Time) | May 9, 2025 | 17:30 (5:30 PM) |
| CST (China Standard Time) | May 9, 2025 | 20:00 (8:00 PM) |
Note: These times assume standard daylight saving rules for May 2025. Check your local time zone closer to the date to confirm.
How to Get in on the Action
Want to join the beta? Here’s how to secure your spot on Arrakis:
- Steam Sign-Up: Visit the Dune: Awakening page on Steam, add the game to your wishlist, and hit the “Request Access” button. It’s a quick way to get in line.
- Global LAN Party Stream: On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9:00 PM CEST (check the chart for your time zone), Funcom will host a live stream on their Twitch channel. They’re giving away thousands of beta keys during the event, so tune in for a chance to grab one instantly!
- Official Website: Head to the Dune: Awakening website and register for beta access. This keeps you in the loop for any extra opportunities.
Best of all, there’s no NDA, so you can stream, record, and share your desert adventures with the world. Time to show off your spice-harvesting skills!
What’s Waiting on Arrakis?
This beta isn’t just a teaser—it’s a deep dive into the early game, offering around 15-20 hours of gameplay. You’ll get to explore a chunk of the story, test out crafting, and face the dangers of Arrakis. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:
- Desert Exploration: Roam vibrant regions filled with towering dunes, ancient ruins, and deadly storms. Keep an eye out for sandworms!
- Base Building: Craft your own outpost using modular tools, setting up everything from shelters to resource stations.
- Story and Combat: Immerse yourself in a narrative where you’re a survivor caught in a war between Great Houses. Expect thrilling battles and tough choices.
- Early Game Focus: The beta centers on the starting experience, so you won’t see the full PvP zones or political systems yet—those are coming at launch.
With so much to do, you’ll want to plan your weekend to make the most of this desert odyssey.
Don’t Miss the Global LAN Party
The Global LAN Party Stream on May 10 is a can’t-miss event for Dune fans. Broadcasting live at 9:00 PM CEST, this stream will feature developers sharing game insights, players showing off their skills, and a ton of beta key giveaways. It’s a celebration of the community, and you’ll get a front-row seat to the excitement. Check it out on Funcom’s Twitch channel and join the hype!
Why This Beta Is a Big Deal
The May 9-12 Beta Weekend is the biggest test yet for Dune: Awakening, opening the gates to more players than ever before. It’s a chance to shape the game’s future, as Funcom is eager to hear your feedback before the June launch. Plus, the open sharing policy means you can build buzz by posting your epic moments online.
The game’s unique spin on the Dune universe—where the balance of power is shaky and survival is key—makes this beta a must-play for fans of the books, films, or survival MMOs. Get ready to carve your name in the sands of Arrakis!
Tips to Thrive in the Beta
Here’s how to hit the ground running:
- Check Your Setup: Make sure your PC meets the game’s requirements for a smooth experience.
- Prioritize Your Goals: With limited time, decide whether you want to focus on story, building, or combat.
- Connect with Others: Join the Dune: Awakening Discord or follow their X account for tips and updates.
- Go Viral: Share your gameplay clips to connect with the community and show off your Arrakis style.
The Dune: Awakening Beta Weekend is your gateway to a sprawling, spice-filled adventure. Starting May 9, 2025, at 14:00 CEST, you’ll have three days to explore, build, and survive. Don’t miss the Global LAN Party on May 10, and keep checking here for more news. What’s your plan for the beta—will you craft a fortress or chase the story? Let us know below, and let’s conquer the dunes together!
