Dune: Awakening is introducing private servers, though with certain "concessions" to preserve the large-scale multiplayer aspects of its world.
Developer Funcom shared this news in an update on the Steam store page, confirming that "rentable private servers" will be available as soon as the game launches for "head start" (early access) players on Thursday, June 5.
"We previously indicated private servers would come post-launch, but we're pleased to report development is ahead of schedule," the team stated. "That said, we want to set clear expectations about how private servers operate in Dune: Awakening. This isn't your typical survival game."
Each server will be part of a World made up of "several other servers," all sharing the same social hubs and Deep Desert region. According to Funcom, this approach helps maintain a "neighborhood-like atmosphere."
"Early on, we decided against removing the game's large-scale multiplayer components, as they're central to the Dune: Awakening experience. The content and mechanics are deeply integrated into this framework," the update detailed.
"This required some compromises in how much control players have over their private servers. As a result, the available settings are more limited than in some other survival titles like Conan Exiles."
If you rent a private server, you'll have one Hagga Basin—just like on official servers—and belong to a World alongside other private servers (you can choose which one during sign-up). Social hubs and the Deep Desert cannot be rented or controlled, but you'll still have access to Dune: Awakening’s large-scale multiplayer content and mechanics.
Dune: Awakening - January 2025 Screenshots
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So what exactly do you get with a private server? Funcom says you can disable security zones entirely, "enabling PvP across all parts of Hagga Basin," or create designated PvP zones similar to official servers. You may also turn off taxation and sandstorms, name your server, and set a password. Private server owners can visit other World servers with the correct password and even claim land—a feature unavailable on official servers.
"Enabling private servers in Dune: Awakening was challenging due to our unique large-scale multiplayer design. It was essential to retain the core MMO-like gameplay that defines the experience," the team explained. "That means configuration options are more restricted compared to titles like Conan Exiles.
"Still, we believe this service will appeal to players who prefer not to share servers with others, and we hope the shared World structure enhances the experience without compromising the unique content and mechanics that define Dune: Awakening."
"As a longtime Dune enthusiast, exploring and learning more about this beloved world is a genuine pleasure. Funcom has clearly invested heavily in worldbuilding and lore, despite taking creative liberties by setting Awakening in a parallel reality separate from the books and films," we noted in IGN's Dune: Awakening closed beta impressions preview.
"Small details significantly impact gameplay. Without spoilers, this attention to detail extends to nearly every facet of the world, including factions and characters encountered along the way—something fans of the universe will truly appreciate."
Dune: Awakening launches on June 10, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S following a three-week delay to address issues uncovered during beta testing. "Head start" players can begin playing five days early, starting June 5. For additional information, see the MMO's business model and post-launch roadmap. We also have the global release timetable for Dune: Awakening available here.
