Private servers are joining Dune: Awakening, with specific "concessions" designed to preserve the large-scale multiplayer experience of its open worlds.
Developer Funcom announced this feature in an update on the game's Steam store page, confirming that rentable private servers will launch alongside the early access phase for head-start players on Thursday, June 5.
"We previously stated that private servers would arrive post-launch, but progress has exceeded our expectations," the team shared. "We want to manage expectations regarding how they function in Dune: Awakening, as this is not a typical survival game."
Each private server will be part of a larger World comprising "several other servers," all sharing the same social hubs and Deep Desert. Funcom noted that this structure helps maintain a "neighbourhood-like feel.""We wanted to avoid removing the large-scale multiplayer elements, which are central to the Dune: Awakening experience and deeply integrated into its content and mechanics," the update explained.
"Consequently, we had to limit player control over private server settings compared to other survival games like Conan Exiles."
Renting a private server grants access to one Hagga Basin instance, identical to official servers, while placing you within a World of other private servers (selectable during signup). While social hubs and the Deep Desert remain shared, players can still fully enjoy Dune: Awakening’s large-scale multiplayer features.
Dune: Awakening - January 2025 Screenshots
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Private server owners can disable security zones to make the entire Hagga Basin PvP-enabled, or create specific PvP pockets. Additional features include disabling taxes and sandstorms, customizing the server name, setting passwords, visiting other World servers with permission, and claiming land—a feature unavailable on official servers.
"Implementing private servers in Dune: Awakening was complex due to our unique multiplayer setup," the team concluded. "It was vital to preserve the MMO-like gameplay that defines the game, which results in some configuration restrictions compared to titles like Conan Exiles."
"We hope this option appeals to those who prefer exclusive play and believe the shared World structure adds depth without detracting from Dune: Awakening’s unique mechanics."
"As a dedicated Dune fan, exploring this world feels rewarding. Funcom has invested heavily in lore and worldbuilding, creatively placing Awakening within a parallel reality while staying true to the source material," we noted in IGN's closed beta impressions preview."Small details significantly impact gameplay, from factions to character interactions, offering a treat for fans of the setting."
Dune: Awakening releases on June 10, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S following a three-week delay to address beta issues. Head-start players gain access five days early, starting June 5. For more information, see details on the MMO's business model and post-launch roadmap. We also provide the global release time schedule for Dune: Awakening here.
