Dune: Awakening Launches with Rentable Private Servers: Key Features and Limitations Revealed

Private servers are making their way to Dune: Awakening, though with thoughtful adjustments to preserve the game’s signature large-scale multiplayer experience.

In a recent update shared via the game’s Steam store page, developer Funcom announced that “rentable private servers” will be available from day one for players entering the game during the “head start” (early access) period, beginning Thursday, June 5.

“We previously mentioned that private servers would arrive post-launch, but development has moved along faster than anticipated,” the team revealed. “That said, we want to set clear expectations around how private servers function in Dune: Awakening. As you may already know, this isn’t your average survival game.”

Each private server will exist within a larger “World” made up of multiple connected servers, all sharing the same social hubs and Deep Desert region. This design choice helps maintain a sense of community and interconnected gameplay—what Funcom describes as a “neighbourhood-like feel.”

“We knew early on that we couldn’t compromise the large-scale multiplayer foundation of the game, as it’s integral to the Dune: Awakening experience. The game’s content and mechanics are built around this structure,” the update continued.

“This meant we had to make certain compromises regarding player control over private servers. Ultimately, the system offers fewer customization options compared to other survival titles like Conan Exiles.”

When launching a private server, players will receive their own Hagga Basin—identical to the official server—and become part of a broader World composed of other private servers. Upon registration, players can choose which World they’d like to join. However, full control over social hubs and the Deep Desert won’t be available. That said, private server players can still engage deeply with Dune: Awakening’s expansive multiplayer systems.

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Now that we’ve covered what private server owners don’t get, let’s focus on what they do. Funcom clarified that server admins can disable security zones entirely, turning the entire Hagga Basin into a PvP zone—or opt for localized PvP pockets similar to public servers. Additional features include the ability to disable taxation and sandstorms, name the server, and protect it with a password. Server owners can also visit other servers within the same World if they have the correct password, and even claim land—a feature not available on official servers.

“Bringing private servers to Dune: Awakening was no small feat given our unique large-scale multiplayer architecture. It was essential to preserve the MMO-style gameplay that makes the game so special,” the team concluded.

“This does mean there are limitations when it comes to server configuration compared to more flexible survival games like Conan Exiles. But we hope this service still offers value to those who prefer exclusive server environments. We also hope the shared World system adds an extra layer of engagement without diluting the rich content and mechanics that define Dune: Awakening.”

As a devoted Dune fan, stepping into this universe feels rewarding, and Funcom’s attention to lore and worldbuilding is evident throughout—even though Awakening exists in a parallel reality separate from established canon.

“There are subtle details that significantly shape gameplay. I won’t spoil them, but these nuances influence nearly every aspect of the world—from factions to characters—which should delight any Dune enthusiast,” as noted in IGN's Dune: Awakening closed beta impressions preview.

Dune: Awakening is scheduled to launch on June 10, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The release follows a three-week delay aimed at addressing issues discovered during beta testing. Players with “head start” access, however, can jump in five days earlier on June 5.

For further information, check out the latest updates on the game’s business model and post-launch roadmap, or consult the global release time schedule for Dune: Awakening.