Private servers are officially making their way to Dune: Awakening, though with certain "concessions" designed to preserve the game’s large-scale multiplayer essence.
In a recent update shared via the game’s Steam store page, developer Funcom announced that "rentable private servers" will be accessible from day one for players participating in the "head start" (early access) period, which begins on Thursday, June 5.
“We had previously mentioned that private servers would arrive post-launch, but we’re excited to share that development has progressed faster than anticipated,” the team stated. “That said, we want to set clear expectations regarding how private servers function in Dune: Awakening. As you may already know, this is not your average survival game.”
Each private server will be part of a larger "World," consisting of multiple connected servers, all sharing the same social hubs and Deep Desert environment. This interconnected structure aims to maintain a "neighbourhood-like feel" across the game world.
“From the beginning, we were determined not to compromise the large-scale multiplayer experience, as it's a core element of Dune: Awakening. The game’s content and mechanics are built around this setup,” the update clarified.
“This meant we needed to make trade-offs in terms of player control over private servers. What we’ve delivered is a model with fewer customization options compared to other survival titles like Conan Exiles.”
If you opt to rent a private server, you’ll receive your own Hagga Basin—identical to the official server—and be grouped into a World alongside other private servers. You can even choose which World to join upon signing up. However, control over social hubs and the Deep Desert won’t be available. That said, you’ll still be able to fully engage with Dune: Awakening’s expansive multiplayer systems and content.
Dune: Awakening – January 2025 Screenshots
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Now that we've covered what's off-limits, let’s dive into what you can do on a private server. Funcom revealed that owners will have the option to completely remove security zones, effectively turning the entire Hagga Basin into a PvP zone—or enable selective PvP pockets similar to public servers. Additionally, features like taxation and sandstorms can be disabled. Server naming, password protection, cross-server visits (with the correct password), and land claiming—all exclusive perks not available on official servers—are also supported.
“Implementing private servers for Dune: Awakening was no small feat due to our distinctive large-scale multiplayer architecture. It was vital to us to maintain the MMO-style gameplay that makes the game special,” the team concluded.
“This naturally comes with limitations compared to more flexible setups seen in other survival games. Still, we hope this offering provides real value to those who prefer exclusive server environments. We also believe the shared World system adds depth without undermining the unique content and mechanics that define Dune: Awakening.”
"As someone who has long admired the Dune universe, it's incredibly satisfying to explore and learn more about this richly crafted world. Funcom has clearly invested deeply in lore and worldbuilding—even while creatively reimagining the canon through a parallel reality setting," we noted in IGN's Dune: Awakening closed beta impressions preview."There are countless small details that significantly enhance gameplay. Without spoiling anything, this level of care extends across every corner of the game—from factions to characters—which should delight any Dune enthusiast."
Dune: Awakening is scheduled for release on June 10, 2025, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, following a three-week delay aimed at addressing issues uncovered during beta testing. Those with early access ("head start") can jump in five days earlier, starting June 5. For more details, check out the game’s business model and post-launch roadmap, or refer to the global release time schedule for Dune: Awakening.
