Dune: Awakening to Offer Private Server Rentals at Launch

Private servers will be available in Dune: Awakening, though with certain limitations to preserve the game's large-scale multiplayer elements.

Funcom announced the news through a Steam store update, confirming "rentable private servers" will launch simultaneously with the game's early access period starting Thursday, June 5.

"While we initially planned private servers for post-launch, development progressed faster than anticipated," the studio stated. "However, it's important to clarify how these servers function in Dune: Awakening. This isn't your conventional survival game experience."

Each private server will connect to a larger World cluster sharing common social hubs and the Deep Desert area. This design maintains the game's community-driven atmosphere while allowing private server functionality.

"Early in development, we committed to preserving the massive multiplayer aspects that define Dune: Awakening's core experience," the update continued. "This foundation fundamentally shapes the game's mechanics and content systems."

"Consequently, we've implemented certain restrictions compared to more traditional survival games like Conan Exiles. Players will have less configuration control to maintain the intended multiplayer dynamics."

Dune: Awakening - January 2025 Screenshots

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Private server operators gain several customization options:

• Toggle complete PvP activation across Hagga Basin
• Disable taxation systems and sandstorm events
• Assign custom server names and password protection
• Claim territory (an exclusive private server feature)
• Visit other World servers with proper credentials

"Implementing private servers presented unique technical challenges while maintaining our vision for a persistent MMO experience," the developers explained. "We believe this balanced approach will still appeal to players wanting more controlled environments without sacrificing what makes Dune: Awakening special."

As noted in IGN's Dune: Awakening beta impressions, "The developers have meticulously crafted the Dune universe while establishing their own parallel canon. Gameplay systems organically incorporate countless lore details that will delight franchise enthusiasts."

Dune: Awakening launches June 10, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S following a three-week delay to address beta feedback. Early access begins June 5. Additional details about the MMO's monetization and global launch timing are available.