Private servers arrive for Dune: Awakening, designed to preserve the game's expansive multiplayer experience with certain limitations.

Funcom announced via the Steam store page that "rentable private servers" will be available at launch for "head start" early access players on June 5.

"We initially planned private servers post-launch, but development outpaced expectations," the team noted. "Still, we must clarify how private servers function in Dune: Awakening, as this isn’t a standard survival game."

Each server connects to a World, sharing social hubs and the Deep Desert with other servers to maintain a community-like atmosphere.

"We prioritized keeping the large-scale multiplayer elements central to Dune: Awakening’s design, as they’re integral to its content and mechanics," Funcom stated.

"This required compromises, resulting in fewer customizable settings compared to other survival games like Conan Exiles."

Renting a private server grants one Hagga Basin, like official servers, within a shared World of other private servers, chosen at sign-up. Social hubs and the Deep Desert remain beyond player control, yet allow full access to Dune: Awakening’s multiplayer features.

Dune: Awakening - January 2025 Screenshots

Renting a private server offers flexibility: disable security zones for full PvP in Hagga Basin or keep PvP zones like official servers. You can also turn off taxation and sandstorms, name your server, and set a password. Owners can visit other World servers with the right password and claim land, a feature unavailable on official servers.

"Implementing private servers for Dune: Awakening’s unique multiplayer structure was complex, but we aimed to preserve its MMO essence," Funcom explained. "This limits configuration options compared to games like Conan Exiles."

"Still, we believe this service will appeal to players seeking exclusive servers, with the shared World structure enhancing the experience without diluting Dune: Awakening’s core content."

"As a Dune enthusiast, exploring this richly crafted world feels rewarding. Funcom’s deep worldbuilding and lore, set in a parallel reality to the books and films, shine through," we noted in IGN's Dune: Awakening closed beta impressions preview.

"Small details greatly impact gameplay, from factions to characters, delighting fans of the universe."

Dune: Awakening launches June 10, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, following a three-week delay to address beta feedback. Early access begins June 5 for head start players. Learn more about the MMO's business model and post-launch plans or check the global release time schedule for Dune: Awakening.