Dune: Awakening Debuts with Rentable Servers, Details Revealed

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Private Servers Arrive for Dune: Awakening With Key Restrictions

Dune: Awakening will feature private servers at launch, though with specific limitations to preserve its massive multiplayer experience. Developer Funcom announced through Steam that rentable private servers will be immediately available for early access players starting Thursday, June 5.

"While we initially planned private servers for post-launch, development progressed faster than anticipated," the studio stated. "However, we want to clarify how they'll function differently compared to typical survival games."

How Private Servers Work

Each private server will connect to a larger World cluster sharing social hubs and the expansive Deep Desert zone. This preserves the game's community-driven environment while allowing player-controlled spaces.

"Early in development, we committed to maintaining Dune: Awakening's large-scale multiplayer elements," Funcom explained. "This core design principle means private servers offer fewer customization options than titles like Conan Exiles."

What Players Can Control

Private server owners gain several key features:

• Option to disable security zones completely
• Flexible PvP rule configurations
• Ability to turn off taxation and sandstorms
• Naming and password-protecting servers
• Cross-server travel within their World cluster
• Land claiming unavailable on official servers

Balancing Freedom and Vision

"Implementing private servers while maintaining our MMO-like gameplay posed significant technical challenges," Funcom noted. "While more restrictive than some survival titles, we believe this solution satisfies players wanting more control without compromising what makes Dune: Awakening unique."

Launch Details and Early Impressions

Our IGN preview praised Funcom's attention to Dune lore: "The studio demonstrates deep respect for the source material while crafting meaningful gameplay around worldbuilding details that fans will appreciate."

Dune: Awakening launches June 10, 2025, following beta improvements, with early access beginning June 5. For additional details, check our coverage of the MMO's monetization model and global release schedule.