Funcom’s new survival MMO Dune: Awakening has introduced rentable private servers earlier than expected, available from the June 5 head start launch instead of post-release as initially planned. This early feature comes with specific restrictions tied to the game’s unusual server structure.
Unlike traditional survival games, Dune: Awakening’s private servers operate within a larger shared framework. Each private server contains a full Hagga Basin map but exists within a broader “World” that connects multiple servers. This means players on different private servers can still interact in social hubs and the expansive Deep Desert region.
“This is not our first rodeo,” Funcom stated confidently about their server infrastructure, despite some early access players experiencing technical issues where the server browser displayed zero available servers. The company quickly addressed these problems, recommending players restart their game clients or check for driver updates.
The game launched with nearly 100,000 concurrent players during early access, according to SteamDB data, though initial Steam reviews were mixed as players encountered the typical day-one server hiccups.
Private server owners can customize certain aspects of their experience, including disabling PvP security zones in Hagga Basin, turning off server taxation, and controlling whether sandstorms appear. Servers can be named and password-protected for group play.
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However, these private options come with notable limitations. Unlike some comparable survival games, Dune: Awakening doesn’t currently offer full admin control panels or character transfers between servers. Funcom has indicated they will “evaluate this functionality post-launch,” suggesting these features might arrive in future updates.
The private server rental service is handled entirely by third-party providers GPORTAL, Nitrado, and xREALM, who manage all support and pricing.
This private server approach preserves Dune: Awakening’s core MMO features while addressing player requests for more controlled environments. The game itself costs $49.99 and has generated significant interest with over 200,000 followers on Steam.
Dune: Awakening blends survival gameplay with MMO elements in a harsh Arrakis setting where players manage resources like water, craft gear, and navigate environmental threats including the iconic sandworms. Players can join either Atreides or Harkonnen factions in a parallel storyline where Paul Atreides was never born and Duke Leto survived.
The global release for all players is scheduled for June 10, following the current early access period for Deluxe and Ultimate edition owners.