Funcom offers a self-hosted server (experimental, PC only, no fee) installed through a Steam tool that creates a Hyper-V virtual machine. There is no classic server folder nor documented SteamCMD install: this guide follows the official page and claims nothing more.
Step-by-step installation
Check the machine: Windows Pro, Hyper-V, ~20 GB RAM, AVX2.
Enable virtualization in the BIOS, then the Hyper-V Windows feature.
Generate a self-hosting token at account.duneawakening.com.
In Steam, Tools filter: install “Dune: Awakening Self-Hosted Server”.
Run battlegroup.bat as administrator, choose initial-setup and enter the token.
Open ports 7777-7810/UDP, 31982/TCP in the firewall and on your router.
Adjust settings via the UserSettings files (File Browser) or the battlegroup spec.
Update via “Battlegroup Commands” and back up the database with the server stopped.
Requirements
- Windows with Hyper-V (Pro edition required per the official page)
- About 20 GB RAM depending on server count; experimental swap for less
- AVX2-capable CPU, virtualization enabled
- Dune account with a self-hosting token; the procedure needs technical skills
Local install (Windows)
No SteamCMD command is documented: everything goes through the Steam tool and its menu. After initial-setup the VM starts and a menu offers: VM commands, battlegroup commands (start/stop/update/status), battlegroup editing, logs and backups. Keep the original .bat in its install folder.
Install on a Linux VPS / dedicated server
Linux: not officially documented. Windows dedicated server or VPS: only possible if the host allows nested virtualization and Hyper-V; check with your provider. Third-party managed hosting (Nitrado…) is the no-admin alternative.
Ports to open
- 7777-7810/UDP: game servers (Port and IGWPort changeable; adapt forwarding then)
- 31982/TCP: RMQ
Windows firewall (netsh)
In an elevated PowerShell (or administrator “cmd”):
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Dune Awakening 7777-7810/UDP" dir=in action=allow protocol=UDP localport=7777-7810
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Dune Awakening 31982/TCP" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=31982Provider firewall and port forwarding (NAT)
If the server is at a provider (OVH, Hetzner, Scaleway…), open the same ports in its network firewall (“security group”). For home hosting, forward the ports (NAT) from your router to the machine's fixed local IP. Test from outside (mobile data or a friend): a test from your own network proves nothing.
Auto-start and supervision
No systemd service: the Hyper-V VM and battlegroup are driven from the battlegroup.bat menu. To restart with Windows, create an “at startup” scheduled task (highest privileges) that starts the VM and battlegroup; test it, as the official page does not describe this automation.
Updates, backups and restarts
Update: “Battlegroup Commands” > update to the latest version. Backup: “Monitoring and Backups” > database backup, preferably with the battlegroup stopped (it weighs on performance). You can also back up/reload the battlegroup spec to test settings. Invalid YAML breaks the battlegroup.
List and find your server
Once your server is public, add it on https://game-rank.com/jeux/dune-awakening (the owner's site) so players can find it, follow it and vote for it.
Troubleshooting
- Setup fails or the VM will not start: check BIOS virtualization, Hyper-V and the Windows Pro edition; run battlegroup.bat as administrator.
- Out of memory: the battlegroup needs about 20 GB; enable experimental swap or reduce the number of servers.
- My settings vanish: those changed in the Battlegroup Director do not persist; apply them in the battlegroup spec or the UserSettings files.
- Unreachable from outside but fine on localhost: the OS firewall, the provider firewall or the NAT forward is missing, or the protocol (UDP/TCP) is wrong. Check each layer one by one.
- Other questions: the official page points to the Dune: Awakening Discord; the procedure being experimental, it may evolve.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the server paid?
- No, Funcom charges nothing for self-hosting; you provide hardware and connection. Experimental, PC only (not on console).
- Is there a config file to generate?
- Funcom documents prefilled UserSettings files and the battlegroup YAML spec, but not their keys. To stay honest we offer no generator; edit the files provided.
- Can memory go below 20 GB?
- Yes, with the experimental memory swap option that uses disk; it is slower and officially experimental.
- How do I update the server?
- battlegroup.bat menu > Battlegroup Commands > update to the latest version.