Use Dune: Awakening's Steam launch option without BattlEye for single-player, or for a private or self-hosted server that does not require it. Keep BattlEye enabled when joining a server that requires the anti-cheat. Launching without it and joining a protected server will produce an error.

Funcom added the Steam option in hotfix 1.5.3.6 on October 6. The important choice is the session you want to play, not simply whether you prefer to install BattlEye.

Match the launch option to your session

For a solo session, the option without BattlEye is supported. You do not need a multiplayer server to use single-player.

For a private or self-hosted server, confirm its BattlEye requirement with the administrator before choosing the launch option. A server being private does not automatically mean the anti-cheat is disabled.

For any server with BattlEye enabled, use the launch option with BattlEye. The October notes explicitly retain that requirement for Steam multiplayer servers that use it.

Dune: Awakening gameplay customization settings.
Image: Funcom.

If the option or connection does not work

Check that Steam has downloaded the October 6 update or a later client version. If you launched without BattlEye and the target server requires it, close the game and relaunch with the anti-cheat enabled before trying again.

Do not follow the older September announcement as if it still describes the current option. Funcom initially withdrew the change after Steam launch-option problems; the October 6 notes add it again.

The new option is not a promise of fully offline play, a fix for every launch error, or permission to bypass a protected server's requirements. Choose the mode your session supports. If an unrelated error persists, record the error message and seek support instead of repeatedly changing anti-cheat options.