A deathmatch mechanic is present, with available weapons being references to the Counter-Strike and Quake video game series.

[4] Instead, players may edit and build upon the original "Dust II" layout, copying parts of it or laying down new map pieces such as teleporters, jump pads, and ammo pickups.

Besides this, a server may go into a state named "low-energy mode", where the game's visuals and audio become more dull and muted.

This can be prevented by executing game-related actions such as joining a server, searching through a defeated player's inventory, or planting the bomb.

[8] Writing for Rock Paper Shotgun, Alice O'Connor called Dustnet a "strange and wonderful dream", and a "fascinating way to remember a map, a game and a culture".