Dune: Imperium

Dune: Imperium is a board game that captures the essence of the iconic Dune universe, combining deck-building strategy with worker placement mechanics. Players take on the role of leaders of renowned noble houses, each trying to expand their influence over the planet Arrakis, the source of the valuable spice melange. In this game, you'll have to balance collecting resources, recruiting allies and carrying out subterfuge in order to stand out in the political landscape of Landsraad. The hidden information dynamic adds a layer of strategy, where careful decisions can result in surprising victories or devastating defeats. With an immersive design, Dune: Imperium offers a challenge for those seeking to master the complexity and intrigue of Frank Herbert's universe, providing a rich and immersive experience in every game.

Age 14 + 120 min 1 to 4 players

Artists: Clay Brooks; Nate Storm

Designers: Paul Dennen;

Date: 2020

Note: 8.8

Mechanics: Allocation of workers, Players with Different Skills, Conflict Resolution by Letters

Topics: Pop or Geek Culture, Science Fiction, Literature, Politics

Table of Contents
- How to Play
- Tips for playing
- Game mechanics
- Game components
- Additional Information

How to play Dune: Imperium

Players must choose one of the Houses of Dune and start with specific resources, cards and unique abilities. The aim is to win 10 victory points before everyone else.

The game uses a combination of deck building and worker placement. Use your cards to place agents at locations on the board, gaining different advantages according to each area.

Manage spice, water, solaris and political influence to progress. Resources allow you to strengthen your army, buy powerful cards or manipulate factions.

Four factions offer opportunities to gain influence: Fremen, Bene Gesserit, the Space Guild and the Emperor. By placing workers in these areas, increase your membership and unlock rewards.

Conflicts arise at the end of each round. Prepare yourself by recruiting troops and positioning them in the combat zones to dominate the regions and earn points and resources.

Plan your moves according to the conflict card revealed at the start of the round. These determine the prizes for the winners of specific battles in the round.

As well as competing, players can interfere with each other. Positioning agents in critical locations can block opponents' access to the advantages they want.

Each card in your deck serves different purposes; know when to play them for movement, for agent actions, or to draw new cards in the revelation phase.

Balanced strategy is crucial. Focusing only on battles or political progress can be dangerous if you neglect other aspects of the game.

Main objective

The main objective of the game Dune: Imperium is to accumulate the most victory points by combining deck-building mechanics, area control and worker allocation in a setting inspired by Frank Herbert's "Dune" universe, where players represent factions competing for political influence, military power and resources, especially the valuable spice, to dominate the planet Arrakis and its surroundings.

Tips for playing Dune: Imperium

Here are some tips for doing better in the game Dune: Imperium:

  • Explore all the houses of power, including those that don't seem advantageous; they could be key to future strategies.
  • Invest in combat-focused intrigue cards in the late game; they can turn the tide in a crucial round.
  • Build a balanced deck of power, resource and influence cards, prioritizing strategic flexibility.
  • Keep an eye on your opponents' actions and adjust your strategy to block or circumvent their moves.
  • Careful management of spices and water is vital; these resources are often the key to gaining the necessary control.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of influence; alliances can offer decisive bonuses.
  • Always follow the victory points trail and use direct actions to get small increases when possible.
  • Strategize how to obtain and use leader cards properly; unique skills can change the course of the game.

Video about the game

Mechanics of Dune: Imperium

  • Allocation of workers: In "Dune: Imperium", players use their agents, or workers, to carry out actions in different places on the board. Each space offers specific benefits, such as collecting resources (water, spice, money), obtaining cards, or influencing factions. The choice of location is strategic, as some areas are blocked after an agent is allocated there, preventing other players from accessing them until the next round.
  • Deck building: Players start with a basic deck and, over the course of the game, acquire cards that expand their possibilities for action. The cards serve different functions: some strengthen influence in factions, others allow you to move troops or obtain resources. The construction of the deck is crucial to the strategy, and must balance between enhancing the efficiency of actions and ensuring tactical flexibility in future plays.
  • Bags and parts: Resources and strategic components, such as water, spice and Solaris (money), are fundamental to progression in the game. They are used to negotiate and allocate workers, as well as influencing the ability to draw cards and control regions. Resource management requires careful balancing, as each action consumes specific quantities of these elements.
  • Players with Different Skills: Each player takes on the role of a leader with unique skills that influence the way the game is played. These skills offer specific advantages, such as bonuses in resource collection or diplomatic actions. This diversity adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must make the most of their special abilities to outwit their opponents.
  • Conflict Resolution by Letters: Conflicts are resolved at the end of each round, based on cards played by the players. Combat cards, along with troops deployed in conflict regions, determine the winner of each dispute. The rewards range from resources to victory points, which are key to achieving final victory. The intelligent use of combat cards and the strategic positioning of troops are essential to dominating conflicts.

Game components Dune: Imperium

See all the items in the game below Dune: Imperium:

  • 1x Tray
  • 1x Help sheet
  • 15x water tokens
  • 4x Baron Harkonnen tokens
  • 23x Spice Tokens (20 value 1, 3 value 5)
  • 40x Cards of Intrigue
  • 18x Conflict cards (4x level 1, 10x level 2 and 4x level 3)
  • 67x Imperium deck cards
  • 8x Leaders (shift sequence guide overleaf)
  • 1x Meeple of Mentat
  • 24x reserve cards
  • 1x First player marker
  • 16x Cubes (components per player)
  • 2x Disks (components per player)
  • 3x control markers (components per player)
  • 3x Agents (components per player)
  • 1x Combat marker (components per player)
  • 10x Starter deck cards (components per player)
  • 31x Hagal house cards (for solo and/or 2 players)
  • 1x Hagal house rules sheet (for solo and/or 2 players)

Additional Information

en_USEnglish