Brave the Sands in ‘Dune: Imperium’!
By intrigue or power, take what is rightfully yours and dominate the Landsraad in Dune: Imperium from Dire Wolf Games.
Welcome in, fellow gamers! Board control games are not a new concept. Heavy hitters like Risk and Catan dominate the field, with a few fan favorites holding steady on the fringes. But what you don’t see often is the combination of area control and deck building. However, you need every weapon at your disposal to control the spice flow. Manipulate your rivals, press your advantage, and take the galaxy by storm in Dune: Imperium.
What is Dune: Imperium?
Dune: Imperium is a unique combination of deck building and board control set on the backdrop of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi series. Players must balance military might with political intrigue. They must tailor their deck to outmaneuver their opponents and gain favor with the ruling powers. Shift your strategy as the game continues to stay one step ahead of your opponents and get the upper hand in the Landsraad.
Imperium was first produced in 2020 by Dire Wolf Publishing. It was well-received by gamers thanks to its unique gameplay style and thematic setting. It has since spawned several expansions and a digital version on Steam. Thanks to its relatively low barrier to entry but surprisingly high inner complexity, it is infinitely replayable. New strategies emerge in each game; there’s no wrong way to play.
How Do You Play?
At the beginning of each game, you choose one of the Great Houses to represent. Each house has unique bonuses and drawbacks. At the start of the game, other than your unique leader card, your starting deck is identical to your opponents’. As the game progresses, you acquire unique cards to tailor your deck to produce Persuasion or Swords. Persuasion lets you gain more cards to build your deck. Swords give you military might to defeat your opponents or various other challenges.
Unlike most deck builders, players do not play their entire hand on their turn. Instead, players draw their starting hand and then alternate play. Each card allows you to send Agents to one of the board zones, allowing you to acquire Persuasion or Swords.
Once you’re out of Agents, you reveal any cards remaining in your hand to determine your gains for the turn. Will you use your Swords and military might to overwhelm your opponents? Or play the politician’s route with your Persuasion to court one of the allied factions, like the Fremen or the mysterious Bene Gesserit? The choice is yours.
Dune: Imperium Reception and Reviews
Dune: Imperium has won several awards internationally and is highly reviewed in the States. Board gamers laud its unique gameplay and style, and fans of the franchise appreciate the respect for the source material. It is a game unlike any other. Though some players have complained of its complexity, it is a highly reviewed, greatly loved property.
How Long Does a Game Take?
A game of Dune: Imperium can be as long or short as you choose. Though the game takes some time to get rolling, it can end in a few short turns with luck and skill. Players can ply their trade to extend the game and go for bigger wins. However, if you need a shorter game, it is entirely possible to pull the dunes right out from under your opponent. It all depends on your draws. Regardless, expect to spend 1-2 hours playing the game.
Dune: Imperium Expansions
If you decide you enjoy Imperium and want to enhance your gameplay experience, there’s a few expansions you can pick up. Rise of Ix brings the powerful Ixian tech into the game. You can bring dreadnoughts to bear against your enemies or take on the higher stakes Epic mode. Immortality introduces the dark science of the Bene Tleilax and their deadly creations. Empower your Agents with biografts or resurrect the fallen as gholas. Most recently in 2025, Dire Wolf introduced Bloodlines play expands not just for one leader, but across generations. Canny generals can recruit the deadly Sadaukar and brilliant tacticians can set up their descendants for success. But beware; a single slip can doom your family name for all time.
Off the tabletop, players can experience Dune: Imperium on Steam. Players can test their mental might against AI opponents or throw their strength into the wider world. Are you the best Imperium player at your FLGS? Then try your luck against the best players in the world!
