How To Play: Dune

Overview

If you’ve ever wanted to outmaneuver your friends on the sands of Arrakis—while they threaten you over snacks—this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the basics of How To Play dune, plus give you the best tips and tricks I learned after many spicy betrayals. Get ready for a game rules outline and the top strategies for crushing your enemies (politely, of course).

What’s in the box

• 1 Game board
• 6 Player shields
• 6 Faction tokens
• 6 Player reference sheets
• 1 Rulebook
• 1 Quick Start Guide
• 1 Storm marker
• 1 Turn marker
• 1 Spice marker
• 231 Tokens
• 21 Spice blow/Revival cards
• 33 Treachery cards
• 9 Alliance cards
• 30 Leader discs
• 1 Battle Wheel
• ~300 Plastic and cardboard pieces (leaders, troops, spice)

How To Play Dune: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Choose your faction. Good luck not fighting over Atreides, everyone does.

2. Give each player their matching pieces, cards, and tokens. Don’t lose the tiny tokens. You’ll regret it.

3. Set up the board: Place forces in starting zones, toss the Shai-Hulud marker somewhere ominous, and shuffle all decks.

4. Hand out spice to players. Brag about how rich you are for the next 30 seconds.

Gameplay

1. Turns go in rounds. Each round has phases: Storm, Spice Blow, Bidding, Revival, Movement, Battle, and Collection. Yes, all those words matter.

2. First, the storm marker moves. This can ruin your day, so brace yourself.

3. Then, reveal and place new spice on the board. Get ready to fight for it.

4. Bid for treachery cards. Try not to overspend. Or do. It’s your funeral.

5. Revive dead troops (if you’re sentimental) and move forces across the board. The worm might eat you. Be brave.

6. Battle happens if forces land in the same space. Use secret battle wheels. Prepare for betrayal and heartbreak.

7. In collection, grab spice from territories you control. Yell “I have the spice!” if it helps.

Winning

1. To win, control three strongholds at the end of a round. Alliances need four. Amass your friends and then betray them when needed.

2. If nobody wins after ten rounds, the player or alliance with the most spice and strongholds takes the cake. Or the sandworm. I forget.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Every faction breaks a rule. Don’t forget your special ability, or you’ll look silly.

2. Sandworms appear during the Spice Blow phase. They eat everyone in their desert space but can also help Fremen travel. Everyone else screams.

3. Alliances can be made (and broken) at any time, except during a battle. So, trust no one… especially your best friend.

If you remember nothing else, remember to laugh, plot, and occasionally shout, “The spice must flow!” Oh, and if you’re still unsure, ask a buddy or just yell ‘How To Play dune?’ until someone helps.

Best Dune Strategies

Unlocking Dune: Know Your Faction’s Edge!

Picking the right faction in Dune is like choosing your snack before movie night; you gotta know what you’re in for! Here’s my take after one wild, spice-fueled night with my friends:

Atreides: The Mind Readers

1. Predict battles by using your Prescience skill.
2. Focus on gathering information before committing to fights.
3. Play diplomatic to lure other factions into false security.

Harkonnen: The Ruthless Plotters

1. Use your extra traitor cards for bluffing and backstabbing.
2. Strike when opponents least expect it.
3. Sabotage alliances—never play too nice!

Fremen: The Sand Swimmers

1. Take advantage of storm movement and cheap shipments.
2. Defend spice blows for long-term power.

Mastering these strengths is key to learning how to play Dune and grab that win!

Spice Makes the World Go Round: Winning With Smart Resource Moves

Counting Your Spice

When I played Dune, I saw fast how quick you can run out of spice if you spend it all willy-nilly. To stop this, keep a close count. Here’s how:

1. Track every spice you spend.
2. Save some for emergencies, like auctions or battles.

Harvest Like a Pro

Do not just charge after every spice blow. Instead, try these tricks:

1. Pick spice blows that are close to your units.
2. Go for spots where opponents cannot reach fast.
3. Avoid storms unless you want your troops toasted.

Bargain and Bluff

I once tricked my pals by acting poor. Try to make deals or trade info when you are short on spice:

1. Offer to split spice finds in exchange for support.
2. Swap info for a spice boost.

How To Play Dune Like a Spice Boss

Managing spice means you keep your options open. With these tricks, you control the table and maybe, just maybe, win Dune. Remember, with smart resource play, you will have enough spice to take every shot you want!

Mastering Alliances and Negotiation in Dune

Choose Your Friends Wisely

1. First, eye players with unique powers you lack. Synergy wins games!
2. Next, avoid backstabbers—no one likes a traitor, except maybe the Harkonnens.

Seal the Deal

1. Always sweeten your offer, but never give away the whole sandworm.
2. Then, clarify every detail. You don’t want a deal to turn into a sandstorm of confusion.

Know When to Bail

1. Sometimes, leaving an alliance at the right moment equals victory. Watch the board and trust your gut!
2. Finally, never fear switching sides if it gets you closer to the win.

After a few games with my friends, I learned fast: How To Play dune isn’t just about fighting, but also about talking your way to the top!

Master the Sand, Rule the Table

So that’s my guide to outwitting everyone at Dune! If you remember to use your faction’s oddball strengths, hoard spice like a greedy squirrel, and shake hands with the right backstabber, you’ll do great. My friends are all still mad at me for that time I won thanks to a last-minute alliance (sorry, Steve). If you want to know How To Play dune like a pro, just keep playing, keep laughing, and always expect the unexpected. May your spice flow freely and your friends forgive you by next game night!

Want to know what we think of Dune? Read our detailed review of Dune here