Dune: Spice Wars Early Access Gameplay on PC

In Dune Spice Wars, set in the universe of Dune, players are tasked with leading their faction and battling for control of the desert planet Arrakis. The planet is harsh and unforgiving, but it holds the most valuable resource in the universe: spice. Spice extends life, expands consciousness, and enables interstellar travel. It can only be found on Arrakis, and as a result, it attracts the attention of powerful forces in the Imperium.

Players must navigate the desert landscape and be cautious of wormsign, which indicates the presence of colossal sandworms. These creatures can devour troops and spice harvesters that are caught unaware. Success in the game requires a combination of combat, political maneuvering, and strategic use of spies.

The Dune universe, known for its influence in science fiction, is brought to life in the game. Players can lead their faction with iconic characters such as Duke Leto Atreides, the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, and the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV. The planet itself poses challenges, with vast deserts, treacherous storms, and deadly sandworms.

The gameplay combines elements of the 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) genre in real-time. Players must balance warfare, subterfuge, political influence, and economic supremacy to gain control over Arrakis. Agents can be used to sabotage opponents, political resolutions can be voted on in the Landsraad, and military force can be deployed to overpower enemies. However, aggressive actions may have political consequences.

Exploration is an essential aspect of the game. Players can use ornithopters to scout for resources, villages, and points of interest. They can expand their influence by deploying troops and controlling regions. The economy can be bolstered by constructing buildings and spice harvesters. Spaceships and aircraft can be utilized for combat, but players must be cautious of the political fallout that may result.

The game offers strategic choices, allowing players to pursue paths of honor and politics or embrace violence and deceit. There are different factions available, each with unique abilities and playstyles. The factions can be further customized by selecting councilors who enhance strengths and mitigate weaknesses. Players can shape their own destiny on Arrakis through various tactics such as survival, shady dealings, military might, or dominating the spice trade.

In multiplayer mode, players can team up in 2v2 matches or face off in free-for-all battles with up to four players. The parameters of the matches, including AI difficulty, map size, victory conditions, sandworm aggression, storms, and number of Sietches (Fremen strongholds), can be tailored to individual preferences. Cooperation and experimentation with faction combinations are key to dominating Arrakis.

For those seeking a more structured experience, the Conquest mode allows players to take control of major houses and tackle unique scenarios. Starting houses can be personalized with perks and upgrades, providing a distinct gameplay experience each time.

With its immersive gameplay, strategic depth, and rich Dune lore, this game offers players the opportunity to conquer Arrakis and shape the fate of the universe.