The Dune Collectible Card Game: A guide to cards, strategy tips & play instructions

Introduction

The Dune Collectible Card Game (Dune CCG) is one of those games that’s got a special place in my heart as an adaption of one of my most favorite sci-fi universes. It’s based on the epic science fiction story created by Frank Herbert, and it’s all about strategy, resource management, and, of course, controlling the spice!

The game was first released back in the ’90s, and it’s got a pretty dedicated fan base, resurged a little by the recent new films. Unfortunately, the cards aren’t in print anymore, which makes them a bit of a collector’s item. But don’t worry, you can still find them online or at some gaming conventions if you’re keen to start playing.

Dune is a game that’s rich in theme and complexity because the story spans over thousands of years. You get to take on the role of one of the factions from the Dune universe, like the noble House Atreides or the treacherous House Harkonnen. Each faction has its own unique strengths and strategies, which makes every game a new challenge. The goal? To gain control of the desert planet of Arrakis and its valuable spice production. It’s a game that requires a good mix of tactics and luck to win.

Rules for playing Dune CCG

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the rules. Dune can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a blast. The game is played over a series of turns, where players draw cards, deploy forces, harvest spice, and engage in battles. The key is to manage your resources wisely and outmaneuver your opponents.

Each turn is broken down into several phases. You start by drawing cards to build your hand, then you can deploy your forces to different territories on the game board. After that, you might get the chance to harvest some spice if you control the right territories. Then comes the bidding phase, where you can acquire new cards for your hand by spending spice. Next up is the battle phase, where players can attack each other’s territories. And finally, there’s the spice blow, where new spice is scattered across the board, and sometimes, a deadly sandworm appears!

One of the coolest things about Dune is the way alliances can form between players. You can make deals, share resources, and even win the game together with your allies. But be careful – betrayals are a part of the game, and trust is a rare commodity on Arrakis.

Card Types for Dune

Now, let’s talk about the cards. There are several types of cards in Dune, each serving a different purpose. You’ve got Character cards, which represent the heroes and villains of the Dune universe. These characters have special abilities that can turn the tide of battle or spice production. Then there are Troop cards, which you use to build your armies and fight for control of territories.

Next up are Spice cards, which are all about that precious resource. You’ll use these to bid on new cards and pay for various actions throughout the game. There are also Treachery cards, which are full of sneaky tactics and surprises that can disrupt your opponents’ plans.

When you’re starting out, you might want to get your hands on a starter set. These usually come with a pre-constructed deck for one of the factions, which is a great way to learn the basics of deck building and get a feel for how the game plays.

How to Play Dune CCG and Game Mechanics

Playing Dune is all about balancing your strategy with the unpredictable elements of the game. Here’s a quick rundown of the key mechanics:

1. Setup: Each player chooses a faction and sets up their initial forces on the game board. You’ll also shuffle the decks and prepare the spice bank.
2. Gameplay: Players take turns going through the phases I mentioned earlier – drawing cards, deploying forces, harvesting spice, bidding, battling, and the spice blow.
3. End of the Game: The game ends when one player (or an alliance of players) controls a certain number of strongholds on the board. The number needed depends on how many players are in the game.

Throughout the game, you’ll need to adapt to the shifting sands of Arrakis and the actions of your opponents. It’s a delicate dance of power and cunning, and no two games are ever the same.

How to Win at Dune

Winning at Dune is about more than just having a strong army. You need to be smart about where and when you deploy your forces, and you need to be able to predict your opponents’ moves. Here are some tips for players at different levels:

For beginners, focus on learning how each faction works and what their strengths are. Don’t spread yourself too thin – it’s better to have a strong presence in a few territories than a weak presence in many.

Intermediate players should start paying attention to the alliances forming around the table. Sometimes, joining forces with another player can be the key to victory. Also, keep an eye on the treachery cards in play – they can really shake things up.

Advanced players will want to master the art of bluffing and misdirection. Dune is a game where you can win battles without fighting if you play your cards right. And always be prepared for the unexpected – sandworms and spice blows can change everything in an instant.

Best Strategies for playing Dune game

When it comes to strategy, Dune is a deep well. Here are some of the best ways to come out on top:

First, control the spice. Spice is power in Dune, and the more you have, the more options you have. Make sure you’re harvesting as much as you can and protecting those territories.

Second, know when to fight and when to hold back. Battles can be costly, so you don’t want to engage unless you’re fairly sure you can win. Use your treachery cards to gain advantages and surprise your enemies.

Third, keep an eye on the victory conditions. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment-to-moment gameplay, but always remember what it takes to win. Position yourself to take control of the strongholds when the time is right.

And don’t forget about sneaky tactics. Sometimes, the best move is the one nobody sees coming. Use alliances to your advantage, but be ready to break them if it means securing victory.

Deck Building and Best Cards in Dune

Building a good deck is crucial in Dune. There are some sites that list Starter Decks below. You want a balance of character, troop, spice, and treachery cards that match your faction’s strengths and your play style. Here’s how to do it:

First, pick a focus for your deck. Are you going to overwhelm your opponents with military might? Or maybe you’ll control the spice trade and outbid them for the best cards. Whatever your strategy, make sure your deck supports it.

Next, consider your character cards. These are the heart of your deck, so choose characters that have abilities that synergize well with each other.

Don’t forget about your troop cards. You’ll need a strong army to win battles and control territories. But remember, quality is often better than quantity.

Finally, spice and treachery cards can make or break your game. Include enough spice cards to keep your economy strong, and choose treachery cards that will disrupt your opponents’ plans.

Dune CCG Releases

There were three sets released in the Dune CCG. First up, we’ve got Eye of the Storm, often abbreviated as EOTS, boasting a hefty 301 cards. Next in line is Judge of the Change (JOTC), which came out in three parts, each with 61 cards, totaling up to 183 cards. And last but not least, we’ve got Thunder at Twilight (TAT), also in three parts: Series 1 (60 cards), Series 2 (59 cards), and Series 3 (58 cards), making up a grand total of 177 cards.

Now, on to crd rarity for those collectors: there were five levels: F/Fixed, C/Common, U/Uncommon, R/Rare, and the prestigious I/Imperial Rare. But wait, there’s more! You might stumble upon Preview versions of cards if you’re lucky, and there are also some sweet Variants out there with differences in artwork, card values, or description text. So, keep your eyes peeled for those gems! If you want more detailed info, head over to the Collectors of Dune site I’ve linked below and check out their CCG page.

Best Cards in Dune CCG

Some of the best cards in Dune are those that offer flexibility and power. Look for cards that can be used in multiple situations or that give you a significant advantage when played. Here are a few examples:

• Paul Atreides, Son of Duke Leto (Fixed)
• Landsraad Summit (Imperial Rare)
• Duncan Idaho (Imperial Rare)

Below I’ve provided a list of the full 301 cards in the initial release of Eye of the Storm, Dune CCG, sorted by Rarity.

Key: C (Commons, brown back, 79 cards) / U (Uncommons, brown back, 80 cards) / R (Regular Rares, brown back, 81 cards) / F (Fixed, blue back, 36 cards) / I (Imperial Rares, blue back, 25 cards):

Rarity	Card Name
F	Arrakeen, Capital of Arrakis
F	Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
F	Caladan
F	Caladanan Exports
F	Carthag, Harkonnen Megalopolis
F	Chaumurky
F	CHOAM Directorship
F	Count Hasimir Fenring
F	Dune, Center of the Universe
F	Duke Leto Atreides
F	Dune Charter Renewal
F	Famous Battle Account
F	Feyd Rautha, Nephew of the Baron
F	Forbidden Zone
F	Glossu Rabban, Count of Lankiveil
F	Giedi Prime
F	Guild Heighliner
F	Guild Navigator, Heighliner Steersman
F	Gurney Halleck, Troubador-Warrior
F	Iakin Nefud
F	Imperial Basin, Arrakeen Valley
F	Imperial Revenues
F	Jareh Benquait
F	Juice of Sapho, Mentat Drug
F	Kaitain
F	Lady Margot, Breeding Mistress
F	Oberon, Third Stage Navigator
F	Paul Atreides, Son of Duke Leto
F	Princess Irulan, Daughter of Shaddam
F	Sandworm, Coming of the Maker
F	Shaddam IV, Padishah Emperor
F	Sisterhood Covenant
F	Sister Ramallo
F	The Minor Erg, Desert Expanse
F	The Open Bled, Desert Sea
F	Thufir Hawat
F	Trespass Accord
F	Tupile
F	Wallach IX
I	Albrecht Nim
I	Bene Tleilax Accord
I	Doctor Kynes
I	Duncan Idaho
I	Harvesting Contract
I	House Agent
I	Industrial Sabotage
I	Landsraad Summit
I	Landsraad Inquest
I	Machine from Ix
I	Military Appropriations
I	Piter de Vries
I	Salvaging Operation
I	Sand Scrub, Harvesting Raid
I	Sietch Community
I	Spotter Control, Harvesting Union
I	Sterling Reputation
I	Suspensor Technologies
I	Windtrap Technologies
R	Assembly of Lords
R	Atreides Propagandist
R	Back to the Wall
R	Battle Captive
R	Battle Fatalities
R	Betrayal, Activate Traitor
R	Blade Parry
R	Bodies in the Well
R	Buyout Agreement
R	Commander Aramsham
R	Compel Surrender
R	Covert Venture
R	Crysknife, Blade Weapon
R	Duke Leto Atreides
R	Early Procurement
R	Engineering Corps
R	Exchange Suspension
R	Exchange Violation
R	Expeditionary Invasion
R	Feigned Unreadiness
R	Financial Reward
R	Flip-Dart, Concealed Needle
R	Formal Impressment
R	Full Reverend Mother
R	Gaius Helen Mohaim
R	Gom Jabbar, The Little Death
R	Guard Commander
R	Heir Designate
R	Historic Acquisition
R	House Shield Generator
R	House Turmoil
R	Imperial Codex
R	Imperial Courtiers
R	Imperial Fete
R	Imperial Intervention
R	Imperial Seal
R	Irulan’s Peace
R	Lasgun Rifle, High-Energy Projectile
R	Leven Breche, Sardaukar Officer
R	Liquidation Measures
R	Naib’s Countenance
R	Order of the Sword
R	Petitioning Savvy
R	Petitioning Tithe
R	Philanthropy Drive
R	Poison Gas Tooth
R	Poisoned Blade
R	Prescience Shielding
R	Prophetic Vision
R	Quality Inspection
R	Renegade Sister
R	Residual Poison
R	Sandworm, Coming of the Maker
R	Scuttled Negotiation
R	Secund-Elect, Dueling Alternate
R	Security Sweep
R	Sharing of Inner Lives
R	Shigawire Bonds
R	Spice Addiction
R	Spice Mining Inspection
R	Terrain Advantage
R	Terrorism, Material Destruction
R	Traverse Fold-Space
R	Truth Sayer
R	Truth Saying
R	Vendetta
R	Witness Testimonial
U	Aborted Raid
U	Accomplished Blademaster
U	Act of Cowardice
U	Armistice Treaty
U	Badge of the Lion
U	Brilliant Rhetoric
U	Diplomacy
U	Diplomatic Initiative
U	Dueling Honors
U	Exchange Proxy
U	Famous Battle Account
U	Fanaticism
U	Focused Gambit
U	Guild Entourage
U	Guild Stockpiling
U	Guild Surplus
U	House Battalion
U	House Mentat
U	Hunter Seeker, Assassination Device
U	Imperial Conditioning
U	Imperial Reccess
U	Informal Induction
U	Invocation of Caste
U	Kindjal, Blade Weapon
U	Knife Switch
U	Knife Tip Shatters
U	Master of Assassins
U	Mentat Analysis, Mental Discipline
U	Mentat Precision
U	Military Transport
U	Missionaria Protectiva
U	Moonlit Fray
U	Oberon, Third Stage Navigator
U	Peer of the Realm
U	Perilous Terrain
U	Pre-emptive Strike

U	Proces Verbal, Allegation of Treason
U	Provoke Insurgency
U	Secret Allegiance
U	Seismic Probes: Vibration Sensor
U	Stunner, Slow-Pellet Projectile
U	Subterfuge
U	Subvert Arrangement
U	Surgical Strike
U	Surprise Assault
U	Tiger Cunning
U	Truth Saying
U	Vanish Without a Trace
U	Venomous Faith
U	Voice Command
U	Waking Dream, Premonition
U	Well-Placed Bribes
U	Windtrap, Dew Precipitator
C	Alliance Negotiations
C	Ambitious Enterprise
C	Arclight Assault
C	Arms Training
C	Assassin Cohort
C	Baliset, Stringed Instrument
C	Coins Under the Table
C	Collusion
C	Column of Smoke
C	Command Center
C	Desert-Rigger Ornithopter
C	Device Malfunction
C	False Allegations
C	False Diversion
C	Feigned Unreadiness
C	Formal Discharge
C	Forbidden Match
C	Garrison, Ground Patrol
C	House Physician
C	Knife Tip Shatters
C	Maker Hooks, Sandrider Tools
C	Military Transport
C	Petitioning Delays
C	Poison Snooper
C	Policy of Oppression
C	Predator, Sleeping Narcotic
C	Proces Verbal, Allegation of Treason
C	Sandworm, Coming of the Maker
C	Security Sweep
C	Slow Attack
C	Spacing Industries
C	Stunner, Slow-Pellet Projectile
C	Subterfuge
C	Supply Tampering
C	The Minor Erg, Desert Expanse
C	The Open Bled, Desert Sea
C	The Shadout Mapes
C	‘Thopter Outpost
C	Water Rationing
C	Well-Placed Bribes

That’s the complete list sorted by rarity!

Scenarios

In Dune, you’ll find yourself in all sorts of scenarios, both good and bad. Here’s how to handle them:

If you’re in a strong position with plenty of spice and a solid army, focus on expanding your control and preparing for the endgame. But don’t get complacent – always be ready for a surprise attack or betrayal.

If you’re in a weak position, look for opportunities to form alliances or make strategic trades. Sometimes, helping another player can put you in a better position later on.

And if you’re caught in a tough battle, don’t be afraid to retreat and regroup. It’s better to lose a battle and save your forces than to lose everything in a fight you can’t win.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Dune card game

Here are some common questions and answers for Dune players:

Q: How many players can play Dune?

A: Dune is best with 4-6 players, but there are rules for as few as 2.

Q: How long does a game of Dune usually last?

A: A typical game can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of players and their experience level.

Q: Can I play Dune solo?

A: While Dune is designed for multiple players, there are fan-made solo variants out there.

Q: Is there a difference between the factions?

A: Yes, each faction has unique abilities and strategies that make them play differently.

Q: How important are alliances in the game?

A: Alliances can be very powerful in Dune, but they’re also fragile. Choose your allies wisely!

Related Subtopics

There are a few more things worth mentioning about Dune:

Expansions and Variants

While the base game of Dune is plenty deep, there are also expansions and fan-made variants that add new factions, cards, and rules. These can provide fresh challenges and extend the replayability of the game.

Thematic Play

Dune is a game that’s rich in theme, and embracing the story can make the experience even more enjoyable. Try role-playing your faction’s leader or forming alliances based on the lore of the Dune universe.

Community and Online Play

Even though the game is out of print, there’s a passionate community of Dune players out there. Online forums and platforms offer a place to discuss strategies, trade cards, and even play the game digitally.

External Links

If you’re interested in the lore behind the Dune game, check out the Wikipedia page for Frank Herbert’s original novel. It’s a fascinating read and gives a lot of context to the game’s setting and characters.

Discussion on the revival of Dune CCG

Dune CCG Card List and Booster / Starter packs

Dune CCG Start Deck Lists