Dune: War for Arrakis – Smugglers

About this expansion

Dune: War for Arrakis – Smugglers is a 2024 expansion for 1–4 players, with a listed play time of 120 minutes. It introduces the Smugglers as a faction whose shifting allegiance can change the dynamics of the game.

The Smugglers make their living on Arrakis while remaining ostensibly neutral. Their position gives both great powers opportunities to use them to their advantage, but their loyalty does not remain fixed throughout the game.

With the Smugglers expansion added, the game is essentially divided into two stages. During the first stage, the Smugglers stay neutral while the Harkonnens turn a blind eye to their illegal operations in exchange for a spice tribute.

Later in the game, the Atreides should be able to sway the Smugglers’ allegiance. This shift can bring the support of their Leader, Staban Tuek, along with Smuggler soldiers and “Thopters.”

• A Smuggler faction that begins as ostensibly neutral
• Harkonnen tolerance of Smuggler operations in exchange for a spice tribute
• A later opportunity for the Atreides to influence the Smugglers
• Support from Staban Tuek, soldiers, and “Thopters”

The result is a changing political and military situation on Arrakis, as the Smugglers’ allegiance develops over the course of play. Rather than remaining a fixed presence, they become part of the evolving contest between the Harkonnens and Atreides.

For players looking to add a new layer of shifting loyalties to Dune: War for Arrakis, Smugglers focuses on neutrality, tribute, and the possibility of winning valuable support later in the game.