Today I would like to share my experiences with the new version of Dune: Imperium, namely Uprising. Since my childhood I was fascinated with Dune universe, read all the Frank Herbert books in the series (plus the additional ones) and of course played old computer games, trying to gather as much spice as possible at the same time fighting with Harkonnen enemies.

The world of Dune recently got even more interest and traction – to large extent due to the two blockbuster movies released in 2021 and 2024. However, in boardgame word this was always a saleable topic. Thus when first Dune: Imperium was published I was very curious of this combination of Deck Building and Worker Placement mechanics (I was not disappointed!). And now, only several years later designer & publishers made a bold move of issues a significantly revamped version of the original. How it went? Let us see?

Game Overview

Dune: Imperium Uprising is a game that uses deck-building to add a hidden-information angle to a traditional worker placement. It finds inspiration in elements and characters from the Dune legacy, both the new movies as well as literary series by Frank Herbert.

At the same time this is a standalone spinoff to Dune: Imperium that expands on that game’s blend of deck-building and worker placement, while introducing a new six-player mode that pits two teams against one other in the biggest struggle yet. But that is not all. You will be able to use Spies for various actions or learn the Freemen ways and ride mighty Sandworms into battle. The game board was also reworked, adding a bit more balanced choices.

That will make for a very refreshing experience and new strategies to be discovered. I was really curious and keen to see and check it firsthand!

Session Reports

Time now to briefly describe a few of the more prominent sessions we had with that game. In order to have the full picture, there will be both multiplayer and solo games presented, with me pointing not only to the actual results but also some of the game mechanics and components. As always, with large number of pictures!

Enjoy the reports! PS. Remember you can enlarge each picture by clicking on it.

Multiplayer Plays

Our initial sessions were held with four players, the maximum (not counting Team Mode) and probably at the same time, the optimal number. Everybody – with exception of me – were first time playing any of Dune: Imperium games; thus it was also a great time for them of discovering that fantastic system. Not long ago after the first play, we brought this title to the table for the second time. It was good we had the same set of players as it allowed for similar level of experience among us. And of course, we had also a lot of fun!

First attempt

I have not taken too many pictures during our first play; too much was happening on map, there was so much new things to discover but also to explain. Of course, Worms entered the play!
Our gameplay was pretty balanced but also quick; we were using only the easiest to play Leaders (one dot difficulty), no CHOAM mini-expansion and somehow many conflict cards were focused on VPs. That was definitely fun and we immediately agreed to try again in some time; now with full set of rules/expansions and more difficult to lead characters.

Second attempt

I believe that in our first multiplayer game only Kuba J was investing in Sandworms. But in a follow-up session, many more were interested in those powerful beasts. Above one of the fierce battles between worms of both Kuba’s. And even second place in such a conflict is a big gain – because Sandworms double your rewards!
This time our leaders were much more complicated, CHOAM contracts were fueling our actions and the knowledge of game was allowing us for much better and well-thought strategies (like my spies all over the map or Filip’s emperor blocking the conflicts). It was a close call but Filip in the end prevailed – congrats!

Solitaire Plays

Having the knowledge of the game based on the multiplayer plays and having such a good experiences with it, I pretty quickly jumped to the solo mode. That one is pretty straightforward. It uses various difficulty rivals (mimicking actual Leaders from the game) as well as Deck of Cards driving the game (so called House Hagal deck). You can play 1 vs 2 (you versus two bots) or with colleague versus 1 bot. In each case, it is everybody for himself of course.

First attempt

I decided to start lightly, so taking the one dot (not complicated leader) and some of the easiest Bots to play against (Lady Margot and Staban Tuek).
My Gurney Halleck was combat / troops orientated character (surprise, surprise for those who know the book / movie 🙂 ) so I strongly focused on the conflicts rather then other aspects of the game.
I admit, there were couple of moments during the play where it was getting close. Bots focuses on getting third meeple asap and then all resources convert into victory points – at the same time occupying spaces on map and also getting the influence with Freemen / Bene Gesserit / Spice Guild / Empire. But my worms prevailed in the last moment!

Second attempt

Equipped with the full knowledge of game, I have chosen more difficult bots (Baron Harkonnen and Lady Jessica), used CHOAM expansion and new to me leader – Princess Irulan.
Now, that was close fight – especially, when alliances are concerned, as they were swapping form leader to leader. I was much less active in conflicts, although I focused on targeted few to get the deciding points (without Worms!) That gave me another victory!

Impressions & Conclusion

Well, I believe I am well equipped – having played decent number of games with original (Dune: Imperium) as well as spin-off (Uprising) to share my experiences with the latter; I will not avoid inevitable comparison of both of course but would like also to simply share the impressions about Uprising like I never played earlier version before. Kind of unbiased approach. So let us start:

  • Something which you are exposed to when playing the Uprising (but also its prequel) is astonishing quality of game components. First of all, beautiful boardgame, with all the areas clearly visible. Secondly, palette of colors used for cards, areas on map, tokens and markers. Finally, the actual graphics of the Lord mats and cards.
  • The game is very thematic; the universe of Dune is reflected brilliantly, with main characters, protagonists and stakeholders vividly depicted by special skills or abilities. Lesser names are still there, but on regular cards. And what is best, and actually brings the level of immersion into the world of Dune to new heights are…
  • …Worms! Yes, this time – unlike the original game – we have those large, powerful beasts! They are also the biggest source of discussions or even disputes among the fans whether Uprising has not destroyed what original created. Well, Worms are definitely a new strategy in the game – you do not accumulate points one by one but first make a huge investment, stay behind in points only to try to catch up in the second part of the game. I am saying catch up, because it is not an automatic victory – you need proper planning to really use their power to maximum. So no, under no circumstances worms skewed the game.
  • Another interesting addition to the game are Spies. They allow you to gain additional cards but also – what is most important – access to already occupied areas. That limits significantly luck factor when whoever was first before large battle and could use powerful area, would have advantage over others.
  • The CHOAM mini-expansion add interesting flavor and variability to the game. I think you can use it even in your first play.
  • What intrigues me (have not played that way yet) is a six player Team Mode. Seems a great way to expand this title to larger number of players but do it in a way which refreshes gameplay rather than significantly slowing it down.
  • It is great to see that there is backward compatibility with the expansions – Rise of Ix and Immortality. That shows how well the new version / spin-off was designed.

I admit, playing Dune: Imperium – Uprising was a big fun for me. I can say similar thing about my boardgame group – they probably got hooked even more than me (that was their first experience with that franchise – zeal of neophytes 🙂 ) That is not the end of the journey with the Uprising. I am going to add the expansions (Rise of Ix and Immortality) and test the game. And then bring it to the table in six player, epic struggle! Stay tuned!

PS. One additional thing which makes my life easier when playing this game was Cube4Me Storage Solution for this game. Really helpful!