Dune Imperium - Playthrough & Review

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This is “Dune Imperium" a board game designed by Paul Dennen & published by Dire Wolf released in 2020. This video includes a rules overview.
**Rules Error** 3rd place rewards are only awarded in conflict in a 4-Player game.
JUMP:
00:00​​ - Start
12:35 - Setup/Faction Info
15:52 - Playthrough Start
01:39:31 - Review
BGG Link: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3...
Full Disclosure: A review copy of the game was provided by the publisher.
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[@BeforeYouPlay]

Let us know what you think about Dune Imperium!

[@Mentat1231]

It's amazing! Even my wife, who doesn't normally like deck building and doesn't know Dune, really liked it.

[@pauloyanez2640]

Fun and tense😬!!!

[@terrytoriq]

Hah, I have just played D:I this Saturday with my play group. We played with 4 players. No one knew what he was doing. It was absolute mayhem. All the limitations made me so, so angry. I was that angry only once before when I played Catan for the first time. 😁 But I was willing to give it another shot with less players, because I suspected that it would actually be fun. You have kind of confirmed my suspicion, so thanks. ☺️ Still, I would take Arnak every day before Dune. 😝

[@Shoitaan]

One of the best games of 2020. So many moments that make you wanna clap, cheer or moan. That player interaction on the conflict board is really what sets it apart! Also Naveen, the first book is a masterpiece. It gets progressively worse from there.

[@Mentat1231]

@@Shoitaan Totally agree about the game, but I don't know why people dislike the sequels so much. God Emperor is my favorite!

[@neomarvelbunny]

The third place on the conflict card is only used in 4 player games. Third place with less than four players gets nothing.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Oh no way, you are totally right!! We'll be sure to add a note to the description section, thanks!

[@jriceblue]

Yup, noticed that, and immediately thought "why don't they have a symbol on the cards to remind players of that?" A little "4+" would have been really handy and not obtrusive there.

[@cedricjouenne9455]

Actually it does if your are tight for the second place you get the 3rd. It has been said by the game designer on BGG forums. It just cannot be for one player only at les than 4 player games.

[@lightwire123]

@@cedricjouenne9455 link? i can't find that. this would mean the rules are wrong and/or incomplete

[@cedricjouenne9455]

@@lightwire123 i posted it twice but it disapeared...

[@pete7421]

This video and your Spirit Island video really demonstrated each game's potentials for me. They've helped to solidify my understanding of each game's rules and showcase the possible card combos and strategies. Very informative and entertaining to watch.

[@elessar11]

Great overview and play through. I used this video to learn and have been addicted ever since. Such a fun game - I’ve played five times so far and I’ve made it my goal to try and win as each of the 8 characters.

[@Sayuiv]

Thank you for the great playthrough! In the last few months you became one of my favourite channel for playthrough. ❤

[@ivanristov5835]

I've seen many Playthroughs for this game, but this is most natural play-through and also exciting to watch. Thank you for showing me how interesting this game is I was planning to get it for a while now, because I'm also a Dune Fan.

[@draftzero]

Love watching ya'lls playthroughs!

[@robertcrist6059]

Naveen playing the voice and blocking that spot, the entire exchange between you two was so fun.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Haha, now that I've seen the movie it makes even more sense too!

[@akuskus]

I have been waiting for this.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Same for us! So glad we could finally get it played!!

[@TimChuon]

always my favorite playthroughs! don't mind me spending the day binging through more of your videos~😁

[@michael3123]

Love your videos, so glad you are covering this game!

[@richardscales9560]

I think your game play through illustrates why I love this game so much. It always feels close. The bot opponent works so well. The card combos can really work well and when they do it gives you a great buzz. Didn't need go see your end of game round-up to know how you felt about the game. You were so smiley through the play.

[@rgott3844]

Thank you for making this one! I love this game and I've been waiting to see it on your channel! Love your video's

[@CharlesHepburn2]

What a great teach! So clear and quick... you guys rock!

[@joshestes6427]

Loved it! Thanks for doing that final comparison with Lost Runes of Arnak!

[@jds96d]

Great explanation and energy. Love it!

[@williamcallison2009]

Very nice. Hearing the place names/card descriptions aloud really added to the flavor.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad you enjoyed it William! Hope you are having a great week!

[@peterqvarnstrom45]

Thank you for a lot of very good game explanations. Easy to follow and understand.

[@RonnieLunn84]

As someone who doesn't have a large board game collection(relatively), I'm really appreciating these videos where you play similar games. Whether the Uwe series or this and Ruins of Arnak, this is the type of thing where I really choose between games which to add to the collection, and these videos are really great for comparing and contrasting what I may like to add and not add to my collection.

[@86Disab]

What did you pick? Curious as it's 2 years later.

[@RonnieLunn84]

@@86Disab Neither actually. I started my own business and with 4 kids and still having a full time day job my gaming has gone down significantly. That said, if I had to choose I do think I would pick Ruins simply because I think it’s more approachable for other people.

[@86Disab]

@@RonnieLunn84 gotcha. I've got 2 kids and another on the way and know what you mean. Also know when it comes to games you'd like to play and own, but then have nobody else to play with... us dads need to figure out an online gaming club with those very few minutes we get to ourselves lol...

[@teresaofthefaintsmile6031]

Very fun to watch, great work guys 💕

[@justin.halteman]

Thanks a ton! The instruction book and "How to play" videos were just creating confusion. Watching this video solved all my issues and questions. Love the game now.

[@Lordborg909]

What a great playthrough! Thanks so much for doing this one, really piqued my interest

[@logiclust]

fun watching you guys

[@LordoftheBoard]

So good to hear you share my thoughts on this one 😁

[@BeforeYouPlay]

😀It's so good SAM!!

[@thek-man5829]

Love the game and your playthroughs!

[@jeremystrickland2716]

Bless you, Rodney! Thank you for always being amazing!

[@norsahsaker3244]

This game is the most thrilling and tense board game I have ever played aside from TI4. Yet it is so streamlined and full of exciting choices. Plus I LOVE the dune universe! Bring on the expansion!

[@softshoes]

This wasa terrific watch. I'm a Dune fan myself so thanks a lot for this.

[@FantasyNerd-cj7vj]

Thanks for the video. I just recently finished book 1 and would definitely recommend reading it. The game correlates nicely with the book theme. I’ll be playing the game for the first time in a few days and your video was a super helpful way to get familiarized beforehand. Thanks!

[@Mentat1231]

I've read 19 of the books. Not knowing your preferred styles of sci-fi or anything, I would say read Dune for sure. It's a classic for a reason. If you enjoy it, I honestly think of the first three (Dune, Dune: Messiah, and Children of Dune) as a trilogy. I highly recommend them. Then, if you are into the big philosophical concepts and grand overarching plots, go on to the 4th book (God Emperor of Dune). If you are more into the action and intrigue of the Houses, I really think the prequel trilogy (House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and House Corrino) are a fun read.

[@Deltium5683]

very helpful review, thank you.

[@wrany72]

Playing Uprising this weekend and I watched this because I love your videos.

[@DavidBrubeck]

Great video thanks for making it! At 1:35:00 when you played "Demand Respect". I don't think you can play the card at all unless you first win the combat. From the rules page 12: A few Combat Intrigue cards do something “when you win a Conflict.” You do not play these now, before resolving the Combat. Instead, wait until you’ve won, then play them (before moving on to the next phase).

[@ForChitsGiggles]

This was a really good watch, thanks for uploading it! I've just about made my way through the first novel, I've noticed some thematic elements and I think overall the game looks great. I like the 'reveal' phase in that you get benefits for the cards you don't play, and I like the linked systems. Would definitely like to play it

[@ParlorPunch]

Wow, that was great!! I've been too intimidated to look at Dune Imperium, but now I think I could play this game. Great job 👍 thank you!!

[@WaitingForNovember]

This my top-1 favourite game , thanks for playing it. Favourite bloggers + favourite game = WOW

[@DanEderveen]

I can be a pretty harsh critic sometimes, but man you guys exude class, respect, and joy. Your teach and everything else is of an outstanding quality. PS: Would love to see you upgrade to 4K.

[@nathancarter4839]

I died when she said "It's a sisterhood" and he said "traveling pants" - incredible. Great video! Thanks!

[@tonybowers9490]

Thanks for sharing! Dune Imperium is definitely in my Top Ten.

[@erikwickstrom96]

A nice Let's Play; My wife and I enjoy this game a lot. One thing to remember is in the Conflict, if there is only 3 players, no one gets the 3rd place bonus. That's only for 4 players.

[@joostkleppe3522]

Very nice playthrough, and you have a very loving way of explaining it together. ;-)

[@michaelc8769]

Great video! Hope you will get the expansion to show as well!

[@BillyIndiana]

Awesome play through as always! I just received Dune this week & am playing later today with my wife👍

[@MeMyselfDice]

fantastic playthrough. This game is great to me. I love it solo and with a group! haven't played it in a while but I think this has some legs in the collection. Either way it is a fun ride, easy to teach and high replay value. I actually haven' played it solo in a while since I made my playthough video...now you have me wanting to pull it out right now!! thanks as always great video!

[@WargameStudyGroup]

Just found you guys. Loved the video.

[@mastermui4331]

Great play through and teach. Thanks for the great content! Was Naveen supposed to get a persuasion point for Hall of Oratory as well @ 1:55:28 when he revealed? Your videos definitely let me try new games that I thought were too heavy for me to play and teach. Awesome Monique & Neveen love your videos!!!!

[@dnmessias]

Wow! The tension was so thick that you can cut it with a knife. What a play!

[@leonardobrezende]

Awesome playthrough, a nailbiting end! Read the first book

[@ChenKhanwei]

I've been a fan of the Dune franchise as a whole for almost 20 years now. I recently had my first playthrough with the owner of this boardgame cafe last night and I am loving the attention to detail especially the mechanic where spice is generated on the board.

[@ellaochman7947]

Another great gameplay! 👏👏👏I love you both competing, it was so thrilling towards the end that I didn’t know who to support. I had a really good fun watching you. Hope my gameplay will be as exciting as yours. Waiting patiently for Anachrony 🙂 ❤️

[@joaofonseca2331]

Great video! This game is addictive. The first book is THE book, but if you like it don't skip the other 5 written by Frank Herbert. It spans thousands of years and they're all great. The 4th book is probably tied with Dune as my favourite.

[@citizensnips1012]

Thanks for the great video. I've read the first 3 Dune books and really like them. Some people don't care for the 2nd and 3rd books, but I really enjoyed them and might even like them more than the 1st book.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Will definitely try starting the 1st book within the next few days. I'd be willing to try the next book.

[@lawofgravity1979]

This is one I’d been waiting for! I’m so glad you guys dug it (I kinda thought you would) - I love this game and it’s good to hear others love it for the same reasons. I’m a predominantly solo player so I’ve only played it that way - but yes, even in solo the tension is there because you’re playing against 2 bots and the back and forth is fun to see play out. I don’t know how often you guys bling out your games but the upgrade pack looks awesome with the minis and extra storage (for expansions...?). It should be delivering sometime next month/early September. I agree the game can look a little bland in some parts but i can’t wait for those minis and upgraded faction markers. Thanks for the video!

[@xJAMESVICIOUSx]

Dune has been my favorite book series since I read it for the first time in middle school something like 20 years ago. I am so incredibly excited for the new movie and I was ECSTATIC when this game came out because I can play it solo and because I LOVE IT. It's such a great game.

[@CraigCrouse]

Glad you all got into this one, it's really good!

[@CraigCrouse]

Also maybe experiment with a slightly larger market (we tried 8) made deck building a bit more of a thing

[@FelipeRodrigues-vj1zb]

I met you guys through the Witcher gameplay, and even though I gave up on that game, I love your plays! Just watched New York Zoo and now Dune, this is so much better for deciding if I want a game than a simple review.

[@guchi8884]

I’m on the fourth book now and have been enjoying them all so far! Especially the third, Children of Dune

[@bane9179]

Got my wife into board games with this one . While i figured with the space theme she would hate it but now its on the table every week

[@jjknave]

Great playthrough and teach. Naveen forgot his temp persuasion two times that he went to Hall of Oratory.

[@KMReviews]

Yes I noticed that too

[@saravanlandegem4616]

Same!

[@baraka99]

I've ordered this game plus the expansion. Wish the deluxe edition miniatures weren't sold out. Great review. Makes me excited to play it.

[@bobgrdnr428]

This game is definitely on my radar. Funny that I am literally just finishing Children of Dune after listening to Dune and Dune Messiah. I think they have all been amazing, extremely profound stuff. It’s one of those things that I wish I discovered earlier.

[@yhaerysthethird6088]

Very nice gameplay! Very timely because I just watched Dune 2021 I might cop myself a copy of this game. So fun

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Awesome!! This game really REALLY shines at a full 4-Players.

[@tonybowers9490]

Dune books? IMHO, the first book is the best. Interestingly, both the Dune Imperium board game and the book Dune are in my Top Ten.

[@troyajohnson26]

I just played this two player for the first time and enjoyed it a lot. The foldspace cards seem very strong.

[@Erlend88]

Nice video! This boardgame is awesome ! Keep up the good job on the channel! :)

[@projectsisyphean]

I just bought this game today! Perfect timing

[@Choose2Connect]

You are going to love it! My favorite by far.

[@mrbastos]

This and Lost Ruins of Arnak are among the games I got over shelter in place, but haven't been able to play. So I am excited to play them both soon.

[@Arahmon1117]

Very exciting. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts on this and watching how it plays.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hope you enjoy the video!

[@MrJossVideos]

That was the most entertaining play through I have watched. If I hadn’t just purchased the game, I’d be running out to buy it right now. Love a worker placement that plays great at two.

[@Brissebrajan]

its really great to play solo, for those days when you don't have anyone else to play with.

[@georgefothergill4858]

Love it!

[@browe]

Great review and reflections! We really enjoy this at two player (with the app.) Excited for the expansion coming up soon. We haven't found this to run long, though--feels just right to us.

[@pearldsouza7945]

do you have to play at 2 player using the app? Or is it possible without the app too?

[@browe]

@@pearldsouza7945 It comes with a deck of cards for that purpose--no app needed.

[@ColinMcElhatton]

I am planning to play Dune: Imperium for the first time with a group of fellow gamers so this video was definitely worth the watch. We'll most likely be 3 though it could go up to 4 on the day. Was thinking of setting aside at least 150-180 min for actual play. We're pouring over the rules before we sit down on the day so that should save us some time. Once again thanks for this video.

[@davidko9289]

At 41:55, Naveen has one extra influence from the Hall of Oratory. I don't think it would have made a difference, but it's extraordinarily easy to miss.

[@markub6783]

He did it again in 1:11:32

[@GTCG]

Yeah , noticed it as well

[@elit529]

I just played this for the first time and really enjoyed it! The final round gave me the same intense feeling I get in the final rounds of Inis, which is in my top 10 games, so you might enjoy that one as well (although I have to admit I've never played it as a 2 player).

[@bearhustler]

Only read the first book. Great game, glad you liked it. I think it's best at 3 personally but 2 and 4 work well.

[@relativelyboard9959]

The first dune book is definitely classic and worth it. I think you will enjoy that one and appreciate the game even more!

[@mananshah267]

I am only able to get a 3 player game so far, and we were not sure about the game whether it is a game we will feel fresh after 10-15 games. But your review is going to get me try more and be positive about it.

[@Stormbrise]

Read only the first book, this is from both my husband and I. This a good review for those who have not read the book, however you would get a deeper understanding of the faction leaders after you listen or read the book. As for the movie, when it came out it was a hit to us who liked the genre, now it is a bit campy and apparently a cult classic for some. Now that I am an adult seeing Sting shirtless takes on a whole other meaning for me. However, 18 min at the beginning of the movie, it is slow… but it gets better. I have one great memory of the movie, it is walking 3 miles to the mall to watch this film with my oldest brother, a year with snow, and living in a Pacific NW city that had no bus service at night. So we were both chanting “It’s so cold” in shivering voice on the way home. This is something I do in Denmark now when I am out walking. I grew up in the States.

[@yview7315]

around 58-59mins, the VOICE card only allows your opponent one next agent to not be placed there, when it comes back to your turn, the place unlocks again (right before your next opportunity to play)

[@Gathanokos]

This game came out this year in Korea and it is without a doubt my favorite and my groups' favorite game this year (although I really do hope the next six months will be as interesting :D) It's quite surprising to hear that the Automa is nice. I've heard so many negative comments on my local community about the 2 player mode. Maybe I should try it but at least 3 and 4 player is just amazing. I recommend trying the Arrakeen Scout mode as it offers decisions each round but it did get a little tedious for me and made me want to simply concentrate on the game. I've just started the book and it's interesting and I am definitely finishing it. My friend who is a fan of the series told me that try the first book and if you like it try the next two books. You can ignore the other sequels unless you just can't have enough of Dune :) Oh, and I completely agree with your review! Spot on as always :D Thanks for the video

[@ronthal]

Another great playthrough and review, thanks a lot! You REALLY have to read Dune. Even if not a fan of Sci-Fi. Just looking at the time when it was written and realising how modern it is: it encompasses so many of our existential issues as water scarcity and vegetation disappearing / being restored, conflict for water and ways to gather it and store it, but also people adapting to the environment, rare resources (spice) also being a drug, the power and dangers of religion and Holy War (jihad), the dilemmas of being a living prophet, science, satellite observation, diplomacy, political arenas and behind the scene manigances, etc etc... A fantastic book.

[@kinagrill]

Dune is also different from a lot of other sci fi - cuz it's very much HARD sci fi. As in the science behind it is explained and made plausible, rather than 'space magic makes it work'. Even stuff like the Bene Gesserit are explained to not just be 'random psychic powers cuz reasons', but actual genetic breeding for it, along with knowledge of how the human body works and a learned ability to control their own bodies (which means they can literally choose the gender of their children, they can metabolize poisons if given enough time, they can purge their minds and bodies of the fight-flight response, etc.)

[@kossowankenobi]

Thanks guys! Some fun moments in that one. :) Dune is one of the richer sci-fi settings and there's a reason the fandom has endured almost 50 years. Hope you guys get to read the book before the movie spoils it all! :) For me, it also kicked off the entire RTS genre of PC games - I was pretty hooked on the property in the 90s. Having first play tomorrow, so thanks for helping us get it up and running.

[@blackboardgaming5348]

Awww, man! I was rooting for Naveen! Too close! Another great playthrough!

[@bearhustler]

This games is always close which is so tense

[@yannlaliberte8407]

one of my fav game, I like everyting.

[@kevinmcgaire6412]

You could have gone to Heighliner at 1:00:45 with your diplomacy. The Voice only lasts 1 Turn (aka agent turn) not the full round. There are clarifications in the rulebook and on BGG about this. It would be too powerful for a 2 cost card if it was the full round.

[@jasoncoil9403]

Tagging onto this comment. At 1:10:35, you missed playing 2 troops into your garrison when you played the "Sardaukar Legion" Card.

[@bung1975]

Love this game!

[@EmanuelsWorkbench]

Thanks for the video. Love the game. D'oh! @1:11:46 Naveen actually had 6 to spend, not 5! (Hall of Oratory)

[@JEV03]

Starting to look into this one after being blown away by the new Dune movie (I have bad memories of the 1984 movie so went to see the new one out of curiosity and was not expecting to feel so immersed). Wondering if the tension might be too much for my wife and I, but I am intrigued by the deck building and worker placement combo and wonder if that might solve some of the issues my wife had with Tuscany (planning ahead and stepping through all the stages of wine making was too much decision space). I only caught the first couple rounds and the endgame, I’ll have to come back for the full playthrough, really enjoy watching you play!

[@adriang6259]

Ha, I loved the look on Monique's face when Naveen played that voice card and blocked the High-liner. This game looks great. I hope I get it for my birthday.... Today.

[@calvinnorton3930]

I almost never comment on KZbin videos lol.. but I just love the whole Dune series so much that I wanted to say I recommend going all of the Frank Herbert series if you get the chance. Don't push it if it becomes a struggle, they're a bit heavy and dry in some places, but I couldn't put them down. I've then read the first 6 or so from the continued series and they're good but I haven't felt the urge to go past that so far.

[@Fissi0nChips]

One of my favourite games from 2020. Arnak good too but I find these quite different from each other.

[@Drewkas0]

Great review! Great game. The game is a bit too long for me though. It surprised me how similar this feels to Viticulture: Essential Edition. Some mechanics are different, but the overall feeling is very similar to me.

[@Tackleberry666]

Just bought this game 2 days ago :) No need to read the rulebook now. Thx

[@4kodiak4]

Read the original and the precursors ... house atreides house harkonnen, house corrino and buttering jihad Those books are fantastic as well giving you background on duke Leto and vlad harkonnen

[@Danny_DaKid]

There’s a mini series of Dune that was on the Syfi channel. Not the best but better than the older one. You could find them on KZbin.

[@yordanklecherov]

Nice one! I just think you always forgot your hall of oratory persuasion point on your reveal turns :) And yes, there is no third place reward from conflicts on other than 4 player games. And an advice for everyone doing youtube playthroughs - Please do more than one video with different "characters" after reading comments - it is always different and "part 2" will have the corrections on the comments (not descriptions under the first video). Subscribing for more videos... :)

[@jasonmountain4643]

I've had this game on my desk for a couple months. Been so busy that I haven't had time to play it. Now that our family has seen the latest adaptation movie, I'm motivated to get it to the table. Hopefully this week! BTW, the movie was EPIC! We saw it at an IMAX theater.

[@georgefothergill4858]

First book is amazing! After that they’re a bit more of a challenge. Also the new film is looking to be great!

[@ClockworkWyrm]

I enjoyed all the Frank Herbert books but the last one was the hardest for me. Though I was also rattle by the massive time jump in God Emperor. I am withholding judgement for the new movie but Stellan Skarsgard is a friggin brilliant actor so it has that going for it.

[@theSolemnBard]

The Voice blocks a space for one turn only. So when Navin didn't use his very next turn to take the Heighliner, it became available to Monique again

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Ahh, we interpreted as blocked for the entire round! Thanks for letting us know!

[@CK-mi3sd]

@@BeforeYouPlay The entire round thing is now corrected in online FAQ. It is just for blocking for one turn.

[@kellyl3581]

Love the game!!!