When to buy Swordmaster - Dune Imperium Strategy: Rise of IX

[@monkeyunit4533]

Great video, but as with all things Dune Imperium it's so hard to apply these theories to the game. Everything is situational based on everything thats happening on the table. Early swordmaster is great, but as you state in the beginning the value also comes from the agent box on the card you use to send it somewhere. As you have few non-starter cards in your hand rounds 3/4 it's value isn't as great as later in the game when you probably do have multiple cards you want to play. There is also the trap of spending too many inefficient actions to get the solari for your swordmaster which you explain but is often overlooked. One important aspect is also the timing of getting to the actual swordmaster spot and when you get the solari ( and if you have green access next round). I have seen people collect the 8 solari only to get blocked by 2 other player who also have it but are earlier in turn sequence.

[@cheesable]

Yep, which is why smuggling twice and shipping up and down from position 2 or 3 is very strong. You are the first to swordmaster and no one can block you! I think, it's a beginner's guide as well. Nuances you figure out along the way

[@arthursimsa9005]

Getting sword master is less of a priority than getting the additional 2 Influence from the council seat, isn’t it? Getting a third action is only good if your deck is already improved.

[@cheesable]

Hello Arthur! A 3rd action is generally always better. This is especially so in immortality, because you can play experimentations. There are some cards that you need to prioritize with swordmaster. But it's mostly still good cards. You can often get 2 persuasion equivalent with an extra action

[@arthursimsa9005]

@@cheesable I was more thinking of the base game. I actually rushed for the third worker yesterday (had him on turn 2) and had an awful deck and eventually lost…

[@arthursimsa9005]

@@cheesable so, is your assessment different if we’re talking about the base game?

[@cheesable]

Tbh, my base game experience is limited. What I'd leave you at, is early game objectives is to get swordmaster and good cards. It is not swordmaster and high council. So yes, high council could be the right move if you get some good cards. But it must always be w the intent of the cards you are to get. And this is between rounds 1 to 3

[@andruwjonez]

i play with 2/3 player games only, with epic mode, which means you need 12 vp instead of 9. not getting sword master does not even seem viable in this game mode, its too hard to match combat and keep up on alliances. have you tried this mode and what are your thoughts? also who is best leader for not needing to get SM, I would still like to try a few more games with not getting SM?

[@cheesable]

Played it once. I think the game duration was bit too long for me. And it felt alot of swingy due to power of endgame intrigues. If you are playing epic. You definitely want swordmaster. For not getting swordmaster, I think ilban is pretty okay. You get spice must flows easily w mentat and it is your Solari sink.

[@andruwjonez]

@@cheesable yeah i tried him after watching your ilban video and taking some points from it, i definitely underestimated him, great leader

[@andruwjonez]

@@cheesable also 2p/3p means sword master is stronger, more spots to go plus less people fighting you for alliance and conflict which is where sword master shines most

[@cheesable]

@@andruwjonez based on our recent tournament. Ilesa seems busted in 3player. Can you experiment w her and let me know?

[@andruwjonez]

@@cheesable sure i will. yeah it should be a little easier to predict 2nd worker to get spice/solari. harder in 2 player with crazy random ai :)

[@lucasalmeida112]

Tysm!!

[@cheesable]

Thanks for the suggestion and engagement into the channel! Do hope this game becomes even more popular than it already is