# Dune: Ixians & Tleilaxu ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2020 - **BGG Rating**: 8.1 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 6) - **Duration**: — - **Weight**: 3.85 / 5 - **Designers**: Bill Eberle, Greg Olotka, Jack Kittredge, Jack Reda, Peter Olotka - **Artists**: Bill Eberle, Ilya Baranovsky - **Publishers**: Gale Force Nine, LLC, Lavka Games, Matagot - **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Science Fiction - **Mechanics**: Alliances, Area Majority / Influence, Auction / Bidding, Force Commitment, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict If you love intrigue, tech, and a touch of betrayal, Dune: Ixians & Tleilaxu will blow your mind.New faction excitementDeeper economyDynamic alliancesUnique powersHigh complexityUncertain playtimeTranslation neededHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Dune: Ixians & Tleilaxu is the expansion that brings two brand‑new factions to the already epic Dune universe. The Ixians, led by the cyborg prince Rhombur of House Vernius, excel in manufacturing and tech, while the Tleilaxu, commanded by a council of Masters, are infamous for their genetic engineering and fanatical stance. Both factions are pivotal to the CHOAM economy and the Imperium, yet their history of invasions and liberation pits them in mortal conflict. The expansion introduces fresh mechanics to outmaneuver rivals: alliances that enable dynamic pacts, area control via majority or influence, auctions and bidding that add tension, force commitment that forces players to commit resources strategically, and variable player powers that differentiate each player. The interplay between these factions creates negotiation, sabotage, and rivalry opportunities, keeping the game unpredictable. For lovers of complex strategy and sci‑fi themes, the expansion is a must. However, the lack of a defined playtime and the need for translated cards can be hurdles. If you already master the base game and want to dive deeper, Dune: Ixians & Tleilaxu offers hours of fun with new tactics and engaging stories. Additionally, the expansion brings new components: action cards, influence tokens, and technology tokens, enriching production and trade mechanics. Each faction has unique powers that can be activated at critical moments, offering strategic advantages. The alliance dynamic lets players form temporary agreements, trading resources or combining forces against a common foe. The territory auction adds a bargaining element, while force commitment forces players to invest resources before knowing if the initiative will pay off. The game continues to maintain the intense pace and need for forward planning that characterizes Dune. ## How to Play How to Play Dune: Ixians & Tleilaxu Game Objective In Dune: Ixians & Tleilaxu, players take on the roles of factions vying for control of the desert planet Arrakis. The goal is to outmaneuver opponents through strategic combat, alliances, and the acquisition of powerful Treachery Cards. The game ends when a player meets specific victory conditions, which vary based on faction abilities and game events. Setup Prepare the game by organizing the Treachery Cards into their respective decks: Weapons - Projectile (5) Defense - Projectile (5) Weapons - Poison (5) Defense - Poison (5) Worthless Cards (6) Special Weapons & Defenses (e.g., Lasgun, Poison Blade, Shield Snooper) Other Specials (e.g., Family Atomics, Karama, Tleilaxu Ghola) If the Richese faction is in play, include the Richese Cache cards and auction one each turn. Game Flow The game progresses in turns where players take actions such as acquiring Treachery Cards, engaging in combat, and using faction abilities. The Richese faction must auction a Treachery Card each turn if active. Combat is resolved using weapon and defense cards, with special abilities from cards like Artillery Strike or Weirding Way altering outcomes. Actions and How to Play Key actions include: Acquiring Treachery Cards: Players draw or bid on cards like Mirror Weapon or Stone Burner to gain advantages. Combat: Use Weapons and Defenses to defeat opponents. Special cards like Lasgun or Poison Tooth provide unique effects. Faction Abilities: Factions like the Ixians or Tleilaxu have unique powers (e.g., Tleilaxu Ghola resurrection). Consult the manual for details on specific card interactions. End Game and Scoring The game ends when a player fulfills their faction’s victory condition, often involving control of key territories or resources. Points may be awarded for surviving combat, holding strategic cards like Family Atomics, or leveraging faction abilities. The winner is determined by meeting these criteria first. Tips to Win Prioritize Special Cards: Cards like Karama or Weather Control can disrupt opponents or secure critical advantages. Adapt to Factions: If playing as Richese, use the Richese Cache auction to manipulate the card economy. Balance Offense and Defense: Pair Weapons like Poison Blade with Defenses like Shield Snooper to survive encounters. ## FAQ ### What is the average playtime? Playtime ranges from 90 to 120 minutes, depending on player count and experience. ### How many players is it suitable for? 2 to 6 players, best with 3 to 5. ### How complex is the game? It is complex, featuring multiple mechanics and strategic decisions, suitable for advanced players. ### What new components are added? Action cards, influence tokens, technology tokens, and new territory boards. ### Do I need translated cards to play in Portuguese? Yes, the expansion cards are not translated, so you need a translation guide or a pre‑translated set. ### Can I play the expansion with just the base game? Yes, it integrates seamlessly with the base Dune game, adding factions and mechanics.