While the war between Harkonnen and Atreides rages across Arrakis, it gives ample opportunity for daring entrepreneurs to carve out a profit harvesting spice while everyone else is busy fighting. That’s the life of the spice smugglers, led by Staban Tuek. Remaining neutral and independent is no easy task in such a situation. To avoid Harkonnen prosecution, shady deals must be stricken, with hefty spice bribes paid to the Harkonnen coffers. However, as the Desert War unfolds, a time may soon come when allying with the Muad’Dib may be the only acceptable course of action. It might even be a profitable one.

Smugglers is a Kickstarter Exclusive expansion for Dune: War of Arrakis that introduces this ragtag organization into the game. The Smugglers that make a living on Arrakis are ostensibly a neutral faction. However, the great powers at play are able to use them to their advantage in different ways. As their allegiance shifts, so does the dynamics of the game.

When the Smugglers expansion is added, the game is basically divided into two stages. At first, the Smugglers are neutral, with the Harkonnens turning a blind eye to their illegal operations in exchange for a spice tribute. Later in the game, the Atreides should be able to sway their allegiance, gaining the support of their Leader, Staban Tuek, as well as their soldiers and ‘Thopters.