Manipulators of the Arrakis economy, the Smugglers faction is a covert faction in Dune: Spice Wars that thrives by establishing underground headquarters to claim benefits from opposing forces. When playing as Smugglers, fans will need to focus on accumulating water and Solari and using these resources to expand their furtive operation through the deserts. Infiltration is key, as this faction will appear seemingly weak early on but will grow in power in Dune: Spice Wars right under the enemy's watch.
The playstyle of the Smugglers faction in Dune: Spice Wars is slightly similar to House Harkonnen regarding an inclination for economic domination. However, the Smugglers features an approach that is more complex and cunning. As mentioned above, the faction's underground headquarters are the livelihood of the coalition's existence, and manipulating a competitor's economy from the shadows is where the Smugglers shine brightest. Each headquarters offers two slots for a variety of establishments that can provide economic, military, or diplomatic benefits. Moreover, the Smugglers have access to the Black Markets of Arrakis, through which players can procure Spice, Solari, and other resources. This underhanded means of income allows the faction to develop off of the trade of other coalitions.
However, the main drawback of the Smugglers is they lack proper political recognition from Landsraad, resulting in limited access to council resolutions until reaching 5,000 Hegemony. Yet, this does not mean Smugglers are utterly powerless in swaying the council's decisions. The faction has a perk allowing them to place Bounties on specific resolutions. As a result, players will be able to covertly influence the economy in their favor.
How To Play As Smugglers In Dune Spice Wars
Nevertheless, impacting Landsraad shouldn't be the goal of the Smugglers, as the faction's strength lies more in a Hegemony-based approach to victory. The Smugglers' militia units are perfectly geared for pillaging Villages, granting them more Influence on Arrakis and combative benefits when fighting opponents with low Supplies. This strategy is why focusing on establishing underground headquarters is so crucial to the faction's success. In other words, players must weaken their enemy to the point they can out-survive their opponents economically and in battle in Dune: Spice Wars.
Unlike House Harkonnen, those playing as the Smugglers shouldn't worry too much about expanding their empire. Instead, Dune: Spice Wars fans should prioritize claiming only the most valuable and resource-rich regions. Having a solid awareness of how the opposing factions are expanding and capitalizing on their development through underground headquarters, pillaging, and Black Markets are what will bring Smugglers faction players to victory.
Dune: Spice Wars is available on PC.