Dune: Spice Wars Unveils the 'Underground Economic Power' of the Smuggler Faction

The Smugglers Faction is the third revealed side you’ll have a choice to represent in Funcom and Shiro Games’ upcoming Dune: Spice Wars. The newly-revealed faction joins the previously unveiled houses of Atreides and Harkonnen.

What makes the Smugglers different is that they are a faction but not a Landsraad house just yet. this doesn’t mean that they’re not hoping to get their one day, but getting the chance will require a lot of pull and power. Their tactics involve being more of the underground economic power, and they can help you get your hands on some spice. For a price, of course, since profit has to be made.

With those pockets of power, they have their own territory with armed forces and some political influence all over the place. Again, the underground economic power is theirs. Esmar Tuek will be the face you get to know, as he represents the Smugglers, and is a respected figure among them. He’ll lead the faction for the sake of Dune: Spice Wars. Tuek is known for spycraft, with ties and contact with the Fremen, Landsraad houses, and the Spacing Guild. 

Esmar Tuek won’t be alone, since his own crew members come with their own skills and specialties. Among them are Drisq, the quartermaster. Staban Tuek, Esmar’s son, who is skilled at the political systems on Arrakis, with many connections and the ability to use his financial means to exert influence all over.

If you play as the Smugglers, you’ll start near the polar region and probably encounter others early. As far as goals, you’ll want to infiltrate others’ villages and start using your ability to influence others and even to profit from their infrastructure and ventures. Their units will specialize in taking advantage of whatever advantages they can find, and doing it quickly and efficiently. Scavengers, who’ll quickly slay weaker enemies so their own strength increases. Wreckers, who use chemical weapons to harass enemies, could be the perfect powerful distraction. Free Company are mercenaries and bounty hunters. And the combat drone will support the Smugglers’ forces and extend knowledge.

For more on the Smugglers, see the entry over at Dune: Spice Wars.