Dune: Imperium – Rise of Ix

Rise of Ix is the expansion that shifted Dune: Imperium from a solid deck-builder into a high-stakes, tactical arms race. The addition of shipping tracks and dreadnoughts means every round is a contest for tempo and board presence, not just card efficiency. The technology market introduces persistent effects that force players to weigh immediate gains against long-term leverage. In a collection of over 1,600 titles, this box is seeing constant play because it rewards aggressive, adaptive play and punishes passive strategies—veteran groups keep coming back for the tension between shipping surges and dreadnought gambits. The expansion’s mechanical DNA is all over Uprising, but here, the shipping track is the undisputed star. Physically, Rise of Ix is a logistical win. The small-box format slides right into the base game container, but the expansion icons are subtle—sorting cards for setup and teardown takes a steady hand and a sharp eye. With a 15-minute setup and a two-hour runtime, this is a main event game night anchor, not a filler. The footprint is manageable, but the card management and tech tile tracking demand a bit of table discipline. For hosts, it’s a relief not to wrangle extra boards or trays, but you’ll want to double-check that all expansion cards are accounted for before and after play. Teaching Rise of Ix is a procedural affair—expect a 20-minute rules rundown, especially if your table is new to the tech market or the nuances of Infiltration card timing. Discard-for-benefit rewards and persistent tech effects need clear examples up front, or you’ll field questions all night. The shipping track’s impact on tempo and conflict is immediate, so players will be in each other’s faces from round one. High friction means the room stays loud and engaged, but you can’t walk away—this isn’t a set-and-forget expansion. For groups that thrive on direct competition and layered strategy, Rise of Ix is a mandatory upgrade.