The game uses a top-down battlefield view. Players place a construction yard, build facilities, harvest spice with harvesters, and produce infantry, vehicles, and advanced weapons. Units are selected individually or by group and sent across the map to attack, defend, scout, or gather resources.

Each house follows a campaign of missions on an Arrakis map. Completing objectives opens later territories and technologies. Victory normally requires destroying the opposing base, although some missions emphasize control, survival, or a specific target. Faction-specific units and technologies give the three houses different tactical strengths.

Secure spice fields early and protect harvesters with combat units. Expand only when the base can defend its additional structures, since losing production buildings can halt the entire economy.

Use scouts to reveal routes and enemy positions, then attack exposed harvesters or isolated defenses. Keep mixed forces together: infantry can occupy ground while vehicles provide mobility and firepower. Research and build house-specific units when the mission permits them.