Classic Games

Dune II

The RTS template

Dune II established the real-time strategy genre template, introducing base building, resource harvesting, tech trees, and unit production that every RTS would follow.

pcAmigasega-mega-drive strategyrtswestwood 1992

Overview

Before Dune II, strategy games were turn-based. Westwood’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s universe created something new—real-time strategy where decisions happened continuously, bases grew organically, and spice harvesting funded armies. Nearly every RTS that followed borrowed from its template.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Westwood Studios.
  • Source: Frank Herbert’s Dune.
  • Full title: Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty.
  • Innovation: RTS genre creation.

Genre foundations

ElementEstablishment
Base buildingConstruct structures
Resource gatheringHarvest spice
Tech treesUnlock through buildings
Unit productionQueue and deploy
Fog of warLimited visibility

House factions

HouseCharacteristic
AtreidesBalanced, honourable
HarkonnenHeavy, brutal
OrdosFast, devious

Spice mechanics

SystemFunction
Spice fieldsResource location
HarvestersCollection
RefineriesProcessing
SilosStorage capacity

Building system

StructurePurpose
Construction YardBuilding production
RefinerySpice processing
BarracksInfantry
FactoryVehicles
StarportAdvanced units

Interface innovation

FeatureAdoption
Sidebar UIGenre standard
MinimapTactical overview
Unit selectionClick-based
Build queueProduction management

Direct influence

SuccessorDebt
Command & ConquerDirect evolution
WarcraftMany concepts
StarCraftGenre continuation
Age of EmpiresResource model

See also