Dune Imperium

You represent a major house competing for influence on a desert planet. You send agents to different locations to gather water, spice, and military strength. You also use a deck of cards that you slowly improve over time. The combat at the end of each round is tense and relies on secret cards played from your hand. You have to balance resource gathering with political alliances. It captures the theme well without needing a massive rulebook. A tight design with tough choices.