With Dual Universe (PC), we are expecting an interesting space MMO that aims to compete with Cloud Imperium Games’ Star Citizen, but wants to offer players even more freedom.
A huge, open universe with multiple planets that you can freely explore without loading times? Players are already looking forward to this in Star Citizen, while this is something the pre-alpha of another game already offers: Dual Universe.
Imagine EVE Online where you can walk around on other planets and build cities there. It is possible to construct everything yourself, even spaceships or space stations. Unforeseen freedoms combined with a player-driven economy. The developers refer to it as a “Civilization Building MMO”, which sounds ambitious. And it really is.
Minecraft in Space
In Dual Universe, you start on a planet and mine resources there. This strongly resembles Minecraft, as the landscape can even be altered. With the resources, you create everything you can imagine: your own house, artworks, or you team up with other players to build entire cities together.
It is also possible to build your own spaceships. These can be customized individually, meaning you determine design and function through your own constructions. These ships are fully operational based on scripts written by you.
Once you have built a spaceship, get in and take off. You speed not only across the surface of the large planet but also seamlessly fly into space. Completely without loading times. In space, you then search for other planets or moons where you can mine resources again and establish settlements. Perhaps there is already a city on one of the planets, so trade with the inhabitants there. Maybe they need resources that you possess.
Build Space Stations and Wage Wars
It is still possible to build space stations in space. Here too, you have complete freedom in designing the station. You might create a trading post in space, a place where many players land to buy or sell goods.
How you live your virtual life in Dual Universe is entirely up to you. It is a sandbox where you determine your own path and you experience many adventures that simply arise from situations. Over time, you improve your character based on skills that grant you access to, for example, better weapons.
PvP plays a significant role in Dual Universe. Fractures can form between players that become enormous empires. And between these empires, animosities can arise that lead to massive battles. Here you have the opportunity to participate in wars in various ways, whether as a pilot fighting in space battles, as a fighter in ground conflicts, or as a designer of spaceships that are highly sought after by an empire because they are particularly well-handling in battles.
Or you become a pirate or smuggler. The possibilities are endless. During wars, territories can be conquered that then need to be defended. However, PvP is not possible everywhere. The developers also want to provide safe zones in the game world.
You are the Engine of the Economy
Generally, the economic system is an important pillar of the game. You mine resources on various planets and craft items that other players need. This creates a goods cycle completely determined by the players – similar to EVE Online. And all this happens in a universe where you can go everywhere without loading times. Everything you see, you can also reach. If a moon interests you that you can see from a planet, get into your ship and fly there. Maybe you will discover rare resources there that you can sell for a high price.
You have hardly any limits in Dual Universe. Many activities await you:
- Building cities, spaceships, and space stations
- Exploring planets
- Mining resources
- Crafting
- PvP with massive wars
- A player-driven economy
- An open universe to explore without loading times
- Character development through skills
The Game is Still in Early Development
Currently, Dual Universe is still in pre-alpha and it will take a while before it is released. However, we could be looking forward to a highly interesting MMORPG if everything that is planned can actually be implemented and work.
- How is the game funded? A Kickstarter campaign raised over $560,000. So far, more than $6.5 million has been raised through the sale of founder packages. However, the sale has been temporarily suspended to revise the crowdfunding.
- How far along is the development? The MMO is currently in pre-alpha. The servers are opened for several days from time to time. A date for the alpha or beta phase has not yet been set.
- When will a beta be released? Currently, it is unclear when the beta of Dual Universe will start. The game is so ambitious that it will likely take a while. We expect that the beta will start at the earliest at the end of 2018.
- When will Dual Universe be released? The release is expected no earlier than 2019.
According to current plans, Dual Universe will be released with a subscription model, where a monthly fee is charged. The game itself is free. It will also be possible to acquire playtime via an in-game currency or to receive it as a gift from a friend. An additional temporary free trial phase will also be available. There is a strong orientation towards EVE Online here. The exact details are still not known. The developers at Novaquark have also not yet discussed the prices. The platform is PC.
