The space sandbox MMO Dual Universe is finally playable after years of development and impresses with tremendous freedom. Read here what this great space MMO has to offer and who it is suitable for.
What is Dual Universe? Dual Universe is a space sandbox MMO. Humanity has spread throughout the universe after the destruction of Earth, and it is time to rebuild everything.
The game is developed by the French studio Novaquark, which includes former employees from Ubisoft and Sony. According to CEO Jean-Christophe Baillie, initial ideas for Dual Universe were formulated as early as 2011.
By now, the game has launched into the gamescom 2020 Beta after a long development and Alpha testing phase. Anyone who subscribes can now play. The release of the game is planned for 2021. But what is so great about Dual Universe and who should take a look at the Beta?
What makes Dual Universe special?
The two major aspects of Dual Universe: Dual Universe has two major unique features that make the game special. On one hand, they want all players to mingle on a large server instead of spreading across countless separate realms. The “Massively” in MMO is therefore at the forefront, and thousands of players should collaborate in shaping the game world.
This can be taken literally, as almost everything in Dual Universe is built and utilized by players. This is where the heavily modified Unity engine and voxel technology are applied.
So, if you like, you can dig deep mines into the rock of planets. If you overdo it, this type of exploitation leaves deep craters and gorges on the planet’s surface that can even be seen from space!
With a handy editor, skillful players can then build all sorts of things, including:
- Magnificent buildings on planets, such as skyscrapers or outposts
- Spaceships in all conceivable shapes
- Huge space stations full of gadgets
Later, you should even be able to sell your best creations to other players. However, a predetermined story and PvE elements will not be part of Dual Universe. Players write their own stories and will eventually even be able to offer quests for other players through a mission system, such as escort missions or targeted attacks on a specific person.
Space battles – “shooting holes in ships”
This is how space combat works: Another great feature is warring conflicts. Because even though you can spend your time as a peaceful researcher or builder, there is plenty of potential for epic space battles in Dual Universe. So when several players fight over particularly lucrative resources, the sophisticated combat system in space comes into play.
According to the developers, it’s primarily about “shooting holes in the hull.” Since ships are made of different materials, one must deploy a clever combination of the four available weapon types. Depending on how the target is armored, cannons, railguns, rockets, or lasers must be used.
If the hull is breached, you can attack the internal systems at that spot and incapacitate the engine or the main reactor. Additionally, you should even be able to board ships through such holes.
So instead of shooting blindly, you need to act tactically and anticipate where the opponent’s sensitive systems are located. Otherwise, you might end up shooting at areas of the opponent where, despite many hits, they take little relevant damage.
Also cool: Large ships and stations require a crew to effectively deploy all weapons. Similar to Warframe with the Railjack capital ships, you need reliable teammates when it comes to combat. Large ships are said to be able to accommodate up to 100 players as crew.
This is in the Beta
This is the game world: For the Beta of Dual Universe, the developers have only offered a solar system with 12 planets at first. There, however, you can indulge and realize yourself as you wish.
Fights will initially only take place in space. Ground warfare is planned for the release. Invasions scenarios are then conceivable, where you first gain supremacy in space and then continue the fight for resources and buildings on the ground.
If you’re worried that the many possibilities in Dual Universe may seem overwhelming: The developers have created an entire moon solely for tutorial purposes, where you can also realize yourself creatively.
Why does the Beta cost money? The Beta and upcoming Release version can only be played with a subscription (Alpha backers at least get free Beta access). The reason for this is that the developers do not want to deal with trolls who come into the game just for fun, destroy everything, and then leave. When money is involved, these types of players are much less likely to appear and cause damage, according to the developers.
Pros and Cons of Dual Universe
The ambitious space sandbox Dual Universe aims high and offers several unique features. However, there are also a few weaknesses:
Who is Dual Universe interesting for?
Dual Universe is clearly aimed at sandbox fans with a penchant for science fiction. While there are already good games in this genre such as Elite: Dangerous, Eve Online, and the upcoming Star Citizen, the freedom that Dual Universe promises is a notch larger.
After all, where else can you completely design your spaceships freely and even bore visible holes in planets? So if you want to indulge your creativity without limits and are not deterred by subscription fees, you should at least take a look at the Beta and see if the large space sandbox Dual Universe is worth a visit.
Potential: Very Good
I am not a fan of sandboxes and prefer clear stories and guidelines. However, even I can’t help but be awestruck by the ambitious ideas and plans of Dual Universe. The idea of being able to realize oneself completely freely has a special allure.
Moreover, I love to see the creative expressions that such games evoke among fans, and I’m already excited to see what crazy capital ships and death stars players will build here.
I am therefore curious whether the developers will continue to meet the ambitious goals and whether Dual Universe can hold its ground alongside Eve, Elite: Dangerous, and especially Star Citizen.
Jürgen Horn
Editor at MeinMMO
