Getting Started

 Getting Started - Game Overview 

Dual Universe is a sandbox MMO where all players participate in the same game universe. This allows players to work together and compete while building, crafting, mining, refining, and exploring a massive gaming universe. The game is currently in the beta stage of development, and therefor information on specific game mechanics is limited and subject to change. Updates to this page will be made when content becomes available to the players.

Q: Who is Novaquark ?
A: Novaquark is the company developing Dual Universe. It's a small indie studio, with a passionate team devoted to bringing this crazy game to life! The team is experienced and the founder has already created other companies, like Gostai which is a company specialized in Robotics, and has now joined the Aldebaran Robotics group.

Q: Shape The Universe, Leave Your Mark
A: The Dual Universe is a gigantic multi-planet universe, where players are free to invent their collective destiny: civilizations will rise and fall, and player-driven events will shape the course of history, because everything you do matters in a persistent single-shard universe. We are pushing the limits of what is technically possible today to open the door to what we believe is the next generation of MMO games. Welcome to Dual Universe!

Q: Where did the idea for game come from?
A: The original concept started about 7 years ago. But at the time, the technology was not ready. The idea is actually a very old gamer's dream: to immerse yourself into a virtual world where you are free to do anything you like, build anything you want, become anyone you fancy. We believe that the time has come to make this dream come true.

Q: How do I download the game?
A: You can find the game on the community section of the Dual Universe website: • Sign in to the community site • Click on the person icon in the upper right • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the button "Download the game"

Q: Where do I install the game?
''A: Any drive where you have 25GB of space will suffice for both the game (10GB) and a cache. Keep in mind this cache will expand over time so if you run out of space, your game will crash. An SSD, M.2, or NVMe storage drive is highly recommended for the best overall performance and loading times. While traditional hard drives are usable, they are not recommended.''

Q: What are the minimum system requirements?
A: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ''Please keep in mind that these specs are not set in stone as the game is unoptimized and undergoing constant improvement. It would be reasonable to expect these requirements to change as testing progresses.''

Q: What platform can I play on?
''A: Currently Dual Universe can only be played on Windows-based computers. Linux might be officially supported in the future. No support is planned for MacOs or consoles. Steam and similar platforms might be available in the future but a standalone client will always be available from the Dual Universe website.''

Q: I'm having technical difficulties with the game, where can I ask questions about it?
A: If you need assistance or have problems with the game, you can reach out to other players and community helpers on our discord in #help-game-questions and #🆘-community-help or request help through the support system by submitting a ticket to support.

Q: The client fails to install or start with a message about AVX Support?
''A: The most probable cause is if your CPU was built before Q1 of 2013, or is a general-purpose "Pentium" or "Celeron" CPU. These devices most likely don't have the AVX instruction sets built in that are required to run the game as mentioned. As Dual Universe requires the AVX instruction sets, a System upgrade is your best bet. Mod Note: link to previous NDA topic, pending topic move by NQ. Will update when able.''

Q: The game is running slow but my computer satisfies the minimum specs, what's wrong?
A: New players who are just starting for the first time should expect to remain on the loading screen for an extended period while the game first sets up (up to 10 min) after creating their avatar. Once the game loads up you are in the game, expect a bit more waiting time as the cache starts to populate with the first round of data from the environment and terrain. Don't worry, you'll be waiting less over time as you play more and your cache builds up.

Q: I’ve run into a bug/problem. What should I do with it?
''A: Please report any bugs to the support team using the bug report form. If you believe your bug can be exploited, please use the exploit form, or state “exploit” in the report.''

Q: Are beta key’s gifts for others or must I use one for myself?
''A: They are gifts to be given to others. Purchasing an Alpha / Beta pack already grants you access to Beta, so if you have two keys, then you can invite two friends.''

Q: I have an alpha pack or beta key, do I need to pay the sub during beta too?
''A: No, only players who buy into Beta during this phase of testing will need to pay the monthly subscription. If you purchased an alpha pack or were gifted a beta key, you don't need to pay the monthly subscription.''

Q: Can I get a free trial period?
A: No, discussion on a trial period was speculative during the Alpha phases but has since been confirmed by NQ that no such period will be offered.

Q: Okay, but there are also players wanting to help the game without having the money to support it. What about them?
A: We also are perfectly aware of that. But it's extremely difficult (and very time consuming) to differentiate players who just want to try the game and those who really want to help improving the game with detailed feedback. In the future, we might find a way to give early access to the most dedicated players of the community who are not already founder/supporter members, if time allows it. But we can't promise that at the moment.

Q: How can I get a refund?
''A: Refunds are done on a case-by-case basis. Your best bet is to contact support.''

Q: Will there be microtransactions?
''A: Yes, however, the only microtransactions will be purchases of in-game cosmetic items. Stuff like better or faster equipment will not be added as that would create an undesirable pay-to-win scenario.''

Q: If it's not part of the founder/supporter pack, why giving access to founder and supporter members only then?
A: For a very simple reason: By supporting our project, founder/supporter members have already proven they want to help the game, and not just try it before everyone else.

Q: Is it true that the game has a monthly subscription?
''A: Yes, the game will cost $6.99 per month to play, however, Dual Access Coupons (DAC) can pay for your subscription if you so choose. DAC is expected to cost slightly more due to their in-game accessibility. You will not need to pay for any future expansions.''

Q: What are Dual Access Coupons (DAC)?
A: DAC is a virtual item that can be bought from NQ or from swapping in-game items with other players, and used in several ways: • A DAC can be consumed to get 30 days of playtime. • A DAC can be gifted to other players to grant them 30 days of playtime. • A DAC can be traded on the in-game market to another player.

Q: Will my DACs be consumed during testing?
A: No, DAC's are not currently available and will become active and usable after the game is released. Q: What happens when my subscription runs out? ''A: The only thing that happens when your subscription runs out is you are unable to log into the game. All your in-game constructs, inventory, etc remain persistent in the universe.''

Q: Why isn't the game free to play?
''A: The long answer can be found using the search feature in the forums. The short answer is that developing a game isn't free. There are many things; employee salaries, office rent, server rent, utility costs, and coffee resupply fees that all need to be paid for. These are recurring costs that can't be covered through an in-game shop which would require additional product development time away from developing and maintaining the core game itself, not to mention they're too unreliable of a source of income in comparison to monthly subscriptions. This is also a great method to keep the game from becoming pay-to-win.''

Q: I can't afford a subscription and I don't want to do someone else's dirty work just so I can play the game, what can I do?
''A: Take a step back and look at your life. Is there something you can cut back on or even cut out completely? If you can go for a week without coffee, then you can play Dual Universe for a month. You can find other ways in this thread.''

Q: I saw something about a "lifetime subscription" on Kickstarter, will these ever become available again?
A: No, lifetime subscriptions were available only to Kickstarter and Founder backers of the Ruby and higher levels, they will not be returning in the future.

Q: I have a question about the Supporter Packs
A: If you have a question that you don't find on the following page, feel free to ask and someone will answer to the best of their ability.

Q: Why is the server offline?
A: While the beta test is running 24/7, regular maintenance periods along with occasional patch deployment will cause testing to stop and players will be unable to log in. ''While NQ will strive to keep these periods limited and as short as possible, they do ask for your understanding if things turn out to take longer than anticipated. Remember that this is normal and to be expected since we are only in Beta.''

Q: Was the wipe at the start of Beta the final wipe?
A: There are no currently planned wipes of Dual Universe, however, NQ retains the right and ability to do so for balance, technical or gameplay reasons, NQ will attempt to mitigate these effects through plenty of forewarning and various dev means so that players are quickly back on their feet. The only case of a wipe will be if NQ sees no other option.

Q: When will there be Avatar versus Avatar combat?
A: Please see the current roadmap.

Q: Why are the marketplaces causing such low FPS?
A: Any location where numerous amounts of constructs are being rendered will impact overall performance, the marketplaces being a common location for this to happen. ''Sometimes the learning curve is too steep for new players, who get frustrated and don't return. However, the persistent nature of the game ensures that their speeder remains right where they left it when they return. Future performance updates will help, but it will be solved once various mechanics like planet-side PVP and construct wear are implemented. Fewer constructs mean better performance.''

Q: Why aren’t there any wheels, pistons, rotors, and hinges in Dual Universe?
''A: Such elements would require greater investment into server technology and resources. The limited gameplay benefits provided wouldn't outweigh the hit to performance. As for hovers and wheels specifically, hovers were chosen because they don't need to maintain contact with the ground and require a collision check to ensure their desired function, unlike with a wheel.''

Q: Why is combat going to be lock-on instead of being twitch/reflex-based?
''A: Please refer to the above question. Again, this would be highly demanding on the game's servers. In Dual Universe, combat is more focused on player tactics rather than reflexes. Factors like damage and chance-to-hit will be determined on stats as opposed to manual aiming and shooting.''

Q: My computer meets the minimum requirements, but I'm having a bad experience, how can I improve it?
''A: Running the game on an SSD will provide all users with an improvement in loading times and general performance. As far as RAM goes, you can get by on 8GB, however, 16GB is recommended for a better experience. A good internet connection, above 10 Mbps at worst, 50 Mbps or more being optimal. Finally, most CPU's and GPU's in the last six years should run the game well enough. Keep in mind that Dual Universe is still heavily unoptimized so even with the highest end components, you may not be seeing 60 FPS 100% of the time. Reapplying your CPU's thermal paste may also help in some instances. On the software front, since the graphics preset is locked to 'Very High' for NQ's quality testing purposes, lowering your screen resolution may help increase your frame rates. Reducing your CPU's active threads in the games 'Graphics' menu can also help with your CPU's heat output at the expense of performance. Please take note that overclocking and overheating your CPU is not advised, Dual Universe will likely utilize the full power of your CPU as it should be able to. If your cooling system is not up to the task this can lead to serious problems. Please ensure your cooling systems meet the requirements of your CPU’s potential.''

Q: So there is only “First Person” view available in Dual Universe?
A: By default, it will be the "First Person" view, yes, "Third Person" view is only available when patented (seated) in a construct. "First Person" view is the most practical view mode in most situations, like when you start digging in underground environment, piloting a ship or using a weapon turret. However, we are aware that many MMO players like (or even prefer) "Third Person" view. We consider this view mode to be very important too, and as such Dual Universe allows for it in certain scenarios and will hopefully think about expanding it as an option if the development timeline allows it.

Q: Can I skip the tutorial?
A: While not recommended for first time players, left shift + page up will skip forward, page down will skip back, and left-shift + backspace will exit the tutorial. This is not advised however as players may miss out on vital context as well as some inventory items that may not otherwise be obtained through normal testing.

Q: How to remove cores/elements/fuel?
''A: Alt+click with whichever tool does the opposite action. Be sure you have enough inventory space.''

Q: My construct landed upside down, how do I right it?
A: Ensure you are not standing on the construct, equip your Maneuver Tool (looks like a core with two arrows circling it), click on your construct, and rotate it with WASDQE.

Q: Why are there so many abandoned speeders in the game?
''A: Dual Universe has a fairly high learning curve when you're just starting. If you choose to keep learning new mechanics then this curve remains high, but if you settle into a niche and know all the basics then it flattens out. Sometimes new players can't get beyond deploying their speeders, give up, and don't return. Since marketplaces are trading hubs, new players are also inclined to log out for ease of access or because they don't have a static base of their own.''

Q: Can we buy starter ships so new players have an abstract goal to work towards?
A: Yes, new players can buy a multitude of starter ships designed by other players in addition to the starter speeders provided during the tutorial at the start of the game.

Q: How do I repair my ship?
''A: Check your tool belt at the bottom of the screen, it should look something like a welder. Switch to the tool and damaged elements will show up as yellow while broken ones will be red. Be sure to equip scrap after pulling out the tool and keep in mind that higher tier scrap will restore more HP per scrap.''

Q: Will there be free PvP everywhere? Not all players want to be permanently in PvP situations...
A: We have been thinking about this for a long time. While player freedom is at the very heart of our game design, we have found several solid reasons to implement at least one secure area in the game.

Q: Have you planned a "Newbie Protection"?
A: Yes. With the secure area, new players will be able to make their first steps without trouble. It's never fun to be attacked by experienced players when you are just discovering the gameplay. Especially with the fact that PvP will most likely start right away after the game release.

Q: What about those who like to produce and trade, but have no interest in PvP?
A: A player-driven economy needs time and space to flourish. By observing player-driven economies in other games, we have realized that a majority of the players impacting the economy don't want to be bothered when they are collecting basic resources or producing gear or ships (even those related to PvP Combat). This is just two different gameplay styles, two "states of mind" types that must coexist in the same world (or universe) to find some balance. If you want unending PvP, let the industrialists produce in peace to provide you abundant equipment for warfare. However, as the in-game economy grows, it will quickly become obvious that the most interesting trades will be those in non-secure areas. This is the famous “Risk vs Reward” concept.

Q: There are also people who want to build things, beautiful buildings and ships, without being interrupted by sudden PvP action? Will they have a safe place too?
A: We are perfectly aware that players designing new ships and/or a new building don’t want to be shot by another player in the middle of their work. Again, if you are among those who want to fight everywhere with anybody, keep in mind that being provided ships with a nice fuselage or having stylish fortified outposts/cities to attack or defend implies having a secure area somewhere to design all these things.

Q: Okay. Then where is the "Safe Zone"?
The "Safe Zone" currently consists of a radius encompassing the planets of Alioth, Thades and Madis, Dual Universe wanted a large enough area to give space for all types of players: Newbies, Traders, Industrialists, Artists, Builders, and Engineers.

Q: But will we be able to build, design and produce outside this secure area?
A: Of course! It will often be far more profitable to develop a market or a factory in a risky area: in remote places, players won't come back to the Arkship area each time they want to buy something if they can buy it locally, even at a higher price. But beware of pirates who like pillaging isolated outposts!

Q: What about players behaving badly?
A: "Bad behavior" doesn't have the same meaning in Sandbox games and in non-Sandbox games. To preserve the "Sandbox" spirit, a fairly large amount of freedom in behavior will be allowed, as long as it stays in-game.

Q: Will Dual Universe punish scams?
A: In-game scams are as much a part of the harsh life in a new world as space pirates are, as long as they don't involve real life money (so only in game currency), and as long as they don't use rely on bugs or exploits. In other words, it will be up to the player to be cautious about whom he/she gives his/her trust to. When you start the game, do not trust anyone! Take your time to know other players before giving your trust to some of them (we are also going to build an in-game reputation system). Another way to dramatically reduce the chance of scamming: start the game with friends you already know in real life!

Q: What does Dual Universe / Novaquark plan to do about "Trash talk"?
"Trash talk" is allowed as long as it stays in game and "in character" (meaning: as long as it's roleplayed). This might seem a bit unfitting for children or young teenagers playing the game, but here's our position: a real sandbox, by it's very nature and the player freedom it implies, is only a fitting game for young (or less young) adults. However, there will be some limits: no public humiliation targeting a specific player, no real life harassment, and no real life insults or aggression will be tolerated. We want to give more freedom, without legitimate real life bad behavior.

Q: Is there a way to stop hovers and vertical boosters from activating on vehicle startup without Lua?
''A: Yes, simply hold down the C key and your construct will remain firmly on the ground. You can turn engines off with a manual switch, but that would require Lua.''

Q: How does water affect hovers/vertical boosters? How do you land on the bottom of a lake?
''A: Hovers will activate when on the water's surface. You can use a large body of water as a cheap and flat runway to land or take off from. By holding C, the hovers will shut off and you'll sink to the bottom. Release C while underwater and your hover engines will provide a nice boost out of the water.''

Q: How can I make my ship's trajectory line visible?
''A: Press X to cycle through the three available display options. The color line that you see indicates one of four different statuses: • Red: Ground collision • Green: Circular orbit • Blue: Elliptical orbit • Purple: Escape''

Q: How do I activate my space engines?
''A: Space engines activate automatically when there is less than 10% atmosphere. Check the upper right corner of your screen.''

Q: What engines do I need to get to space?
A: While rocket engines by themselves can get you to space, a combination of atmospheric and space engines are needed to propel you out of the atmosphere on a planet that features such.

Q: I died and respawned, where's my ship?
''A: Your ship is wherever you left it in the game universe. Check your constructs on the map (F4) and place a waypoint to help find your way back to it.''

Q: My game bugged and I respawned at the North Pole on Alioth, what happened?
''A: You encountered a bug. While we can't explain what bug triggered this, why you ended up on the North Pole is easy. Sometimes the game doesn't know where to respawn you. When that happens, the game respawns you at the North Pole of Alioth because its coordinates are 0,0,0. If your construct is close enough to fetch (F4) then do so, or else your only other option is to see if another player can pick you up.''

Q: Will you develop Apps for the game? Will you allow players to make their own Apps?
A: We know that apps on other media like mobile phones or tablets are really popular, for some aspects of the gameplay. We haven't decided yet what we will do on this subject, as it is still quite far in the future. First, we need to release the game but we will keep in mind accessibility for potential Apps.

With the information shown in the July Dev-Diary (2:22), NQ proved the ability for players to script their own apps in game via a DPU (Distributed Programming Unit) linked to a Screen Unit. Visit the LUA scripting page for more information about the limits of in-game app development.

Q: Are you going to support Oculus Rift?
A: We have considered the idea in the past. However, as the first real roadmap defined by the Kickstarter campaign in 2016 didn't include it (not part of the strech goals reached), all VR related features have been put on hold. Novaquark is currently focused on developing the core game mechanics as top priority for the official release. As the game progresses and the VR market matures, we will be reevaluating the opportunity in the future. We just want to be upfront that it’s not going to be before after the commercial release of the game.

Q: I heard something about reserving a name, where can I do that?
A: Please view the Character Name Reservation - How it Works dev blog

Q: My main language is not English, what can I do?
''A: While the Official DU Discord does not permit any language outside of English due to our inability to effectively moderate it, keep an eye out in our #recruitment channel or look around for organizations that might cater to your desired language. A list of organizations that can speak and understand non-English languages can be found here. Dedicated channels are now available for our French and German players! #🇫🇷-duscuss-français #🇩🇪-duscuss-deutsch''

Q: What’s this NDA I keep hearing about?
A: Please refer to NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT - (ALPHA PLAYERS ONLY)

NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT - (ALPHA PLAYERS ONLY):
For those that don't know what a 'non-disclosure agreement' (NDA) is, it's an agreement between two parties that outlines private material that you have been permitted to see by the content creator, which you agree not to share with anyone in any form that is unbound by that agreement. ''As it pertained to Dual Universe, NovaQuark (NQ) was not ready for a wider audience to see the game in such an unfinished state during the pre-alpha and alpha stages. Would-be players who saw the game in its early development state would likely judge the game as a whole and could be turned off, even after the public release of the game when it is in a much better state. NQ intended the alpha and beta stages to be true testing stages where the game should be treated as such and not considered a final product. With all six pillars of the base game now established, it would be wise to remind the Alpha community that all content (images, videos, descriptions, etc) previously under NDA will remain NDA indefinitely unless released by NQ. Before entering the test environment, testers agreed to abide by the NDA and are thus bound to adhere to it. Releasing any information not already done so by NQ would end up incurring various sanctions, up to and including being banned permanently from the game and community. Given the investment and time that Alpha testers have already dedicated and the punishments that can be incurred, if they can not discuss a particular subject, please don't pressure them to. As much as the testers want to describe their past experiences, they must remain tight-lipped about them to not give others a false impression of the current state of testing based on past experiences. Beta testers joining the test after the official beta launch are not bound by this NDA.''

To Summarize:

1. All content and footage made of Dual Universe up until 27/08/2020 not released by NQ directly, is and remains under NDA and is not to be shared. 2. All content and footage made of Dual Universe from 27/08/2020 onward is publicly shareable as long as it adheres to both the Code of Conduct and the End User License Agreement.