The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Dragon Age: Veilguard is set to release on October 31, 2024. Developed by BioWare, this upcoming title marks a significant return for the franchise, which last saw a release in 2014 with Dragon Age: Inquisition. One of the most talked-about aspects of this game is its system requirements for PC players. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the game, including its requirements, pre-loading details, and global launch times.
A Refreshing Approach to DRM
Before diving into the specifics, one noteworthy aspect of Dragon Age: Veilguard is its lack of third-party Digital Rights Management (DRM), including Denuvo. This decision is surprising for an Electronic Arts (EA) game and could lead to better performance and a smoother gaming experience. Players will appreciate this move, as it often means fewer restrictions and a more enjoyable time within the game.
Dragon Age: Veilguard PC System Requirements
Requirements Without Raytracing
For players eager to experience the world of Thedas without the added graphical fidelity of raytracing, the system requirements are relatively accessible. Here’s what you need:
| Category | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements | Ultra Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | 64-bit Windows 10/11 with DirectX 12 | 64-bit Windows 10/11 with DirectX 12 | 64-bit Windows 10/11 with DirectX 12 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | Intel Core i9-9900K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | Intel Core i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | Nvidia GTX 970 or GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon R9 290X | Nvidia RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700XT | Nvidia RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX |
| VRAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 100 GB (SSD preferred, HDD supported) | 100 GB (SSD required) | 100 GB (SSD required) |
| Expected Performance | 1080p / 30 FPS | 1440p / 30 FPS or 1080p / 60 FPS | 2160p / 60 FPS |
Requirements With Raytracing
If you want to take advantage of raytracing features for enhanced visuals, you will need a more powerful setup. Here are the requirements for that:
| Category | RT Selective | RT On | RT On + Ultra RT |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | 64-bit Windows 10/11 with DirectX 12 | 64-bit Windows 10/11 with DirectX 12 | 64-bit Windows 10/11 with DirectX 12 |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-9900K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | Intel Core i9-9900K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | Intel Core i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | Nvidia RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800XT | Nvidia RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800XT | Nvidia RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX |
| VRAM | 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB |
| Storage | 100 GB (SSD required) | 100 GB (SSD required) | 100 GB (SSD required) |
| Expected Performance | 2160p / 30 FPS or 1440p / 60 FPS | 1440p / 30 FPS | 2160p / 30 FPS |
Summary of Requirements
The game is designed to cater to a range of PCs, from budget systems to high-end machines. The minimum requirements are quite forgiving, allowing players with slightly older hardware to join in on the action. Here’s a quick overview:
- Minimum Specs: Can run on older GPUs like GTX 1650 and R9 290X.
- Recommended Specs: A GTX 2070 or RX 5700XT is needed for smoother gameplay.
- Ultra Specs: High-end GPUs like the RTX 4080 are necessary for the best visual experience.
Pre-Loading and Release Times
Dragon Age: Veilguard is not just about the gameplay; it’s also about how you prepare for the launch. Here’s a detailed look at the pre-load times for different platforms:
| Platform | Pre-Load Start Date | Official Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| PC | No pre-load; available on release | October 31, 2024, 9 AM PDT |
| Xbox Series X/S | October 14, 2024, 9 AM PDT | October 31, 2024, 9 AM PDT |
| PS5 | October 29, 2024, 9 AM PDT | October 31, 2024, 9 AM PDT |
Global Launch Timings
To help you plan your gaming schedule, here are the global launch times for Dragon Age: Veilguard:
| Time Zone | Launch Time |
|---|---|
| UTC+7 | October 31, 11 PM |
| IST | October 31, 9:30 PM |
| JST | November 1, 1 AM |
| AEDT | November 1, 3 AM |
| NZDT | November 1, 5 AM |
| GMT | October 31, 4 PM |
| CET | October 31, 5 PM |
| TRT | October 31, 7 PM |
| PDT | October 31, 9 AM |
| MDT | October 31, 10 AM |
| EDT | October 31, 12 PM |
| BRT | October 31, 1 PM |
Console Performance
Dragon Age: Veilguard will also be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X, offering performance and fidelity modes that target either 60 FPS or 30 FPS. Additionally, the game will feature enhancements for the recently announced PlayStation 5 Pro, including improved resolution options and Raytraced Ambient Occlusion (RTAO) in the performance mode.
Conclusion
With Dragon Age: Veilguard just around the corner, players can look forward to an engaging experience without the hassle of DRM restrictions. The game offers a wide range of system requirements, making it accessible for many players, whether they have a powerful gaming rig or a more modest setup.
As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build. Are you ready to explore the world of Thedas once again? Share your thoughts and anticipation in the comments below!