‘Quantum Break’ heads to Steam next month as special bundle lands at retailers

By Kevin Parrish Published August 11, 2016

Here’s a bit of good news for PC gamers on Windows 10 who are leery about purchasing Quantum Break through the Windows Store. This game has been served up exclusively through Microsoft’s built-in storefront since April 5, but Microsoft Studios and Remedy Entertainment will offer the game digitally on Steam starting September 14.

According to the recommended specs listed on Steam, PC gamers will need an Intel Core i5-4690 processor or an equivalent AMD chip, a massive 16GB of system memory, a Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 390 graphics card, and 68GB of available space. Windows 10 (64-bit) and DirectX 12 is also the recommended software combo.

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If that’s a bit too meaty for you in the hardware department, the game’s minimum requirements include an Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-6300 processor, a smaller 8GB of system memory, a GeForce GTX 760 or Radeon R7 260x graphics chip, and 68GB of storage space. Windows 7 (64-bit) and DirectX 11 are the software requirements for this minimum set of specs.

The version of Quantum Break on Steam will include all the updates released thus far. The most recent patch update for Windows 10 was on August 1. It added general performance improvements, fixes to various keyboard input issues, a Quit button on the main menu, a toggle for switching off the Film Grain effect, and loads more.

If that’s not enough to get Quantum Break fans excited, Microsoft Studios, Remedy Entertainment, and Nordic Games are releasing a Timeless Collector’s Edition bundle for PC gamers to retailers on the same day. This version will include premium packaging, five game discs requiring a one-time Steam key activation, a “making of” documentary on Blu-ray, the soundtrack on CD, two posters, a quick-start guide, and all the updates released thus far.

“Apart from being a new IP, Quantum Break turned out to be a sophisticated, visually stunning shooter with a top-notch cast of actors,” said Reinhard Pollice, business and product development director for Nordic Games.

Steam’s listing of Quantum Break doesn’t offer a price tag just yet. However, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Will Tuttle said on Wednesday that both the Quantum Break: Timeless Collector’s Edition and the Windows Store version are now available for $40. Granted, if you purchase the Windows Store version, you’ll have the benefits of Xbox Live features like achievements. The Steam version will likely have achievements, too, so it will be just a matter of your operating system of choice.

The good news here is that PC gamers who refused to upgrade to Windows 10 won’t have to take the Xbox One plunge in order to play this hot new shooter. But if you don’t have the hardware to run this gaming beast, buying a used Xbox One may be the cheapest option anyway. Heck, GameStop is selling the original Xbox One 500GB model with Gears of War Ultimate Edition and Forza 6 for a mere $250 new. By comparison, the MSI GeForce GTX 970 card costs $305 on Newegg.

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Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…

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