Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, today announced Quake Champions, a competitive arena-style first-person shooter for the PC that will return fans to the frenetic, skill-based competition that made Quake an industry legend and solidified it as one of the first major eSports games.
In development at franchise-founding id Software, in conjunction with Saber Interactive, Quake Champions will deliver the mythos of the first Quake with the groundbreaking multiplayer mayhem of Quake III Arena. The game will also introduce a major new feature to the franchise – Champions – a roster of fierce warriors, each with unique attributes and abilities, which enable players to compete in their own distinctive style.
“20 years ago, Quake set new standards for multiplayer competition and pushed the boundaries for graphics and gameplay,” said Tim Willits, Studio Director, id Software. “It’s important to all of us at id Software that Quake Champions remains true to the Quake legacy, and delivers the speed and gameplay our long-time fans expect, while also pressing forward by introducing innovative gameplay opportunities with new Champions and abilities.”
Quake Champions continues id Software’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of modern technology and will deliver stunning graphics running at 120hz with unlocked frame rates. The game will make it easy for new players to learn while also delivering the challenge and competition 20-year Quake veterans expect.
Quake Champions is designed and built for eSports, integrating competitive features for professional and amateur levels of play. The game will be supported at tournaments and in leagues around the globe, including QuakeCon, the annual event that attracts tens of thousands of id Software fans and competitors to Dallas.
This year’s QuakeCon will be held August 4-7 and will be where id Software reveals more details about Quake Champions directly to its devoted fans. For more information about QuakeCon 2016 or to register to attend, please visit QuakeCon.org.
Everyone can now join the fast-paced frag frenzy of Quake Champions, absolutely FREE! You heard right - announced during QuakeCon 2018, Quake Champions is now available for all players to download and play for free on Bethesda.net and Steam.
This isn’t a trial or a limited-time event, this is free-to-play Quake Champions!
Is this the full release of Quake Champions?
With several new Champions, modes and features that we’ve built upon throughout Early Access with community feedback, we feel like now is the perfect time to open the doors to Quake Champions. However, there is still additional polish, improvements and new content - like the upcoming Capture the Flag mode - that we want to get into the game before we declare it “fully released.”
Quake Champions will remain in Early Access for the time being, but now we’re opening up feedback and input to everyone. Play the game, tell us what you think and help shape Quake Champions into the best FPS it can be!
What do I get with F2P access?
Free-to-play players get access to all Quickplay, Ranked and Arcade game modes and maps currently available in Early Access, plus two free Champions: Ranger and Scalebearer. New players can unlock more Champions by completing the in-game tutorial and by earning Favor — in-game currency used to unlock Champions and Backpacks — just by playing matches!
Additionally, there’s one free Champion on rotation every week. Try them all out and see which ones fit your playstyle. Once you’ve found a new favorite, you can purchase Champions to own using Platinum, Quake Champions’ premium currency.
Get started in style with the Champions Pack
For a limited time, you also can pick up the Champions Pack, which grants access to all current Champions and instantly unlocks every Champion released in the future. Players who purchase the Champions Pack also get the ability to create Custom Matches for you and your friends, plus some sweet in-game goodies like the exclusive “Gladiator Ranger” skin.
To make it easier than ever to dive into the Arena, we’re discounting the Champions Pack to just $19.79 for the duration of QuakeCon! After that, the Champions Pack will cost $29.99 USD for a limited time, but hurry — this deal will revert back to its original $39.99 USD price tag on September 4, 2018.
I’m new to Quake Champions…how do I frag like the best of ‘em?
We’ve got you covered! While you’re downloading the game, watch our Beginner’s Guide videos to learn the fundamentals of fragging. Once you’re logged in, don’t forget to play the in-game tutorial for a hands-on course in Quake 101.
If you want more in-depth looks at specific Champions or how to perform advanced techniques like the almighty strafe jump, our Community section has some great player-made guides as well.
That’s all there is to it, future Quakers - hop into your first matches, good luck and have fun!