Quake Release Notes & FAQ

The legendary dark fantasy FPS that revolutionized the genre is enhanced and now on modern platforms!

This major update for the Steam and Bethesda Launcher versions is accompanied by Quake’s release on additional platforms for the first time, including a simultaneous launch on Xbox Game Pass (subscription required). Note: Steam and Bethesda Launcher users who already own Quake will automatically receive the new version with a free download. Read the FAQ below for details on how to access the enhanced version.

New Features and Improvements

• Cross-play support

• Dedicated server support for online Deathmatch (matchmaking only)

• Local split-screen support for Deathmatch and co-op

• AI opponents in Deathmatch mode

• Includes the original Quake campaign plus mission packs, Scourge of Armagon, Dissolution of Eternity, Dimension of the Past and the brand-new Dimension of the Machine expansion pack from MachineGames

• Free Optional Add-ons will be available for download in game, starting with the original Quake 64

• Graphical improvements:

  • Motion blur

  • Antialiasing

  • Ambient Occlusion

  • Model interpolation

  • High resolution and colored lightmaps

  • Enhanced models

  • Dynamic Shadows

Platforms

• PC:

  • Steam

  • Bethesda Launcher

  • Microsoft Windows Store

• Console:

  • Xbox One

  • Xbox Series X/S (playable in backwards compatibility mode only at launch, free native upgrade coming soon)

  • PlayStation 4

  • PlayStation 5 (playable in backwards compatibility mode only at launch, free native upgrade coming soon)

  • Nintendo Switch

Supported Languages

• English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian

Release Notes

Enhanced Graphics

Better lighting, new models, updated maps, and a dynamic shadow system headline the graphical features available in Quake. Individual features of the enhanced graphics can be turned on and off to your preference.

Includes Original Expansion Packs

The two retail expansion packs, Scourge of Armagon, and Dissolution of Eternity are both now bundled with Quake, and are integrated into the main game. The downloadable expansion pack, Dimension of the Past, has also been upgraded and included.

Includes Soundtrack

The iconic original soundtrack by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is now included on all versions baked into the game without the need for a disc or a disc drive! The soundtracks for Scourge of Armagon, and Dissolution of Eternity are also included when playing those expansion packs.

Brand New "Dimension of the Machine" Episode

Created for Quake's 25th anniversary, Dimension of the Machine is a brand new experience created by the MachineGames team. Continue your fight through brand new dimensions, figure out the secret to restarting the machine, and come face to face with an old foe.

Available on All Platforms

Quake is now available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and backwards compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S. Players will receive a free next-gen upgrade in the near future.

Free Optional Add-ons

Similar to our re-releases of DOOM (1993) and DOOM II, we will also be periodically releasing free optional Add-ons available to download in the in-game "Add-ons" menu. Our first Add-on is Quake 64, which includes the original alternate soundtrack by acclaimed composer Aubrey Hodges.

Split-Screen Multiplayer

Quake includes 4 player split-screen multiplayer on all platforms, in both deathmatch and co-op modes. Fight against your friends, or with your friends in all five campaigns. AI bots are also available to play against in deathmatch mode.

Online Multiplayer

Play custom matches on player-hosted servers, or hop into matchmaking and play on dedicated servers. Quake also now includes the extra levels Acrophobia, and The Edge available in deathmatch mode. Dimension of the Machine also contains all new deathmatch levels.

Cross-Play Multiplayer

Play with friends no matter which platform they prefer. Cross-play is available on all platforms, so you can play Quake with everyone.

PC Specs

Minimum Spec (1080p/60 HZ)

• Windows 10

• Intel Core i5-3570 @ 3.4 GHz or AMD Ryzen 3 1300x @ 3.5 GHz

• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 TI (2GB) or AMD HD 7750 (1GB)

• 8GB System RAM

• Minimum 2GB free space on hard drive (additional space required for optional Add-ons)

• High speed broadband connection required for online play

*Recommended Spec (4K/120 HZ)

• Windows 10

• Intel Core i5-6600k @ 3.5 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 @ 3.2 GHz

• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) or AMD RX Vega 56 (8GB)

• 8GB System RAM

• Minimum 2GB free space on hard drive (additional space required for optional Add-ons)

• High speed broadband connection required for online play

*Compatible display required

FAQs

I bought Quake already, how do I get access to the new release?

Previous owners of Quake on Steam or Bethesda Launcher will automatically receive the new version with a free download. It may already be updated by the time you read this! Additionally, if you didn't own Scourge of Armagon and Dissolution of Eternity on Steam, you will also be granted access to the original versions of those.

How do I access the original versions of the game on Steam and Bethesda Launcher?

Steam: Launch options are available to launch the original versions of the games, and the original files are still on disk in the same place.

Bethesda Launcher: Select the "Legacy" branch and your game will switch over to launching the original version.

Users on the PC Microsoft Store only have access to the updated release.

How do I play with friends on other platforms?

The easiest way to join a cross-play match with friends is using the room code system. The room code is a 4 letter code that can be seen inside the pre-game lobby. Send this to your friends over text message, Discord, or yelling very loudly, and they'll be able to join through the multiplayer menu without having to search through the match browser or enter passwords. Note that on some platforms, cross-play can be disabled at the system level. If you have problems joining cross-play matches, ensure that this is enabled.

If I already own Quake on Steam / Bethesda Launcher, will my saves carry over?

Existing save games do not carry over from the original to the enhanced versions of Quake and Steam and Bethesda Launcher. You can continue to use original Quake save games by launching the original version of the game on both platforms.

Will I need a Bethesda.net account to play the game?

A Bethesda.net account is required for online multiplayer, and Add-ons. Everything else in the game is playable without linking your account.

What are the resolutions and framerates for each platform?

• PC: Maximum supported by video card/display

• Nintendo Switch: 720p at 60FPS in handheld mode, 1080p at 60fps docked

• PlayStation 4: 1080p at 60FPS

• PlayStation 4 Pro: Native 4k at 60FPS

• Xbox One: 1080p at 60FPS

What input devices are supported on PC?

On the PC, mouse and keyboard and most controllers should work. Split-screen is available with mixed mouse/keyboard and controller.

Which platforms support motion aiming?

On the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, motion aiming is supported.

Do I need an always online connection to play the game?

Quake can be played offline. Currently, official Add-ons require an internet connection to play even if previously downloaded, however we hope to address this in a future update.

Are existing mods supported on PC?

The PC enhanced version will load any mod that the original version supported (when existing mods have been placed in the game install directory). However it will not support some mods that require a new/different source port from the original game.

Note: We did raise some engine limits from the original version in our new enhanced version but cannot confirm compatibility with all modern Quake mods.

'Could Not Join Lobby' error on when trying to join Multiplayer?

This error occurs on all platforms when you're system clock is out of sync. Please consult you system manual for how to re-sync your system clock.
For Nintendo Switch players experiencing the 'Could Not Join Lobby' error when trying to join Multiplayer need to navigate to their Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, select System Settings and from select System : Date and Time and select the option to set the clock from the Internet. This should hopefully enable players to join Multiplayer matches.

KNOWN ISSUES

All Platforms

• In local multiplayer, the weapon wheel will be partially cut off in vertical split screen. This does not occur in horizonal split screen

• If the player uses the Attack input to respawn in multiplayer, they will fire a shot as they respawn

• Users are unable to access downloaded Add-ons without being connected to the internet. This is not intended functionality and will be fixed in a future update

• While in local multiplayer, if you wish to remove players from the lobby, you need to back out of the local multiplayer menu and re-enter it

• Some player movement issues may occur in online co-op matches in Scourge of Armagon

• The Guardian death sounds in may repeat indefinitely in Scourge of Armagon. If this occurs, either save and load your progress or exit the level

Nintendo Switch Only

• If using motion control aiming in local multiplayer, ensure the controllers join the lobby in the same order as the controllers are numbered

PC Bethesda Launcher/Microsoft Store/Steam Only

• Players switching away from Quake by using ALT+TAB, may notice that they lose control over the cursor. If this occurs, simply return to Quake, and interact with the game to restore control
• Players will need to plug in a second controller in order to play local multiplayer with one player using mouse and keyboard

PC Microsoft Store Only

• If the Windows Game Bar is opened and then closed, control may not be returned to the game and the game may appear unresponsive. If this occurs, ALT + TAB out of the game and back in to restore control
• The game must be restarted in order for changes to the Input First Controller setting to take effect. This is for those looking to play local spilt-screen co-op with the first player on mouse/keyboard and the second player using a controller.