Quake Dawn of the Machine is live as a free update for Quake owners, according to Bethesda’s Slayers Club post. Specifically, MachineGames built the new episode with id Software to mark Quake’s 30th anniversary. Overall, the package includes a 19-map campaign, a new soundtrack, and a Deathmatch map.
Meanwhile, the update is available now across the remaster platforms. For example, that includes Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. Additionally, it also covers Steam, Microsoft PC Store, Game Pass, and PC Game Pass. So console players can grab it on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2 via backwards compatibility.
What is in the free episode
In short, players return as Ranger in a labyrinthine dimension where time folds onto itself. Then each pass through the present can reshape the future. Next, collect runes to open sealed paths, new routes, and secrets. Furthermore, persistent health and ammo upgrades add a light progression layer to classic Quake combat.
Additionally, MachineGames is remixing familiar threats. By contrast, new enemy twists include the Rocket Ogre, Demo Dog, and Blood Shambler. Meanwhile, new weapon variants include a lightning-charged Super Axe and a Laser Cannon that can ricochet shots. Finally for the story arc, the campaign builds toward The Nightmare Machine as the dimension’s source of madness.
Who made it and why it matters
MachineGames is the studio behind modern Wolfenstein titles and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Therefore, pairing that team with id Software for a free Quake episode is a big anniversary gift for a 1996 landmark. Still, the remaster already kept Quake playable on current hardware. Instead, Dawn of the Machine is new campaign content, not just a remaster patch.
However, owners still need a legitimate Quake install on a supported platform. Of course, the free update does not replace buying the base game. Also, for release notes and platform detail, Bethesda points to its Quake 30th anniversary update article on Slayers Club.
However, readers following big-publisher FPS history may also catch older Tech My Money notes such as the Dishonored 2 live-action trailer. Plus, other entertainment coverage includes Amazon’s cancelled Lord of the Rings MMO.
How to get it
Finally, First, update Quake through your platform store or launcher. Then Dawn of the Machine should appear as free content for existing owners. After that, hidden secrets and the new Deathmatch map give solo and multiplayer players something to dig into for the anniversary. Meanwhile, bots are available for Deathmatch sessions as well.
