Quake Free Update Celebrates 30 Years With A Brand-New Episode, Includes New Campaign, 19 Maps And More
MachineGames and id Software have released a free new episode for Quake, called "Dawn of the Machine", to mark the shooter's 30th anniversary. The update is available on all platforms, including Nintendo Switch and, via backwards compatibility, Switch 2, continuing a recent trend of classic id Software titles receiving substantial new official content decades after their original release.
The episode adds 19 new maps forming a complete campaign, in which the Ranger becomes trapped in a time-looping dimension where actions in the present reshape future visits; players collect runes to unlock new paths and permanent upgrades. It introduces reworked versions of classic enemies such as the Rocket Ogre and Blood Shambler, alongside new weapon variants including a lightning-charged Super Axe and a ricocheting Laser Cannon, plus a new Deathmatch map and soundtrack. To coincide with the Quake 30th anniversary and QuakeCon, the Quake + Quake II Enhanced Bundle is discounted to $5.99/£4.79 on the eShop, with the standalone Quake available for $3.99.
In short
- Quake gets free 30th-anniversary episode "Dawn of the Machine" with 19 maps
- Available now on all platforms, including Switch and Switch 2
- Quake/Quake II bundle discounted on eShop during anniversary celebrations
Explained simply
Quake is a first-person shooter originally released by id Software in 1996. Players take the role of a soldier known as the Ranger, fighting through hostile settings with guns and other weapons.
The game has continued to receive official updates decades after its release. id Software created Quake, and MachineGames, another studio known for making games in the series, has worked on newer content. QuakeCon is an annual gaming event associated with id Software and its games.
The anniversary release is part of a wider pattern of older games getting new content and support on current platforms. Quake is available on Nintendo Switch, and its enhanced edition can also be played on Switch 2 through backwards compatibility.