Quake Champions Ends Its Free-to-Play Model, Replacing Microtransactions With a Paid Version

id Software is changing how its multiplayer shooter Quake Champions works. The game, which has been available as a free-to-play title since 2018, now costs 9,99€ and includes all content released across 30 seasons.

All microtransactions are also being removed with the paid version. All players will gain access to every Champion and most cosmetic items. Battle passes, the store, paid currency, loot boxes, login rewards, and other free-to-play features are also being removed from the game.

The change arrives with patch 1.31, which also marks the game’s final major chapter. id Software has confirmed that it is not currently planning any further content updates.

Players who have already played Quake Champions on Steam will receive the new version for free. However, owners of the Microsoft Store version will lose access to it, as distribution through that store is ending and Quake Champions will only be available on Steam going forward.

The transition also affects player accounts. Those who played the Microsoft Store version before September 23 and have linked their Bethesda and Steam accounts will automatically receive the Steam version within 48 hours. Everyone else will need to create a Steam account and link it to their Bethesda account. This process can be completed by October 7.

Quake Champions originally entered paid early access in 2017 before switching to a free-to-play model a year later. It received its full release in 2022, and over the years, id Software added new Champions, weapons, and a variety of cosmetic items.