Quake gets new free episode and roguelite mode in 30th anniversary update

QuakeCon 2026 is currently live right now, and the iconic franchise is celebrating 30 years of pixelated FPS chaos in style.

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id Software and MachineGames today released a new free content update for Quake that adds fresh playable content to the game on all platforms. It's part of Quake's new Dawn of the Machine episode, which offers a sizable campaign across 19 playable maps littered with new enemy variants and weapon types.

The update also introduces a kind of roguelite gametype for Quake, allowing users to replay levels in an endless loop with "persistent health and ammo upgrades" spread across the maps. This feels like another instance of Xbox and Microsoft simultaneously exploring new business models while also celebrating the anniversaries of key franchises, and we could see this concept of new content for old games continue moving forward.

The Dawn of the Machine update is currently available now, and check below for more info:

Celebrating 30 years of Quake, the award-winning team at MachineGames - in collaboration with id Software - returns with Dawn of the Machine, a brutal new episode building on their critically acclaimed work on Dimension of the Machine and Dimensions of the Past. Delivering ferocious combat, labyrinthine level design, and nightmarish realms that twist reality beyond recognition, it pushes the legacy of the genre-defining first-person shooter even further - honoring one of gaming's most enduring icons.

This expansive new episode features 19 all-new maps across a cohesive campaign, alongside a brand-new soundtrack, hidden secrets, a dedicated episode hub, and an all-new deathmatch map.

Frequently Asked Questions

Open a question for an answer from TweakTown's coverage of this news, or ask your own below.

Question #1

Where is the dedicated episode hub and how do players access hidden secrets in the new maps?

The article states the Dawn of the Machine update includes a dedicated episode hub but does not specify where that hub is located. It also confirms the 19 new maps contain hidden secrets but does not explain how players access those secrets.

Question #2

Is there a new multiplayer map included with the update, and which game mode is it designed for?

Yes. The update includes an all-new deathmatch map designed for deathmatch multiplayer.

Question #3

How can I get the Dawn of the Machine update if I already own Quake, and is it free on Steam?

The Dawn of the Machine content is a free content update for Quake that is available now on all platforms. If you already own Quake, the Dawn of the Machine episode is included as that free update, and it is free on Steam (Quake itself is currently on sale for $3.99 on Steam).

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Quake is currently on sale for $3.99 on Steam.