Quake Champions finally comes to Steam this week, joining Elder Scrolls Legends on the list of titles to make the jump from the Bethesda Launcher to Valve’s digital storefront. But anyone holding out for the free-to-play version of the game, who didn’t participate in the closed beta, will have to keep waiting for their first hands-on time with Quake Champions.
Beginning next week, anyone willing to spend $29.99 on Quake Champions’ Champion’s Pack bundle will also get access to id Software’s next shooter. Bethesda says the price will be discounted throughout the game’s time in Early Access, before jumping to $39.99 at launch, and that anyone willing to spend money on Quake Champions will have plenty of in-game content to show for it. The $29.99 Champion’s Pack includes the 11 champions currently on the QC roster, all future champions (six-plus are expected by the end of 2018), a special skin for Ranger and three loot chests full of “profile, Champion and weapon customization” drops. The game is also getting a sizeable update with new maps, a movement tutorial and more.
Here’s all the new content Bethesda says we’ll see in the Early Access build:
Two New Maps : Church of Azathoth and Tempest Shrine
Rune Challenges : Players will be rewarded for completing new Rune Challenges found in Backpacks.
Lore System : Players will find Lore Items hidden throughout Arenas in vases. By collecting all 10 Lore Items for a specific Champion, they will unlock that Champion’s high-end Lore Skin.
Improved New Player Onboarding: New features to help get fresh fraggers up to speed include a movement tutorial, shooting gallery and the ability to choose a skill level.
New Customization Options: New options include new Champion skin sets and weapon shaders.
In-Game Voice Chat
To our surprise, closed beta participants won’t lose their access to Quake Champions when the Champion’s Pack hits Steam next week. According to Bethesda, beta testers will still be able to access the free-to-play version of Quake Champions , which won’t be accessible to the general public until launch. Beta testers will have the option to upgrade their account, via a Champion’s Pack purchase, and can also purchase individual heroes from the in-game store.
Quake Champions is in development for PC. The game is currently available in closed beta and heads to Early Access on Aug. 22.
Be sure to check back with Player.One and follow Scott on Twitter for more Quake Champions news in 2017 and however long id Software supports Quake Champions after launch.
