Quake Champions drops free-to-play model, becomes a $10 purchase
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play live-service game to a $10 paid title on Steam. The update removes battle passes, loot boxes, and premium currencies, unlocking all champions and most cosmetic content for everyone. Players who previously played on Steam get the new version for free.
Quake Champions launched in 2017 as id Software's attempt at a live-service arena shooter, complete with battle passes, loot boxes, and purchasable characters. The September 2026 update strips away all of that monetization infrastructure, converting the game into a straightforward $10 Steam purchase. Players who previously played on Steam receive the new version automatically, and anyone who recently bought premium currency will get refunds.
The shift means all champions are unlocked immediately, and most cosmetic items that once required real money or grinding are now available to everyone. The developer notes that no further content updates are planned, effectively ending the game's live-service era. The article's author describes the change as a positive one, noting the removal of the store and loot boxes makes it a better game for its remaining community.
This move could signal a broader trend of aging live-service games simplifying their business models as player bases shrink. For the small but dedicated Quake Champions community, the change may restore goodwill and make the game more approachable for newcomers who avoided its monetization. However, players who spent significant money on cosmetics over the years might feel frustrated that those items are now free for everyone, potentially creating tension between long-time supporters and new purchasers.