MachineGames, the studio behind the Wolfenstein reboot, designed a Horde Mode for Quake that all players can access now at no extra cost via Update 2. Interestingly, the release of this update coincides with the classic game's launch on the Epic Games Store for PC. A first-person shooter developed by Wolfenstein and Doom creator id Software, Quake's first entry originally entered the fray 25 years ago in 1996.
Quake effectively served as a Doom successor, though it leaned a little more heavily into the gothic by taking inspiration from the likes of H.P. Lovecraft. Several ports and expansions have kept the shooter alive and well in the quarter-century since its debut, with its most recent re-release seeing it migrate to modern hardware such as the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The groundbreaking experience received yet another lease on life this past October, courtesy of the Quake remaster's free next-gen upgrade for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Starting today, December 2, players have yet another reason to revisit Quake's many realms.
Players across all platforms can now access Quake Update 2, which featured an all-new Horde Mode from developer MachineGames. According to release notes on Bethesda.net, PvE mode support between one to four player, works across all difficulty levels, and boasts four extra maps designed with Horde Mode in mind. Users score points by killing monsters and receive point bonuses upon slaying their foes in quick succession. Every third wave introduces boss monsters; completing these sections should reward access to a Silver key that unlocks new weapons and items. Defeating the ninth wave results in players earning a Gold key to open the exit; of course, those who want to keep going will have the option to do so.
The latest update for Quake also unleashes the free Honey add-on, which invites users to "conque a deadly plague." Bethesda further confirmed details about the previously leaked Ranger Slayer Skin and Quake Guy Ranger Skin. DOOM Eternal players can access the former by logging into Bethesda.net, while the latter will become available for Quake Champions.
Over the last several years, id Software's classic shooters have experienced an incredible renaissance. MachineGames brought Wolfenstein back with the stellar Wolfenstein: The New Order in 2014, which spawned a sequel and spinoff entry. In 2016, id itself breathed new life into DOOM, then followed it up with 2020's well-received DOOM Eternal.
Quake is avaialble on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Source: Quake/Twitter, Bethesda.net