The original Quake has received a remaster update for its 25th anniversary, adding a plethora of fresh technical features and even a new expansion. The 1996 classic's lightning-fast FPS multiplayer set a standard for years to come, and its moody, violent, and atmospheric single-player has inspired many retro-style indie shooters. Now, the Quake remaster will let modern players experience an enhanced version of the landmark game.
Announced during QuakeCon 2021, the remastered version of Quake has something for both fans who have spent hundreds of hours playing the original and new players looking to check it out for the first time. It's available now on modern consoles for the first time, complete with Achievements and Trophies, and is also playable via Xbox Game Pass on both console and PC. Players who already own the game on PC via Steam can choose to play the new version, free of charge.
Leading the charge of Quake remaster additions is a host of technical changes that make the game look better than it ever has. The new version features support for 4K resolution and widescreen, better lighting, anti-aliasing, depth of field, and improved character models. These give elements that were once just textures - like teeth and helmet details - added depth. Better yet, the remaster reintroduces Quake's original soundtrack by Trent Reznor, of Nine Inch Nails fame. The soundtrack, a key part of the original Quake experience, was not available in previous modern versions due to licensing issues.
The 2021 Quake Remaster's New Features Explained
This 2021 version of Quake includes both of the game's original expansions, The Scourge of Armagon and Dissolution of Eternity, as well as two expansions from Wolfenstein reboot developer MachineGames. One, titled Dimension of the Past, was released for the game's 20th anniversary as a free download. The other, Dimension of the Machine, is brand-new and available for the first time as part of the remaster package. Even more new content will be available in the form of both fan-made and official mods, all of which will be free, on all platforms. This includes Quake 64, which is available now as part of the remaster.
Multiplayer is a key component of Quake, and the new version supports crossplay across all consoles and those playing with a controller on PC. It features dedicated server support for online matchmaking, as well as peer-to-peer support for custom games. Players can also play through Quake's campaign in online, four-player co-op.
While it's not the complete remake some fans may have wished for, it's a significant touch-up for one of gaming's greatest classics, and it will likely serve to introduce a whole new generation of players to what Quake is all about. Perhaps the new Quake remaster will even help pave the way for more entries in the somewhat dormant series.
Quake is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and, Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions "coming soon."