Patch 1.31 marks the game’s final update, and the developers say no more content is coming.
The game transitions from free-to-play to a paid title on Steam, priced at $9.99. Existing Steam players get the paid version at no additional cost. Microsoft Store players need to link their Bethesda.net account to their Steam account to access the new version; that link service runs until Oct. 7.
The move strips the game of everything that made it controversial. Battle passes, microtransactions, and all in-app purchases are gone. Most vanity content is unlocked for everyone. Thirty seasons of past content and all champions are available to everyone.
“No additional content updates are planned at this time.”
The Long Road to Paid
Quake Champions launched in early access in 2017 and reached 1.0 in 2022. The game never found a steady footing. Its free-to-play model drew complaints about pay-to-win mechanics.
What the Update Fixes
The final update also includes general fixes to improve stability before support ends. A callvote system lets players vote to kick cheaters or abusive players, with three votes per match. The data center count has been reduced to consolidate players and speed matchmaking.
Why This Move Makes Sense
The shift to paid removes the friction that kept pushing players away. The game no longer asks anyone to spend money on cosmetics or progression. That is a relief for players who disliked the pay-to-win reputation the game carried.
The Cost of Support
The move likely lowers support costs for Bethesda. The Oct. 7 deadline for linking accounts means the service will only be available until that date.
id Software’s Hard Year
id Software is a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media, owned by Microsoft’s Xbox division since 2021. Xbox recently announced cutting 3,200 employees across this fiscal year. id Software was reportedly slashed in half, losing most of its coding staff. Xbox conducted further layoffs this week, largely affecting Halo Studios.
The studio is also targeted by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement’s campaigns.
What Players Get Now
The paid version bundles everything the game has ever offered. Players who jumped in during early access can now see the full roster without spending extra.
How the Game Changes
The callvote system adds a layer of social protection. Three votes per match give players a way to remove toxic behavior without relying on moderators. The matchmaking improvements should make lobbies faster and more stable.
The Bottom Line
Quake Champions is dead. Bethesda and id Software have moved on. The game leaves behind a legacy of controversy, but also a clean slate for those who want to play it.
The final update is a chance to see what the game could have been without the pressure of constant monetization. For fans, the paid version is a fair price for a complete package. For everyone else, the game is simply gone.
Support ends with this patch. The community that fought over it for years can finally stop arguing about it.
See the video the story is built around at Polygon.
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