To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the seminal first-person shooter Quake, Id Software and MachineGames have released a free expansion titled "Dawn of the Machine." This new chapter is available for the 2021 enhanced version of Quake and offers players a fresh campaign experience.
The expansion centers on the protagonist, Ranger, who finds himself trapped in a dimensional loop, endlessly reliving violent cycles. The narrative notes that Ranger hears of a "Nightmare Machine" whose destruction is believed to be the key to shattering the illusion and breaking free. Players will journey across new, labyrinthine environments to hunt this entity down.
"Dawn of the Machine" introduces 19 new campaign maps, accompanied by a new soundtrack. The update also includes a new deathmatch map. Players can expect to face novel enemy types, including the Rocket Ogre, Demo Dog, and Blood Shambler, which are described as challenging foes designed to overwhelm with fire or explosive traps. For weaponry, the expansion adds a Super Axe that fires lightning and a Laser Cannon with ricocheting projectiles.
Developers are emphasizing replayability within the new levels, with hidden secrets and dynamic action sequences intended to encourage multiple playthroughs. Beyond the gameplay content, the update includes a vault of development art and assets from Quake's early days, a new cheat menu, and localization adjustments beneficial to modders.
Currently, "Dawn of the Machine" is accessible for copies of the 2021 Quake version purchased through Steam or the Microsoft Store/Game Pass. Id Software has cautioned that users on GOG or the Epic Games Store might encounter connectivity issues when attempting to join sessions with Steam or console players for the new content. The studio indicated that the GOG and Epic Games Store versions do not yet include the expansion but suggested it may arrive on those platforms in the future.
This anniversary release follows recent industry news regarding Id Software, including significant staff layoffs at Xbox. Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin has previously addressed concerns about the studio's capabilities, stating that more information about their ongoing projects will be shared when appropriate.