Quake Champions is a return to the frenetic, fast-paced competition that established Quake as the originator of the multiplayer shooter genre more than 20 years ago.

Quake Champions delivers the dark mythos of the first Quake combined with the groundbreaking multiplayer mayhem of Quake III Arena with a major modern twist – Champions. These fierce warriors each wield different attributes and abilities, enabling players to compete in their own distinctive style, while adding an additional layer of strategy to the game.

Next Tuesday, on August 22, id Software’s incredible multiplayer fragfest, Quake Champions, will officially exit the Closed Beta phase and enter into Early Access on Steam and through the Bethesda.net launcher, bringing with it a host of new content, including new maps, features, and a special new Champion – the mighty DOOM Slayer from id Software’s hit game, DOOM.

Players who want to jump in and frag their way to global dominance will be able to buy the Champions Pack, which will unlock all current and future Champions as well as other exclusive in-game bonuses for $29.99, 25% off the final retail price of $39.99.

“With a fast, skill-based game like Quake Champions, nothing is more important than continual testing and refining, based on player feedback, to ensure the game is balanced, optimized, and fun for all levels of players, from pro to new,” said Tim Willits, Studio Director, id Software. “The Early Access version of Quake Champions is, obviously, a work-in-progress, but represents a solid and robust version of the game, with four modes, 11 Champions, a variety of maps, and a thriving community of fans. Early Access will allow us to work closely with players to improve the game and add additional features before the official launch of Quake Champions in the coming months.”

To play Quake Champions during Early Access, players can buy the Champions Pack, which includes:

• All 11 current Champions, including Ranger, Visor, Scalebearer, Nyx, Anarki, Clutch, Sorlag, Galena, Slash, BJ Blazkowicz from id Software’s Wolfenstein, and the new DOOM Slayer
• All future Champions, including at least six additional Champions expected to release before the end of 2018, and any that follow
• An exclusive Early Access skin for series diehard Ranger, available only during the Early Access period for Champions Pack players
• Three Reliquaries (loot chests containing three in-game items for profile, Champion, and weapon customization, like skins, shaders, nameplates, and more)

Quake Champions’ free-to-play version will launch at a later date. However, players who previously redeemed a Closed Beta key will be able to continue playing Quake Champions in free-to-play mode, only via Bethesda.net. These players will play on the same servers as Champions Pack owners and have the option of upgrading to the Champions Pack or buying additional Champions at any time. Players new to Quake Champions will need to either buy the Champions Pack or wait until free-to-play mode launches at a later date.

Quake Champions’ newest playable Champion, DOOM Slayer, comes straight from the depths of hell to the Arenas, wielding his pounding fists and a deadly hunger for blood. Fans of DOOM can run amok using DOOM Slayer’s Active Ability – Berserk – smashing enemies into bloody piles of gibs with his bare hands. DOOM Slayer’s passive will also be familiar to DOOM fans -- Double Jump -- allowing him to jump a second time while in the air.

Quake Champions Early Access will also introduce a host of new content and features for players, including:

• Two New Maps: Church of Azathoth and Tempest Shrine
• The New Champion: DOOM Slayer
• Rune Challenges: Players will be rewarded for completing new Rune Challenges found in backpacks
• Lore System: Players will find Lore Items hidden throughout Arenas in vases. By collecting all 10 Lore Items for a specific Champion, they will unlock that Champion’s high-end Lore Skin
• Improved New Player Onboarding: New features to help get fresh fraggers up to speed include a movement tutorial, shooting gallery, and the ability to choose a skill level
• New Customization Options: New options include new Champion skin sets and weapon shaders
• In-Game Voice Chat

Key Features:

• The Next Great Quake Multiplayer Game: Quake's signature rocket jumping, skill-based competition, and incredible speed remains intact, providing veterans with a welcome return and new players a fresh way to showcase their multiplayer skills. Players will frag enemies using a variety of powerful weapons while battling their friends in four competitive game modes, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Duel, and the team-focused Sacrifice.
• Incredible, Diverse Champions: Quake Champions will introduce a roster of elite Champions, each equipped with unique attributes and abilities that are additive to Quake's established gameplay. Champions are colorful, charismatic - and sometimes weird - and possess both an Active and Passive ability designed to enhance individual play styles. Players can choose a Champion based on abilities or style, from Quake vets like Ranger and Anarki, to newcomers like Clutch and Scalebearer.
• Uncompromising Weapons, Ready for Battle: Quake III Arena's devastating arsenal of flesh-chewing weaponry, including fan-favorites like the thunderous Rocket Launcher, electrifying Lightning Gun, and snipe-tastic Railgun are back along with the Shotgun, Machine Gun, and the ever-personable melee-masher, the Gauntlet. Players can also acquire classic versions of weapons, including the Quake 1 Rocket Launcher, the Quake 2 Railgun, and more.
• Intense Game Modes: Established and beloved game modes return, including the gib-filled fragfests of Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch and the competitive fury of 1v1 Duel mode, while a new team-based mode, Sacrifice, joins the fray. Playing like a combination of Domination and Single Flag Capture the Flag, Sacrifice challenges players to work together, strategize, and dominate the arena.
• Play for Free Or Upgrade to the Champions Pack: Quake Champions will be available for free to all PC players, with all maps, modes, and weapons included, as well as an initial Champion, Ranger. Additional Champions will be available for trial and purchase individually. Players can alternatively choose to purchase the Champions Pack, a version that will include the full roster of Champions and additional, exclusive bonuses. Free players can upgrade to the Champions Pack at any time. Both free and paid players will be able to play all modes and maps, uniting paid and free players in a single, endless test of skill.
• Your Champion, Your Style: Players can upgrade and customize armor appearance, vanity items, weapons, and more through a loot box-style system. These boxes can be earned by leveling up, purchased using in-game currency, or purchased through the in-game store for money.