Quake 30th Anniversary Update launches Dawn of the Machine today, a free episode developed by MachineGames with id Software.
Key takeaways
- Bethesda launches Quake 30th Anniversary Update on August 6, 2026, with the free Dawn of the Machine episode.
- Dawn of the Machine adds 19 new maps, new enemies and weapon variants.
- MachineGames is developing the episode with id Software for the enhanced edition of Quake.
- Quake is available, depending on the version, on PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
Quake 30th Anniversary Update: available content
Bethesda is celebrating Quake’s thirtieth anniversary with a substantial update. Dawn of the Machine adds 19 new maps, new enemies and weapon variants.
The episode is free for players who own the enhanced edition of Quake. It launches on August 6, 2026, the date of the official announcement.
Quake’s official listing mentions PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch versions, depending on the edition. Players can also follow the latest video game news on jeu.video.
Quake 30th Anniversary Update: a campaign already launched
Dawn of the Machine puts Ranger in a new adventure. He travels through a dimension of illusion controlled by a machine.
The content includes 19 new maps. This scale recalls the enhanced edition’s previous expansions, including Dimension of the Past and Dimension of the Machine.
MachineGames is also adding new enemies and weapon variants. The update preserves Quake’s fast movement and brutal combat.
The levels remain focused on labyrinthine corridors, close-quarters battles and Gothic environments. The content therefore extends the identity of the original FPS.
Platforms and access to Dawn of the Machine
The enhanced edition of Quake offers a cooperative campaign, online multiplayer and split-screen play. The official listing also mentions cross-platform play, depending on the platform.
The Xbox page lists Quake on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and cloud gaming. Bethesda also references the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch versions.
Dawn of the Machine is being added to the existing game. Players must therefore own a compatible edition of Quake. No separate expansion price has been announced.
To check the available version, consult the official Quake listing and the official Xbox page. The news section and our gaming articles also cover new releases.
An anniversary built around the game
Dawn of the Machine extends the model established by Dimension of the Past and Dimension of the Machine. Those episodes had already added levels to the enhanced edition. The new campaign follows the same approach with 19 maps, new enemies and weapon variants. The available details therefore describe a playable expansion, rather than a simple anniversary makeover.
For players, access depends first on the edition they own. Owners of the enhanced edition can obtain the content without buying a separate expansion. Others must check their base game and the store they use. The cooperative campaign, multiplayer and cross-platform play may also vary by platform.
Questions that remain open
- Will Dawn of the Machine’s exact availability be identical on every store and platform? This matters to players who own multiple editions of Quake.
- Will the cooperative and cross-platform features apply to every map in the episode? This detail matters when organizing a campaign with friends.
- Will Bethesda announce more content after Dawn of the Machine? The answer will help distinguish the 30th-anniversary program from a standalone expansion.
Frequently asked questions
When is Quake 30th Anniversary Update available?
The update launches on August 6, 2026, with Dawn of the Machine.
What does Dawn of the Machine include?
The episode adds 19 new maps, new enemies and weapon variants.
Is the content free?
Yes. Dawn of the Machine is free for players who own the enhanced edition of Quake.
Do you need to own Quake to play the episode?
Yes. The episode is added to the existing game and is not presented as a standalone title.
Which platforms is Quake available on?
The official versions cover PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, depending on the edition. The official Quake listing details the supported platforms.
Which multiplayer features are available?
The enhanced edition offers co-op, online multiplayer and split-screen play. Cross-platform play depends on the platform.
Who is developing Dawn of the Machine?
MachineGames is developing the episode with id Software.
Where can you follow official Quake information?
Consult Bethesda’s announcement and the official Quake listing.
To keep following the topic, also read our article on Brawlhalla launching its Shrek crossover on July 29 and our article on Hive of Harmony giving farms a new purpose in.
Verified sources
These links can be used to verify the key information used in this article.
- slayersclub.bethesda.net: Official Bethesda publication dedicated to Quake 30th Anniversary Update, dated 2026-08-06; it announces the launch of Dawn of the Machine, its free access and its 19 new maps.
- bethesda.net: Official Bethesda Quake page, consulted on 2026-08-06; it documents the enhanced edition, its content, multiplayer features and reference platforms.
- xbox.com: Official Xbox Quake listing, consulted on 2026-08-06; it confirms the Xbox, PC and cloud versions.
- youtube.com: Official Bethesda video presentation broadcast during QuakeCon 2026, consulted on 2026-08-06; it accompanies the Dawn of the Machine announcement and the 30th-anniversary context.
