Beloved Bethesda Game Announces Brand-New Campaign You Can Play For Free

Bethesda Game Studios has been under the gun lately by gamers after recent shake-ups resulting from Xbox’s massive restructuring efforts. While developers at the studio insist that massive projects such as The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 will be unaffected by recent layoffs at the studio, players aren’t entirely convinced.

That said, Bethesda has recently offered up a massive olive branch by giving players a rare update on the studio’s various projects and where they stand, discussing their priorities and future plans. And while we may be waiting a while for the release of their bigger titles, Bethesda just gifted fans an incredible free update for one of their iconic and beloved classic titles.

According to a brand-new update from the studio to celebrate its 30-year anniversary, Quake is getting an entirely new campaign titled Dawn of the Machine, officially available right now entirely for free (via X).

Thanks to a completely free update for the original Quake from Bethesda and MachineGames, Dawn of the Machine will give players an entirely original and new campaign, flush with 19 new maps, a “new soundtrack, hidden secrets, dedicated episode hub, all-new deathmatch map, and so much more.” It’s available to download right now on all major platforms, including XBOX Series X/S, XBOX One, Microsoft PC Store, Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Steam, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2 (via backwards compatibility).

Released in 1996, Quake remains one of the most influential first-person shooters ever made and arguably one of Bethesda’s strongest original properties. Long before Bethesda became famous for games like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, Quake helped define PC gaming through its fast, skill-based combat, groundbreaking 3D technology, and a pioneering multiplayer scene that laid the foundation for competitive online shooters.

Thirty years later, Quake is still one of gaming’s most iconic franchises, celebrated not just for its technical achievements, but for shaping competitive shooters for decades to come. The surprise free update released for the game’s 30th anniversary is a true gift for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

If you’ve never taken the time to play through Quake for yourself, it’s the quintessential FPS experience, and its modern ports are absolute bangers, maintaining what made the originals great with a retro feel while also bringing them into the modern era with fluid gameplay. The Dawn of the Machine campaign is sure to give players a completely new appreciation for Quake, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the game’s impact over all these years.