Quake Champions
- August 18, 2022
- id Software
- 62h median play time
Get on Steam"Quake Champions" is a fast-paced, competitive arena shooter that builds upon the legacy of the classic "Quake" series. Choose from a roster of unique champions, each with their own abilities, and engage in intense combat in various modes and maps. The game features both intense open competitions and smaller-scale matches, providing a variety of challenges for players of all skill levels.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Fast-paced gameplay that captures the essence of classic Quake titles.
- Diverse champions with unique abilities add depth to the gameplay.
- Regular updates and improvements from the developers enhance the overall experience.
- Poor netcode and performance issues lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- Long loading times and matchmaking wait periods detract from the overall enjoyment.
- The monetization model, including loot boxes and battle passes, is seen as exploitative by many players.
- gameplay700 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Quake Champions is characterized by its fast-paced, arena shooter mechanics that remain true to the franchise's roots while incorporating modern elements like unique champion abilities. While many players appreciate the depth and variety introduced by the champions, some criticize the balance and execution of these mechanics, arguing they can detract from the core experience. Overall, the game offers a solid and engaging gameplay experience, though it may present a steep learning curve for newcomers.
“The gameplay is tight, fine-tuned, and buttery smooth.”
“The core gameplay is solid and what you would expect from Quake: fast-paced arena shooter action.”
“Quake Champions captures the essence of old Quake titles and expands the gameplay with new unique abilities and customizations.”
“The gameplay feels less polished than it should be, with room for improvements to deliver a more satisfying experience.”
“The core gameplay experience and technical performance on offer (for free) is exceptional with strong evidence of a serious developer.”
“The gameplay is broken, the netcode is broken, the constant disconnects and lags ruin the experience.”
- optimization344 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, lag, and long loading times, even on high-end systems. While some players have noted improvements in performance with recent patches, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized, with inconsistent performance across different hardware setups and ongoing netcode problems. Despite its appealing graphics and gameplay, the lack of effective optimization continues to hinder the experience for many players.
“Graphics are top notch and well optimized so you can use your 144hz monitor effectively.”
“The optimization is amazing, the cheating has gone down a lot, and they do ban people, just don't tell you that they have been banned, but it's alright, I mean something is being done about it.”
“The performance is now great.”
“The game is poorly optimized; people complain about frame rate and slowdown constantly online.”
“This game is optimized like garbage.”
“After an October update, my game has been stuttering and lagging.”
- graphics262 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of Quake Champions receive mixed reviews, with many praising the modern visuals and aesthetic that enhance the classic Quake experience. While some players appreciate the vibrant and detailed graphics, others criticize the game's optimization and performance issues, noting that it can struggle on lower-end systems. Overall, the visuals are generally regarded as a strong point, but concerns about performance and graphical settings persist.
“Graphics are spot on and gameplay feels like it did in Quake 3.”
“Good old Quake with modern graphics, everything a Quake fan could ask for.”
“The graphics are modern, colorful, and vibrant, and the new gore system recently released is gory enough to satisfy all.”
“The graphics look disgusting on all settings; I've seen better graphics in Quake Live and arcade box machines.”
“Graphics are nothing special at all; gameplay is old and stale.”
“The graphics absolutely aren't on par with modern releases, most comparably Doom, which is a graphical masterpiece.”
- monetization89 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 31 % negative mentions
The monetization in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the prevalence of microtransactions and lootboxes, often describing them as a cash grab that detracts from the core gameplay experience. While some assert that the microtransactions are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay, others express frustration over the slow updates and the feeling that the game is designed primarily to extract money from players. Overall, the monetization strategy has been seen as a significant downside, with calls for a rework to improve player experience.
“Microtransactions are purely cosmetic.”
“Yes, there are lootboxes and microtransactions but they are completely cosmetic and have no effect on gameplay, but it really doesn't steer away from the core gameplay.”
“Awesome game, even if you don't pay a dime in microtransactions you can buy stuff if you log in every day.”
“Half your time playing is sitting in long loading screens or clicking to skip tons of annoying microtransactions.”
“The recent battle pass update has ruined the game for me by completely changing the progression in clear favor of more microtransactions and rewarding you even less for playing the game for free.”
“The game heavily forces popups and ads for buying lootboxes, which are pretty much required to unlock the game's characters.”
- music66 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the soundtrack as fitting and enjoyable, particularly for its heavy metal influences that enhance the gameplay experience. However, some players find the music corny or lackluster, expressing a desire for more dynamic tracks and options to customize their audio experience. Overall, while the soundtrack is often highlighted as a strong point, opinions vary on its effectiveness in maintaining the game's energetic atmosphere.
“The soundtrack is nice to headbang to, but I prefer running the game with something that gets me in the groove.”
“The way both soundtracks work dynamically to suit winning and losing is cool.”
“It has all been blended brilliantly, with a nostalgically refreshed series of sound effects and a rhythmic heavy metal soundtrack that will drive your combat to thrilling new heights.”
“Seriously, the ambience is forgettable and there's this one track that sounds like it was composed for a funeral. It's a real hassle to keep turning the music off and on again for crying out loud. This is a deathmatch game; why wouldn't you want to keep the players pumped up?”
“The only con I found so far is the very lame soundtrack packed in this game.”
“The music really does not honor the nature of this game. I really miss the old hard metal adrenaline-pumping tracks of Quake 3 Arena. Let's just hope the devs take note on this since this has been complained about in the forums.”
- stability54 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been a significant concern among users, with many reporting persistent bugs, freezes, and performance issues, particularly during its early access phase. While some players note improvements with recent patches, others continue to experience severe frame drops and glitches that hinder gameplay. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game can be enjoyable, it remains plagued by instability and is not yet fully polished.
“The game runs great in the current state of early access, and I see constant improvement with each patch.”
“Really enjoy this; it runs great even in early access compared to PUBG, which runs awful and feels unpolished.”
“It serves up new character customization features, a good interface, and, so far, is generally bug-free.”
“But now, trying to run this game, and after numerous troubleshooting, I still can't get to open this game on my brand new PC.”
“It's one big stuttery mess with frame drops and full freezes around every corner.”
“In its current state, it's simply too buggy for me to recommend.”
- story34 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is minimal, with no central narrative to follow, but it offers a wealth of lore and character backstories for players interested in exploring them. While some players appreciate the depth provided through comics and collectible lore items, many express a desire for a dedicated single-player story mode. Overall, the game prioritizes fast-paced multiplayer action over a traditional storyline, leaving the lore as an optional layer for those who seek it.
“Beloved id Software characters get a deep story and a great visual comeback.”
“There is also a self-titled comic available that provides a more in-depth and comprehensive delve into the story and what has provoked everyone to enter the arena once more.”
“While the game doesn't have any viable storyline to follow, it does have quite a bit of individualized background plot for those interested in seeking it out.”
“I think the only complaint I have for Quake Champions is the lack of a story, but somewhat minor since this is more of a remake for Quake multiplayer and not the single-player.”
“Although there isn't a story mode, there is plenty of lore and skins you can unlock.”
- grinding31 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessive and often tedious, particularly when it comes to unlocking cosmetics and characters through battle passes and loot boxes. While some appreciate the depth and variety that grinding can bring, many express frustration over the time investment required, especially for free-to-play users. Overall, purchasing the champions pack is recommended for those looking to avoid the grind, while the recent adjustments to loot mechanics and the promise of less grindy future content offer a glimmer of hope for improvement.
“The previous loot box system was awful with trying to make progress, but the current battle pass system is even worse and requires insane amounts of grinding with less payout than before.”
“You have to spend tons of time grinding for the rest of the quake heroes.”
“The recently introduced battle pass was a rehash of old content mixed in with a couple of new items (also, ridiculously grindy).”
- humor17 mentions
- 94 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of amusing character interactions and lighthearted cosmetics, though some players feel it clashes with the overall theme. While many find enjoyment in the competitive modes and funny moments during matches, others criticize the game's performance and balance, suggesting that the humor often stems from the absurdity of these issues rather than intentional comedic design. Overall, the humor is present but varies in effectiveness depending on individual experiences.
“That's some funny shit.”
“1 vs 1 has been really funny and it's the main focus for the game since it's the most competitive mode.”
“I've had lots of quality and funny interactions with folks via chat and have not once been called a racial slur or any other such unpleasantness.”
“I'm not the most skilled guy around, but it's really unbalanced compared to the old Quake, making the final product not funny at all.”
- atmosphere15 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its captivating blend of gothic and Lovecraftian elements, reminiscent of classic Quake titles. Players appreciate the detailed map design and the incorporation of rich lore, which enhances the overall experience despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and menu design. While the atmospheric music receives mixed reviews, the overall ambiance successfully immerses players in a dark, engaging world.
“Call-backs to all id titles give it a nice multiverse feel, and there is so much atmosphere and lore that you can forgive it for not having any kind of single-player gameplay.”
“Its gloomy, heavy 'Quake' atmosphere grows on you game after game.”
“They have taken the dark atmosphere of Quake 1 and some of the awesome gothic architecture of Quake 3, mixed it all up with Lovecraftian lore, and created beautiful maps from that.”
“Yes, graphically, yes dynamically, but the atmosphere and the process of the game itself are not quite from Quake.”
“Its gloomy, heavy 'Quake' atmosphere is growing on you game after game.”
“Hell, even the game menus, the most basic thing about a free-to-play game, are so generic and bland that they take away atmosphere more than they give.”
- replayability9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it enjoyable for a limited number of sessions, others appreciate the depth added by the champion system and lore exploration, which significantly enhances long-term engagement. Improvements in netcode and performance have also contributed to a more playable experience, though matchmaking issues persist. Despite some criticisms, many players feel that the game offers substantial replay value, especially with ongoing updates and content additions.
“Great game, good replayability; matchmaking sucks sometimes, but if you're patient, you'll have an amazing time.”
“All in all, lots of replayability.”
“The champion system adds a huge amount of replayability that has kept me entertained far longer than any other Quake multiplayer, and many of them feel like you're playing a different game altogether.”
“Fun for two or three games at a time, but simply does not have the replayability of other FPS games, and doesn't even come close to the masterpiece of Quake Live.”
“Coming from a Quake 2 and Quake 3 player, the Champions addition looks pretty decent; some are rather weak indeed yet still provide for some variety and replayability.”
“Great game, good replayability, matchmaking sucks sometimes but if you're patient you'll have an amazing time.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players feeling a deep sense of heartbreak due to its minimalistic execution and lack of mod support, which diminishes personal connection. Others express frustration and bitterness over the free-to-play model and matchmaking system, which they believe fosters emotional disconnection and a lack of camaraderie among players. Overall, the emotional spectrum ranges from disappointment to a resigned acknowledgment of gameplay moments, highlighting a significant divide in player experiences.
“What a heartbreaking game; infinite possibilities, minimalistic execution.”
“This adds an additional layer of strategy and helps games have more range in the emotional spectrum.”
“To me, it really made me feel bitter about the game, knowing that I was paying money to just play the game in its beta, before people who just feel like picking it up could use their points from the games they play to purchase 'rental characters' for a day or so; it made me despise Bethesda even more than I had before.”
- character development4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is criticized for its lack of depth and originality, with many characters described as "brain dead" and forgettable. While some players initially overlook these designs, discussions and exposure to the game's branding can lead to a greater awareness of their shortcomings. Overall, the character designs fail to engage players meaningfully, contributing to a lack of interest in team modes.
“However, the more I told friends, the more I talked about it online, the more I saw the game's logo and character designs, the more I realized what was actually happening here.”
“Maybe the reason no one plays these team modes is because the game is full of brain-dead character designs, and everyone it appeals to just wants to be able to drool over themselves as they run around the map killing people without a thought in their head, getting a cool ability kill every now and then.”
“Annnd they still have Scalebearer, which is probably the worst character design in the history of characters.”
“Character design is forgettable.”
