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Quake Champions

Quake Champions Game Cover
71%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
optimization, monetization
71% User Score Based on 19,788 reviews

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PCWindows
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Quake Champions Game Cover

About

Quake Champions is a multiplayer shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by id Software and was released on August 18, 2022. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Quake Champions is a fast-paced arena shooter that blends classic Quake combat with unique champions, each boasting distinct abilities and attributes. Players engage in intense, skill-based matches using an arsenal of iconic weapons like the Rocket Launcher and Railgun. The game offers dynamic gameplay that rewards mastery and quick reflexes.

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Quake Champions screenshot
Quake Champions screenshot
Quake Champions screenshot
Quake Champions screenshot
Quake Champions screenshot
Quake Champions screenshot
Quake Champions screenshot
Quake Champions screenshot
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71%
Audience ScoreBased on 19,788 reviews
gameplay882 positive mentions
optimization312 negative mentions
  • The game features modernized graphics and a dark, gothic aesthetic that enhances the overall atmosphere, with detailed environments and high-quality textures.
  • Gameplay is fast-paced and skill-based, reminiscent of classic arena shooters, providing an addictive and enjoyable experience with unique character abilities adding depth.
  • The diverse character designs and unique abilities contribute to replayability, while the humor and lightheartedness in gameplay create a fun multiplayer experience.
  • The game suffers from significant optimization and performance issues, with many players experiencing stuttering, lag, and crashes, detracting from the overall experience.
  • The monetization model, including microtransactions and a grind-heavy system for unlocking characters, has drawn criticism for being predatory and overshadowing the core gameplay.
  • Many players express disappointment over the lack of a substantial narrative or single-player mode, feeling that the focus on multiplayer action limits the overall experience.
  • gameplay
    2,650 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Quake Champions is characterized by its fast-paced, skill-based mechanics that harken back to classic arena shooters like Quake III Arena, incorporating advanced movement techniques such as strafe jumping and rocket jumping. While the introduction of champions with unique abilities adds variety and depth, it has also sparked debate among players regarding balance and the impact on traditional gameplay. Overall, the core mechanics are well-received, offering a satisfying and adrenaline-fueled experience, though some players express concerns about the game's monetization strategies and matchmaking issues.

    • “The gameplay is fun and addictive, and unlike most FPS games, this one takes more than simply shooting someone in the head with a sniper rifle to kill them.”
    • “Quake champions captures the fast-paced, gibs-and-glory gameplay from the best of the quake series and brings it to the modern era.”
    • “The gameplay is fast and fluid, weapons are enjoyable to use like you are gonna have a good time using them and characters are divided between MOBA rejects and interesting concepts.”
    • “Poor graphics (much worse than the canceled UT4, for example), poor matchmaking, and—most importantly—awful gameplay.”
    • “But with this game, I spent 20 minutes just sitting around doing nothing, only to get 10 minutes of gameplay if I'm lucky.”
    • “The gameplay sucks because they gave all the characters different stats and abilities.”
  • graphics
    1,150 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Quake Champions" receive mixed reviews, with many praising the modernized visuals and detailed environments that enhance the game's dark, gothic aesthetic. While some players appreciate the high-quality textures and smooth animations, others criticize the game's optimization and performance issues, noting that even on lower settings, the graphics can be demanding on hardware. Overall, the game is seen as a visually appealing update to the classic Quake experience, though opinions vary on whether the graphics significantly improve the gameplay.

    • “The graphics are amazing and pretty realistic.”
    • “The graphics and sound design are a huge step forward in the world of Quake.”
    • “Quake Champions has a gritty, metal-infused aesthetic that stays true to its roots while updating the visuals with more detailed textures, particle effects, and dynamic lighting.”
    • “The graphics are terrible.”
    • “Graphics look like they were made for a console; everything is blurry no matter the settings.”
    • “The graphics absolutely aren't on par with modern releases, most comparably Doom, which is a graphical masterpiece.”
  • optimization
    969 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has been a contentious topic among players, with many reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, frame drops, and long loading times, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users note improvements over time and praise the graphics, others express frustration with the inconsistent performance and netcode problems that persist despite updates. Overall, the game appears to be a mixed bag in terms of optimization, with some players experiencing smooth gameplay while others struggle with ongoing technical issues.

    • “I feel like they may have significantly optimized the game since it was released.”
    • “Game is also well-optimized which is good for a fast-paced arena shooter so you can shoot up your frames into the crazy 200 fps.”
    • “The game is great, the mechanics are great, and the ideas behind the economy redesign are great, but the optimization is just nonexistent.”
    • “The game suffers from poor optimization, frequent crashes, and matchmaking issues.”
    • “The performance issues have been fixed, and the devs are adding new content.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized and I get frequent lag spikes even on low settings.”
  • monetization
    512 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model in "Quake Champions" has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a cash grab due to its reliance on microtransactions, loot boxes, and a battle pass system. While some argue that the game is not pay-to-win and that cosmetic items can be earned through gameplay, others express frustration over the grind required to unlock characters and the intrusive nature of in-game purchases. Overall, the monetization approach is seen as a major detractor from the classic Quake experience, overshadowing the core gameplay with aggressive marketing tactics.

    • “While the core gameplay remains accessible without spending money, the presence of microtransactions can be a contentious point for those who prefer a more traditional approach to game monetization.”
    • “Weapons feel great, maps are thoughtfully designed, and, except for unlocking characters (note: don't bother, just buy the character pack), microtransactions are entirely optional/cosmetic.”
    • “Yes, it's a live service, yes, there's microtransactions, but it's a free-to-play game, the microtransactions are all cosmetics, and they're all earnable in-game.”
    • “Quake Champions feeds off every good thing other Quake games did and immediately converts it into monetization potential.”
    • “The monetization is predatory by making unlocks a nightmare to gain through gameplay.”
    • “The whole game was built around monetization: loot boxes, and the monetization scheme is practically fraudulent featuring countless duplicates, worthless 'attachments', and garbage weapon skins/shaders/icons being given epic or legendary status.”
  • music
    339 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Quake Champions" receives mixed reviews, with many players praising the contributions of composers Chris Vrenna and Andrew Hulshult for creating an engaging soundtrack that enhances the game's fast-paced action. However, some players find the music lacking in intensity compared to previous titles in the series, describing it as forgettable or not fitting the game's high-energy gameplay. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated by many, there are calls for a more memorable and adrenaline-pumping musical experience.

    • “Has a good amount of maps, a solid handful of weapons, fair amount of updates, and a killer soundtrack.”
    • “The music also slaps, as Chris Vrenna of NIN/Tweaker and Andrew Hulshult worked on the soundtrack.”
    • “The soundtrack really brings you into the 'kill everyone' feel of the game; it's tasteful metal music and fits the game well.”
    • “The default soundtrack was awful enough for me to notice it in-game - it was like elevator music.”
    • “Where the game falls slightly short is its music, which is decent but lacks the memorable intensity of other iconic shooters.”
    • “The music really does not do justice to the nature of this game; I really miss the old hard metal adrenaline-pumping tracks of Quake 3.”
  • stability
    211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and performance issues, even on high-end systems. Players experience frustrating freezes, lag, and connection problems, which detract from the overall gameplay experience. While some users note improvements over time, the consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized and riddled with glitches, making it difficult to recommend in its current state.

    • “Very good game, runs great on Linux after compiling shaders.”
    • “The game runs great on my GTX 1080, and on low settings, I'm getting way above 100 frames on my 180Hz monitor.”
    • “Although it's in early access, it's very polished and runs great.”
    • “The game was released in 2018 and is still very buggy, claiming battlepass rewards will cause infinite loading, starting the game just looks like a mess until the main menu, game is also very dead and will have a server error mid-matchmaking without sending an alert.”
    • “The implementation here is buggy to the point of being unplayable.”
    • “It's a shame this is the most accessible arena shooter out there, because by all means it is a buggy unstable disaster full of performance problems and crashes.”
  • story
    179 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that "Quake Champions" lacks a substantial narrative, with many players expressing disappointment over the absence of a single-player story mode. While there are elements of lore and character backstories available through collectibles, the overall experience is primarily focused on fast-paced multiplayer action rather than storytelling, leading some to wish for a more developed campaign akin to earlier titles in the franchise.

    • “Perhaps its biggest strength is some of the world building and backstory you get with Ranger and the other original characters.”
    • “The first Quake was a story-based FPS adventure through a world of Lovecraftian horrors, with simple classic FPS gameplay.”
    • “Included in the game are a lineup of characters from id/Bethesda properties, characters created from those universes, and just all-new characters, each with their own lore/backstory.”
    • “Sadly, that game was a similar story of them putting things in beta/early access too early and hype dying off faster than the games got the time to implement all the extra modes and features to round out and polish the games.”
    • “However, its graphics lag behind current standards and the story feels somewhat lacking.”
    • “Id has lost the plot on this one and along with it many hardcore fans around the globe.”
  • grinding
    176 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the process of unlocking characters and cosmetics excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some appreciate the free-to-play model and the ability to earn items through gameplay, others criticize the monetization system and the steep requirements for in-game currency, leading to a feeling of frustration and burnout. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the gameplay can be enjoyable, the grinding mechanics detract significantly from the experience.

    • “Fast paced and to the point, no grinding BS.”
    • “I'm genuinely puzzled as to why this game doesn't have more players, especially considering that it's fully free to play with absolutely no grinding required.”
    • “- Removed an entire non-premium currency (which was, in my opinion, not too grindy and was just fine considering the amount you get and the time it took to unlock new cosmetics/champions).”
    • “Super fun gameplay, awesome soundtrack, and even free to play, but unlocking characters (which should be a basic mechanic) is super grindy.”
    • “Gameplay is great, but between lag, long wait times, a dead/elitist community, and characters being locked behind money/tedious grinding, taking the time to get good is just not worth it.”
    • “The game is grindy without coughing up $40 for the character pack.”
  • humor
    89 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is often described as self-aware and absurd, with players enjoying the comedic elements of gameplay, character abilities, and interactions with friends. Many find the game's quirks, such as ragdoll physics and funny character designs, to add to the overall enjoyment, despite some frustrations with performance and balance. Overall, players appreciate the lightheartedness and comedic moments that arise during matches, making it a fun experience, especially in multiplayer settings.

    • “It's a very funny game, the gameplay is cool, like the characters.”
    • “But also self-aware and funny in morbid ways, thus not depressing.”
    • “Grab a friend and try duos as well, honestly the communication and banter that happens in duos is super fun and my friend and I were both crying laughing and screaming with anxiety over just how fun and tense matches can get.”
    • “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.”
    • “Total garbage of an FPS, not funny at all.”
  • atmosphere
    52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark, gritty, and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of the original Quake titles while incorporating modern aesthetics and sound design. Players appreciate the detailed environments, atmospheric music, and the intense, high-stakes feel of gameplay, although some note that certain elements, like character catchphrases and menu design, detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game successfully blends nostalgic elements with new features, creating a captivating atmosphere that resonates with both new and veteran players.

    • “The game's atmosphere is intense and captivating, immersing you in a world where every match feels like a high-stakes battle.”
    • “The art direction is almost spotless, really reminiscent of Quake 3 Arena; the maps are heavily detailed and filled to the brim with personality and atmosphere.”
    • “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.”
    • “The online is sluggish, the atmosphere is dead, and there’s zero quake vibe.”
    • “The champions also have some cheesy catchphrases that make the game seem childish, and it kinda ruins the dark atmosphere.”
    • “Well here's a problem: the music can stop at any time and not play during the entire match, destroying all atmosphere.”
  • emotional
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players expressing joy and nostalgia for its connection to the Quake series, while others feel frustrated and demotivated by server issues and toxic player behavior. Many reviewers highlight a sense of heartbreak over the game's lack of balance and mod support, leading to feelings of bitterness and disappointment. Overall, the emotional spectrum ranges from joy and excitement to anger and disillusionment, reflecting a complex relationship with the game's mechanics and community.

    • “This adds an additional layer of strategy and helps games have more range in the emotional spectrum.”
    • “The result is a little heartbreaking.”
    • “Not exaggerating at all here: I cried literal tears of joy during my first round playing.”
  • replayability
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is bolstered by its diverse characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles, offering variety in gameplay. However, limitations such as a restricted map pool and matchmaking issues can hinder long-term engagement, with some players feeling that it lacks the replay value of classic arena shooters like Quake. Despite these concerns, improvements in performance and additional content have led some users to find significant replay potential, especially for those who enjoy the genre.

    • “Each character has a unique set of abilities and playstyles, which adds a lot of variety and replayability to the game.”
    • “Great game, good replayability; matchmaking sucks sometimes, but if you're patient, you'll have an amazing time.”
    • “Replayability with this update is insane thanks to finding lore for each character around maps along with runes within backpacks that are rune trials which lead to special shaders and eventually a master skin for each character and master shader, avatar, and nameplate.”
    • “With a permanently limited map pool (there's no mod support for this game), your long-term replayability will be in champion variety.”
    • “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.”
    • “Used to enjoy games like Quake, then I realized this game is the baby of a steadily aging player base. Don't expect matches to be found quickly, or the quality of gameplay to be replayable, unless you're really into the genre, which is specifically an arena shooter.”
  • character development
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is marked by a diverse array of character designs that draw from various titles, offering a mix of appealing and bland designs. While some players appreciate the creativity and variety, others find certain character models to be mediocre, leading to a perception of the game as somewhat cheap. Overall, the character designs contribute positively to the game's aesthetic, despite some criticisms regarding voice acting and specific character choices.

    • “Character design is a wild mix of different characters from various titles.”
    • “The game also looks great graphically and the character designs have a lot of variety.”
    • “I like the character design, skins, maps, weapons, etc.”
    • “Some character designs are kinda bland, but you can still get fun gameplay out of them though.”
    • “I'm not a fan of the character design, and I think the voice acting is sub-par.”
    • “Character design is forgettable.”
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22h Median play time
167h Average play time
5-147h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 83 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quake Champions is a shooter game with science fiction theme.

Quake Champions is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 167 hours playing Quake Champions.

Quake Champions was released on August 18, 2022.

Quake Champions was developed by id Software.

Quake Champions has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

Quake Champions is a multiplayer game with local co-op support.

Similar games include Toxikk, Halo Infinite, Splitgate 2, Battalion Legacy, LawBreakers and others.