Quake Champions Drops Free-to-Play, Now $10 on Steam

Quake Champions is no longer free-to-play. The 2022 arena shooter now costs $10, removing its monetization elements in favor of a box price.

Remember Quake Champions? The free-to-play arena shooter from id Software that launched back in 2022? If it slipped your mind, you're not alone. The game never quite caught fire, and many players treated it as a passing fancy. That's reflected in its Steam concurrency numbers, which have been pretty low.

Well, it looks like the folks at id Software are trying something new. Quake Champions has officially eliminated its free-to-play monetization elements and is now being sold for a $10 box price. That's right—no more microtransactions, no more in-game store. Just pay ten bucks and you're in.

This is a big shift for a game that was originally designed around the free-to-play model. When it launched, you could download and play for free, with optional purchases for cosmetics and other items. Now, it's a straightforward buy-to-play title. The change seems aimed at simplifying the experience and maybe attracting players who prefer a one-time purchase over ongoing monetization.

But will it work? The game's player base has been dwindling, and a $10 price tag might actually make some potential players think twice. On the other hand, it could appeal to those who are tired of free-to-play games constantly pushing microtransactions. It's a gamble, but at least it's a clear one.

For existing players, the transition should be smooth—if you already own the game, you likely won't have to pay again. But if you've been on the fence, now's your chance to jump in for the price of a couple of coffees. The question is: will you?

What do you think about Quake Champions ditching free-to-play for a box price? Is this a smart move to revive the game, or is it too little, too late? Let us know in the comments!