Quake Champions update bans microtransactions and F2P
Quake Champions Shuts Down the Free-to-Play Era, Embracing a Premium Shift
For eight years, Quake Champions has been a staple in competitive gaming, starting its journey in 2017 and embracing the free-to-play model in 2018. But that era is officially drawing to a close, as the game has recently undergone a massive overhaul to shed its free-to-play status entirely.
A recent update has fundamentally changed the financial landscape of the title. Moving forward, access to Quake Champions will require a different approach for newcomers. New players who have never engaged with the game will now need to pay an initial entry fee of £8.99 to begin their adventure.
This significant shift means that existing players, those who have spent time mastering the maps and mechanics, will not face sudden paywalls. The change is designed to create a more straightforward, premium experience for those who choose to continue playing.
Beyond the financial adjustment, the update brought substantial improvements to the game itself. Update 1.31 didn’t just change the cost structure; it delivered a comprehensive refresh that focused on player experience and performance. All microtransactions and in-app purchases have been completely removed, offering a cleaner, more focused environment.
Furthermore, the update included a large balance patch and a refresh of item locations across various maps, ensuring a fresh and fair competitive environment for all players. Quality of life improvements and bug fixes were also integrated into the package, smoothing out the rough edges of the game.
To enhance the competitive experience, the developers also focused on backend improvements. Game servers have been consolidated into fewer datacenters, a strategic move designed to push players closer together and significantly reduce matchmaking times.
The user interface has also been refined. The new Play Now UI now features a queue size statistic for each playlist, giving players better visibility into the current matchmaking status.
This evolution signals a deliberate move away from monetization in favor of a more focused, player-centric experience. For those considering returning to the competitive scene, the removal of microtransactions presents a fresh opportunity to dive back into the action, free from external pressures.
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