Bethesda Softworks has announced the Early Access launch date for Quake Champions.
The id Software-developed throwback shooter will launch via Steam Early Access and the Bethesda.net launching app on August 22nd.
If you want to get in on the Early Access version of the game, you’ll have to pony up for the “Champions Pack,” which normally goes for $39.99 but is running at $29.99 with a 25% discount. It comes with the following:
- All 11 current Champions, including Ranger, Visor, Scalebearer, Nyx, Anarki, Clutch, Sorlag, Galena, Slash, Wolfenstein’s BJ Blazkowicz, and the new Doom Slayer.
- All future Champions, including at least six additional Champions expected to release before the end of 2018, and any that follow.
- An exclusive Early Access skin for Ranger, available only during the Early Access period for Champions Pack players.
- Three Reliquaries (loot chests containing three in-game items for profile, Champion and weapon customization, including skins, shaders, nameplates and more).
Players can expect the Early Access release to include a bunch of content, as well as some new features, including:
- New Champion: Quake Champions’ newest playable Champion, Doom Slayer, comes straight from the depths of hell to the Arenas, wielding his pounding fists and an unceasing thirst for blood. Fans of Doom can run amok using Doom Slayer’s active ability, Berserk – smashing enemies into bloody piles of gibs with his bare hands. Doom Slayer’s passive ability will also be familiar to Doom fans; reach new heights with Double Jump, which allows the Doom Slayer to jump a second time while in mid-air.
- Two New Maps: Church of Azathoth and Tempest Shrine.
- Rune Challenges: Players will be reward for completing new Rune Challenges found in Backpacks.
- Lore System: Players will find Lore Items hidden throughout Arenas in vases. By collecting all 10 Lore Items for a specific Champion, they will unlock that Champion’s high-end Lore Skin.
- Improved New Player Onboarding: New features to help get fresh fraggers up to speed include a movement tutorial, shooting gallery and the ability to choose a skill level.
- New Customization Options: New options include new Champion skin sets and weapon shaders.
- In-Game Voice Chat.
It’s worth noting the game will launch entirely as a free to play shooter sometime later. If you got into the game’s closed beta prior, you’ll be able to play the Early Access version for free via the Bethesda.net launching app. You can naturally buy the Champions Pack, or buy individual Champions as you want.
