Quake: Dawn of the Machine has arrived as a free anniversary update with 19 new maps. MachineGames built the episode with id Software for the original Quake's 30th birthday, adding new enemy and weapon variants without turning the celebration into a separate paid release. Existing owners should install first and shop later.

Quick Answer

Dawn of the Machine is free for existing Quake owners on supported platforms and PC storefronts. The episode adds 19 maps plus new enemy and weapon variants, and no special new PC hardware requirement was announced. If a different control option is wanted, the 7 August catalogue check found PC-compatible controllers from R299.

🎮 What the anniversary update adds

The new episode follows MachineGames' earlier Dimension of the Past and Dimension of the Machine work. Its 19-map count is large enough to be a meaningful campaign addition rather than a single celebratory level. The update also changes the encounter mix with fresh enemy and weapon variants.

It is available through the current enhanced Quake release. Owners do not need to purchase a separate expansion on supported storefronts. The practical first step is to allow the existing installation to update, open the add-on menu and confirm Dawn of the Machine appears.

Quake Dawn of the Machine update summary showing 19 maps, new variants and supported PC storefronts.

The PC launch reports list Steam and the Microsoft PC Store. GOG and Epic versions were not included initially, so owners on those storefronts should check their own library page rather than assume every PC release updates at the same time.

🧱 Check the game before changing hardware

Quake is a classic first-person shooter, and the update does not create a reason to replace a working gaming PC. Install it, choose a comfortable resolution, then test frame pacing and controls. A machine that already runs the enhanced release should be the starting point.

If performance is poor, verify that the game is using the intended graphics processor and that drivers are current. Do not jump straight to a component purchase. The update's value is new content, not a new benchmark tier.

A large modern display can expose the low-resolution style more clearly, but that is part of the game's visual identity. Higher refresh can make fast movement feel smoother, while accurate mouse control matters more than elaborate graphics settings.

🖱️ Choose controls for comfort

Keyboard and mouse remain the natural Quake setup for rapid aiming and weapon switching. The keyboard specials and gaming mouse specials are useful only when the current input devices are uncomfortable, unreliable or missing the controls the player needs.

Controller support offers a different experience for couch play or accessibility. The gaming controller range included a PC-compatible gamepad at R299 in the 7 August snapshot, with tri-mode GameSir models from R349 and a Logitech F310 at R439.

Do not buy a controller because the update exists. Buy one when its layout, wired or wireless connection and platform support improve the way the game will actually be played. Quake's speed can also make stick sensitivity and aim settings important, so allow time for adjustment.

✅ A clean install checklist

Update Quake through the storefront that owns the licence. Restart the client if the add-on does not appear, then verify local files before reinstalling the whole game. Check that cloud saves or local saves are safe before making larger changes.

Open the episode selection and confirm the new content is present. Start with default controls, then adjust field of view, sensitivity and display settings one at a time. This keeps a control issue from being mistaken for a performance problem.

The main decision is simple: existing owners have new content to play at no extra episode cost. Hardware is optional and should solve a comfort or reliability problem that appears during play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dawn of the Machine free?

Yes. It is included as an update for existing Quake owners on supported storefronts and platforms.

How many maps are included?

The episode contains 19 maps and introduces new enemy and weapon variants.

Who developed the episode?

MachineGames created it in collaboration with id Software.

Is it on every PC store?

Steam and the Microsoft PC Store were listed at launch; GOG and Epic owners should check for later availability.

Do I need a controller?

No. Keyboard and mouse work well for Quake, while a controller is an optional comfort or accessibility choice.

Refreshing a classic PC gaming setup? Compare current controllers, keyboards and mice at Evetech only after testing the free Quake update with the equipment already on your desk.