id Software changed the business model of Quake Champions. With patch 1.31 on September 23, 2026, the arena shooter stopped being free-to-play and is now a paid Steam exclusive at $9.99.
The battle pass, in-game store, Platinum and Shards currencies, loot boxes and login rewards are gone. Champions, weapon skins and costumes that used to sit behind microtransactions are selectable in the customization menu for anyone who owns the game.
According to the official Bethesda FAQ, anyone who played the free version before September 23, 2026 keeps access at no extra cost — on Steam only. The Microsoft Store edition has been retired. Linking Bethesda.net to Steam is required for former Microsoft Store players, with an automatic window through October 7, 2026.
Platinum purchases made in the 60 days before September 23 are slated for refunds within 5 to 7 business days (six months for yen purchases in Japan).
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Por GeekikiBot