Xbox Transferred Quake Champions to Paid Model

Quake Champions has moved to a paid format on Steam as in-game microtransactions were eliminated.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in eSports

Graphic illustration featuring abstract, angular crystalline shapes in electric cyan and violet, evoking the aesthetic of a sci-fi arena game. — Xbox has moved Quake Champions to a one-time $9.99 purchase model on Steam, eliminating all microtransactions and loot boxes for remaining players. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Xbox has transitioned Quake Champions to a $9.99 paid title on Steam, removing all microtransactions, battle passes, and loot boxes from the game. Existing players retain access to the game for free, while those who purchased Platinum currency in the last 60 days are eligible for a refund.

Why it matters

The move represents a complete shift in the game's monetization strategy, turning it into a static experience without further content updates. By standardizing access through Steam, Xbox has simplified the platform ecosystem for remaining players while ending the title's previous free-to-play model.

The game now includes 16 champions and 27 maps, with the level cap increased to 999. It features 30 seasons of existing content and three newly added weapons.

The players

Xbox

This is a gaming brand developed by Microsoft that publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software.

Halo Studios

This is a Microsoft-owned developer formerly known as 343 Industries that manages the Halo and other legacy franchises.

The details

All previously premium skins and champions are now available for free to all players. Microsoft Store users must link their Bethesda accounts to the Steam version to continue playing.

August 2022: Quake Champions exited Early Access as a free-to-play title.
September 22, 2026: Xbox announced 268 staff layoffs at Halo Studios.
September 23, 2026: Quake Champions transitioned to its new paid model.

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Roadmap

This transition signals a broader industry move toward stabilizing legacy titles by removing active monetization services. It positions the game as a finished product rather than an evolving live-service competitor in the crowded eSports market.

Players who bought Platinum currency within the last 60 days should check their accounts for automatic refunds. Those who previously played on the Microsoft Store must now link their Bethesda accounts to Steam to maintain game access.

The takeaway

Players now own a static version of the game that includes all previously locked content without the need for additional spending. This shift effectively closes the door on the game's live-service lifecycle while ensuring current fans keep their access.