Bethesda Drops Free Quake Remastered Expansion Dawn of the Machine on Xbox

To celebrate three decades since the original Quake launched, Bethesda, id Software, and MachineGames have released a surprise expansion for Quake Remastered. Titled Dawn of the Machine, the new episode is available now on Xbox as a free download, including for players subscribed to Xbox Game Pass.

A free Quake expansion lands on Xbox

The update is available today and does not carry an additional cost for anyone who already owns Quake Remastered. It’s also included for players accessing the game through Xbox Game Pass, meaning there’s no requirement to purchase the expansion separately.

What’s actually new: an episode built by MachineGames

The headline feature is an entirely new episode that expands the remastered campaign with added combat, fresh enemies, and new environments. MachineGames—known for its work on the recent Wolfenstein series—created the new content.

Alongside the new episode, the update adds additional Xbox-facing features intended for long-time completionists and anyone who wants more structured goals:

• Dawn of the Machine: a fully new episode available via the Xbox Store
• New Xbox achievements that expand the game’s achievement progress beyond the previous baseline, enabling players to continue toward a full completion run
• Xbox Play Anywhere support, allowing progress to carry between console and PC
• Xbox Game Pass inclusion, so subscribers can access the new content without extra purchase

Why this matters for players (not just nostalgia)

Free expansions for classic shooters are relatively rare, especially ones that arrive alongside modern platform conveniences. By tying Dawn of the Machine to Xbox Play Anywhere, the update isn’t limited to one device ecosystem—players can keep playing across console and PC. For completion-focused audiences, the addition of new Xbox achievements is also a clear signal that the update is designed to extend engagement rather than simply add a short novelty.

Just as importantly, because it’s included for Game Pass subscribers and requires no extra payment for existing owners, the barrier to trying the new episode is effectively removed. That combination—cost-free access plus added structured objectives—makes the update a straightforward “jump back in” moment for Xbox players.

Availability now: download and continue the campaign

Dawn of the Machine is available starting today on Xbox. If you already have Quake Remastered, you can download the expansion without paying again. If you’re playing the title through Xbox Game Pass, you can access the same new episode as part of your subscription.