Quake Champions moved from free-to-play to a paid, Steam-only app on September 23, 2026. Players who had already played the free version are eligible to access the Steam app without buying it again.
The normal Microsoft Store migration window, which required linking the Bethesda.net account used for Quake Champions to Steam, ended October 7. If you missed it or access did not appear within 48 hours after linking, Bethesda Customer Support may review your request and may grant access case by case. That is not a guarantee, so use the same Bethesda.net account and contact support before purchasing a second copy.
We have updated this guide for the closed migration window. The paid app is available only on Steam, and the Microsoft Store version has been retired.
If you already played on Steam
If you played Quake Champions on Steam before September 23, 2026, there is no migration to perform and no new purchase required.
id Software’s official 1.31 FAQ says those players have already been upgraded to the paid version at no additional cost. Your existing Steam library is therefore the first place to check before buying anything.
Your player profile and earned stats remain intact as long as you continue using the same Bethesda.net account.
If you played through the Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store version has been retired. Quake Champions is now available only through Steam.
If the Bethesda.net account you used for Quake Champions was already linked to Steam, Bethesda says Steam access should have been granted automatically. Allow up to 48 hours after linking for the entitlement to appear.
The normal account-linking migration service ran from September 23 through October 7, 2026 and is now closed. If you missed that window, or access did not appear within 48 hours, follow Bethesda’s FAQ steps: link the Steam account to the same Bethesda.net account you used to play, then submit a ticket to Bethesda Customer Support and request access to the Steam version.
Bethesda says support may grant access on a case-by-case basis. Keep using the same Bethesda.net account to preserve your profile and stats. The support outcome is not guaranteed.
Source: Bethesda’s Quake Champions 1.31 FAQ.
What if the normal migration window has passed?
It has passed. Bethesda’s automatic Microsoft Store-to-Steam migration service ended October 7, 2026. The FAQ says that players who missed the window, or whose Steam access did not appear within 48 hours after linking, can contact Bethesda Customer Support. Support will review the request and may grant Steam access case by case.
Link the Steam account to the Bethesda.net account you used for Quake Champions, then submit the support request described in Bethesda’s FAQ. Check your Steam library and wait through the stated 48-hour period after linking before opening a ticket if you are still within that timing. Do not treat a support grant as guaranteed.
Source: Bethesda’s Quake Champions 1.31 FAQ.
What happens to your progression?
Your existing player profile remains intact when you continue with the same Bethesda.net account.
id Software specifically says earned stats remain unchanged. Rankings also carry over for players coming from either supported previous route when the correct Bethesda.net account is used.
What does not survive is the old virtual-currency system, because Update 1.31 removed it entirely.
Platinum and Shards are gone
Both Platinum and Shards have been removed from Quake Champions.
That is part of a much larger change to the game’s economy. Update 1.31 removed the Battle Pass, Store, loot boxes, daily login rewards, weekly and event challenges, and the old Champion progression reward path.
All Champions can now be selected without buying or unlocking them through the old currency system.
Most vanity content is also available to players, but “everything is unlocked” would be slightly misleading. The 1.31 notes preserve exceptions for some third-party promotional entitlements and merit-based rewards. Some promotional cosmetics remain tied to prior entitlements, while Golden Crowns can still be earned through Elite Rank.
Recent Platinum purchases are being refunded
Players who purchased a Platinum pack during the 60 days before September 23 are eligible for a refund. Bethesda says processing should take approximately five to seven business days.
There is a regional exception for purchases made in Japanese yen. Those purchases receive a six-month eligibility window under local law.
Is Quake Champions still getting new content?
The 1.31 release should not be interpreted as the beginning of a new premium content roadmap.
The official Steam announcement history says no additional content updates are currently planned. Update 1.31 instead consolidates the existing game into a paid package, removes the live-service monetization systems and includes content accumulated across 30 seasons.
The update itself still contains meaningful changes, including a callvote system, new HUD accuracy options, thicker player-outline options, an adaptive FPS stabilizer, networking and input improvements, crash fixes and a higher player level cap.
What existing players should do now
- If you played Quake Champions on Steam before September 23, check your Steam library. Bethesda says those players were upgraded at no cost.
- If you played through Microsoft Store, link the Steam account to the same Bethesda.net account you used for the game.
- If Steam access has not appeared within 48 hours after linking, or you missed the October 7 migration window, contact Bethesda Customer Support through the official FAQ and request an access review.
- Do not buy a second copy until you have checked your library and contacted support about your existing entitlement.
Bethesda’s FAQ says support may grant access after reviewing a missed migration case by case. That is the available fallback, not a promise of a free copy for every request.
Update 1.31 moved Quake Champions to a paid Steam-only app. Existing players can retain access without paying again when they meet the FAQ’s eligibility rules and use the same Bethesda.net account.
Sources
- id Software / Bethesda: Quake Champions 1.31 Point Release FAQ
- Steam: Quake Champions store listing
- Steam: Quake Champions community announcements
For purchase and access decisions after October 7, follow the current support instructions in Bethesda’s FAQ.