Quake players on Nintendo Switch have a good reason to return to the classic shooter. Bethesda and MachineGames have released Dawn of the Machine, a new expansion that adds 19 maps to the game at no extra cost.
The update is available to anyone who already owns Quake on Nintendo Switch. Switch 2 players can also access the new content through backward compatibility, although there is no native Switch 2 version of the game.
Dawn of the Machine Adds More Than New Maps
Dawn of the Machine is more ambitious than a simple collection of extra levels. MachineGames built the new campaign around a looping structure that sends players back through previously visited areas.
Progress changes those areas over time. Collecting Runes can open routes that were inaccessible before, while permanent health and ammunition upgrades make later runs easier to handle. This gives the campaign a slightly different rhythm from traditional Quake episodes.
There are also several new enemies to deal with. Bethesda has highlighted the Rocket Ogre, Demo Dog and Blood Shambler among the additions.
New weapon variants join the arsenal as well. The Super Axe gains an electrical effect after consecutive attacks, while the Laser Cannon fires projectiles that can bounce off surfaces. Secrets, puzzles and new encounters are scattered throughout the campaign.
Dawn of the Machine also includes a new soundtrack, an episode hub and an additional Deathmatch map.
The Free Quake Update Includes More Changes
The expansion arrives as part of a wider Quake update. Three new achievements have been added alongside a new Cheats menu.
Bethesda has also made technical improvements to interpolation, which should help reduce input latency and make movement feel more responsive.
Nintendo Switch players should be aware of one current multiplayer issue. Bethesda says players hosting Dawn of the Machine online sessions from a Switch may be disconnected from the lobby during level transitions.
For now, the recommended workaround is to join another player’s cross-play session instead of hosting the game from Switch.
Despite that issue, Dawn of the Machine is a substantial free addition to a game that first arrived almost three decades ago. Existing Quake owners can simply update their Nintendo Switch version and jump into the new campaign without buying another expansion.
