Highlights
- Quake 2 Remastered has been released on Xbox Game Pass and other platforms, offering new enhancements, online multiplayer, co-op, and a new episode.
- QuakeCon 2023 marks the return of the in-person event and started with the announcement of Quake 2 Remastered, following leaks and speculation.
- The remastered version features upgraded visuals, cross-play functionality, and additional content like the Call of the Machine expansion and original expansions.
After many rumors and leaks, Quake 2 Remastered has shadow dropped onto Xbox Game Pass and other platforms. Xbox Game Pass subscribers and current owners of Quake 2 will receive an update that includes new resolution enhancement, online multiplayer and co-op with cross-play enabled, and a new episode for players to conquer.
The announcement of Quake 2 Remastered came during the start of QuakeCon 2023 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. It is the first in-person edition of QuakeCon since 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced id Software and Bethesda to host the event remotely. This year's event, which runs from August 10 to August 13, looks to be a return to form following the pandemic. As such, the event kicked it off with the confirmation that Quake 2 Remastered exists following leaks and speculation surrounding the project. In the original version of Quake 2, players assumed the role of Bitterman, a Marine tasked with preventing the extraterrestrial Strogg from invading Earth by taking the fight to the aliens' home world in a preemptive strike.
While the original Quake featured references to Lovecraftian horror, id Software opted to go for a science-fiction theme for the sequel. Quake 2 Remastered will feature online multiplayer matches, such as Capture the Flag and Team Deathmatch. The game will have an online co-op mode with cross-play functionality across both PC and console and will have updated accessibility settings, as well as updated shadows, textures, and lighting throughout each level.
PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S players will also be able to run Quake 2 Remastered at resolutions up to 4K, and up to a 120hz refresh rate on compatible monitors. However, Quake 2 Remastered on PC requires an Intel Core i5-6600k or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or better processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD RX Vega 56 or better graphics card to run it at 4K. Quake 2 Remastered features new content, including the Call of the Machine expansion designed by MachineGames. The remaster also includes the original expansions called The Reckoning and Ground Zero, with AI enhancements from the latter available in all episodes.
As a bonus, Quake 2 64 will be available for players that missed that particular version of Quake 2 to enjoy. All in all, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will not want to miss out on experiencing Quake 2 again, or for the first time with Quake 2 Remastered.
Quake 2 Remastered is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Bethesda
