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Two years ago, at Quake Con 2021, id Software and Nightdive Studios shadow dropped a remaster of the original Quake which was critically acclaimed for its features and meticulous polish. Two years later, id Software and Nightdive are at it again with an enhanced version of Quake II, available now for all platforms and the best part is that, if you already own Quake II on Steam, it's a free update.

Quake II is currently listed as steam deck playable Playable on Steam Deck, although that rating is from the original version so needs Valve to re-review it.

Here's a brief rundown from Bethesda's own launch page:

  • Includes the original Quake II campaign plus both Mission Packs, The Reckoning, Ground Zero, plus the previously Nintendo 64-exclusive Quake II 64 and the brand-new Call of the Machine episode from MachineGames.
  • Improvements to gameplay, including content restored from the original development, plus visual upgrades such as dynamic shadows, improved lighting, glow maps and more.
  • Play local split-screen and online across four Multiplayer modes with crossplay functionality:
    • Cooperative
    • Deathmatch
    • Team Deathmatch
    • Capture the Flag
  • Add AI opponents in Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch modes, explore the id Vault, enjoy improved co-op play and much more!
  • Various accessibility additions.

Additional Editor note from Liam Dawe: giving it a run on Steam Deck with Proton 8 - it works out of the box. Thanks to Nightdive's upgrades it has the Vulkan API by default, and supports the Steam Deck's native 800p resolution too with controller support working perfectly. Even with the enhancements turned on appears to give really good performance too. Screenshots below:

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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About the author -
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A humble Steam Deck owner and fledgling Linux user in general. I've always been interested in Linux replacing Windows as the primary PC gaming OS. But it was always a mess of frustration, drivers, and not knowing which kernel was best. When SteamOS3 and Steam Deck hit the scene however, I realized the true potential of Linux as a gaming platform.
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31 comments
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robvv Aug 11, 2023
Nightdive have done a good job with this. I've just had a few minutes fragging away in multiplayer and it was great fun!

There's a couple of mods available to restore the red crosses on the medkits and the original weapon switch sound.

Picked my Steam key up from Gamebillet which was charging a much better price than Steam itself. I still have the original CD from the 1997 release, too!

EDIT: formatting.


Last edited by robvv on 11 August 2023 at 9:10 am UTC
Eri Aug 11, 2023
QuoteNote: Steam, GOG and Microsoft Store users who already own Quake II will automatically receive the new version with a free download. Read the FAQ below for details on how to access the original version.
Wiiiiiii *-* I bought it when I got a 3080 to try the path-traced demo. I think this will be the first person shooter I will play on a Deck, I've been avoiding playing FPS on it for a year.
Liam Dawe Aug 11, 2023
Quoting: AsciiWolfWhat about the original version? Is it still available?

By the way, I still dream of Enemy Territory: Quake Wars being re-released on Steam.
When launching you get the option to launch the new or the classic version.
robredz Aug 11, 2023
It looks almost like Quake 2 RTX without the RT its a damned good compromise fast fluid and extremely playable works fine on my rig.
Lofty Aug 11, 2023
Quoting: scaine
Quoting: AsciiWolfWhat about the original version? Is it still available?

By the way, I still dream of Enemy Territory: Quake Wars being re-released on Steam.
Enemy Territory was absolutely immense. It was the first arena game that I played that had actual roles/classes. Or at least, definitely the first one where those mattered, anyway.

wasn't that one of the first titles to get a raytracing version as a demo. all the way back in the mid 2000's

I wouldn't mind some quality of life improvements to ET if they re-release it like RTX and some updated textures, models + lighting effects.
redman Aug 11, 2023
The first thing that I thought was: Will Yamagi Quake II will be improved by this ?

My second thought was: Where is my Quake II CD ?

My third thought was: Why Yamagi is not installed on my machine?

My fourth thought was a couple of hours later: Crap, now I remember why I remove it....

Now I have to wait the Remastered to be on GOG.
wesly87 Aug 11, 2023
Just tryed on steam deck but wont start,
Tryed different Proton settima but It close immediatly After push play
Plintslîcho Aug 11, 2023
Quoting: redmanNow I have to wait the Remastered to be on GOG.

It's already available at GOG.com as well. It's only just called Quake II .
Shmerl Aug 11, 2023
Quoting: PlintslîchoIt's already available at GOG.com as well. It's only just called Quake II .

It's also given for free you already had the game there.
redman Aug 11, 2023
Quoting: Plintslîcho
Quoting: redmanNow I have to wait the Remastered to be on GOG.

It's already available at GOG.com as well. It's only just called Quake II .

My wallet dread this knowledge... I have a new game now thanks for the info!
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