Quake II’s enhanced re-release is available for PC and consoles, bundling the 1997 shooter and its original expansions with the previously Nintendo 64-exclusive Quake II 64 and a new episode, Call of the Machine. It is an enhanced version of the original game—not a ground-up remake—and updates its visuals and gameplay while retaining the classic campaign.
What’s included in the Quake II re-release?
Bethesda’s August 10, 2023 release notes describe a bundle built around the original Quake II campaign. It also includes both original mission packs, The Reckoning and Ground Zero; Quake II 64; and the new Call of the Machine episode. Bethesda’s release notes and FAQ and its release announcement provide the official overview.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Quake II (Renewed) | $48.84 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Quake II Limited Run Games #76 - Playstation 5 | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Quake 2 | $23.92 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Quake II - Nintendo 64 | $33.90 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Call of the Machine
Created by MachineGames, Call of the Machine adds 28 campaign levels and one new Deathmatch map, according to Bethesda. Its inclusion is the headline addition for players who already know the original campaign.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe original mission packs and Quake II 64
The Reckoning and Ground Zero together add over 30 single-player levels and over 20 Deathmatch maps. The bundle also brings in Quake II 64, which was previously exclusive to Nintendo 64.
#1 Best Overall
- You get cartidge in mint condition, original box, and instructions, all mint
What has changed from the 1997 game?
Bethesda presents this as an enhanced re-release: the original game remains at its core, with visual and gameplay updates rather than a rebuild from scratch. The official notes cite improved AI and gameplay, restored elements recovered from the game’s development archives, dynamic shadows, improved lighting and glow maps. Bethesda’s game page also lists enhanced models, enemy animations and cinematics, along with anti-aliasing and depth of field.
These upgrades aim to make the older shooter more comfortable on current hardware without replacing its original campaign and mission-pack structure. The release notes do not describe the restored material in detail, so the exact changes are best understood as a collection of recovered elements rather than a separately specified new campaign.
Rank #2
- Experience the Military Sci-fi FPS, Enhanced
- Get the Original Mission Packs: The Reckoning and Ground Zero
- Play the All-New Expansion “Call of the Machine”
- Get Quake II 64 for Free
- Enjoy Online & Local Multiplayer/CO-OP
Which platforms can play it?
Bethesda lists the enhanced release for Windows PC through Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG and the Microsoft Windows Store; Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S; PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5; and Nintendo Switch. Game Pass access is available with a subscription. Bethesda’s August 2023 announcement says existing owners on Steam, GOG and Microsoft Store can download the enhanced version for free, while the original PC version remains accessible. Check the relevant storefront for current purchase and access terms.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How do multiplayer and crossplay work?
The release supports co-op, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, with both online multiplayer and local split-screen. Bethesda states online play supports up to 16 players. Crossplay spans PC with a controller, Xbox One and Series consoles, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Switch. The PC crossplay qualification matters: Bethesda specifies controller-enabled PC play.
Rank #3
- PC CD ROM
- Action / Adventure
- First Person
- Shooter
- Fighting
Local split-screen supports four players on all listed platforms. Bethesda’s FAQ specifies an eight-player local split-screen option on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What resolution and frame rate should players expect?
Bethesda advertises up to 4K resolution and 120Hz on supported platforms, but says display resolution varies by platform. Treat those figures as maximum capabilities, not a promise that every console or PC runs at 4K and 120Hz simultaneously. The actual display mode depends on the hardware and supported setup.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- You get cartidge in mint condition, original box, and instructions, all mint
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
