Prior to its free-to-play full release, Quake Champions is going to made available on Steam and Bethesda.net in an “early access” state. This post-beta (but pre-“proper”-release) launch demands $29.99 from players to access. You might be wondering why Bethesda is asking for money upfront for what is supposed to be a free-to-play title. I mean, I’d be asking that too! Well, it turns out that those who pay and support the game while it’s in early access will earn themselves some goodies. 

$29.99 gets you the “Champions Pack”, which includes:

• All 11 current Champions, including Ranger, Visor, Scalebearer, Nyx, Anarki, Clutch, Sorlag, Galena, Slash, Wolfenstein’s BJ Blazkowicz, and the new DOOM Slayer
• All future Champions, including at least six additional Champions expected to release before the end of 2018, and any that follow
• An exclusive Early Access skin for Ranger, available only during the Early Access period for Champions Pack players
• Three Reliquaries (loot chests containing three in-game items for profile, Champion and weapon customization, including skins, shaders, nameplates and more)

Decide to put down the dollars, and you’ll be able to start playing on August 22. 

id Software studio director Tim Willits gave a summary of what the early access build is all about. 

With a fast, skill-based game like Quake Champions, nothing is more important than continual testing and refining based on player feedback to ensure the game is balanced, optimized, and fun for all levels of players, from pro to new … The Early Access version of Quake Champions is, obviously, a work-in-progress, but represents a solid and robust version of the game, with four modes, 11 Champions, a variety of maps, and a thriving community of fans. Early Access will allow us to work closely with players to improve the game and add additional features before the official launch of Quake Champions in the coming months.

Will you be jumping in on August 22?