Quake was originally released back in 1996 and is still widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made, or at the very least, one of the most influential. Developed by id Software, the game helped define the first-person shooter genre. In August 2021, Quake received an enhanced release that modernized the experience with visual upgrades and improved features. Now, a few years later, the game has received another surprise update, and it’s especially good news for handheld players.

Quake is now Steam Deck Verified

The developers have quietly released a small but important patch that officially makes Quake Steam Deck Verified and Handheld Optimized for Xbox ROG Ally devices. Valve’s Steam Deck verification system exists to help users understand how well a game runs before buying it. When a game is marked as Verified, it means it should run smoothly on the Steam Deck without performance or compatibility issues.

Quake is now Steam Deck Verified and Handheld Optimized on Xbox ROG Ally devices. Surrender is not an option.

Steam

According to user reports on ProtonDB, Quake was already running very well on the Steam Deck even before this patch, which isn’t a surprise given the age of the classic FPS. Players reported smooth performance without the need for tweaks or manual adjustments. The new update might have further polished the game on the handheld, likely fixing small bugs, improving controller behavior, and ensuring full compliance with Valve’s verification standards.

Quake is a dark fantasy first-person shooter that blends fast-paced combat with moody atmosphere and exploration. Players take on the role of Ranger, a lone warrior armed with powerful weapons, fighting through corrupted military bases, medieval castles, and lava-filled dungeons. The goal is to collect four powerful runes needed to defeat an ancient evil threatening humanity.

The enhanced version of Quake improves the original experience with support for widescreen resolutions and up to 4K visuals. It adds enhanced character models, dynamic and colored lighting, anti-aliasing, depth of field, and refined visual effects, while preserving the original soundtrack, produced by Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor.

Quake includes both original expansion packs, The Scourge of Armagon and Dissolution of Eternity, along with two newer expansions from MachineGames: Dimension of the Past and Dimension of the Machine. The game also features a Horde Mode, where players fight endless waves of enemies solo or with others.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.