Now free: Unreal Tournament 2004 returns with its first patch in over 20 years

The first Unreal Tournament was released in 1999 and quickly became one of the leading titles in the first-person shooter genre. It stood out for its relentless speed and arcade-style action, offering a sharp contrast to the more tactical approach of Counter-Strike, which launched the same year. Five years later, Unreal Tournament 2004 expanded the formula with large maps and drivable vehicles, particularly in modes such as Onslaught. For many players, the game marked the golden age of LAN parties. Now, more than two decades after its last official update, UT2004 has returned – and can be downloaded free of charge.

On December 4, 2025, the fan group OldUnreal received official approval from Epic Games to modernize Unreal Tournament 2004 and release a community patch. The update was published in mid-February 2026 and makes the revised version freely accessible. Fans can download the installer directly from the official OldUnreal website.

Technically revised – including a brand-new installer

Technically, the entire codebase has been migrated to modern build systems. The update also introduces a new renderer and adds support for Windows, Linux, and macOS. The game now runs at resolutions of up to 4K, supports widescreen formats, and delivers high frame rates on modern hardware. The video below shows the updated version in action.

The update also includes a new installer that integrates the patch automatically. OldUnreal does not host any of the original game files. Instead, the installer downloads the original disc image from the Internet Archive and then applies the community patch. The updated version is also expected to run on the Steam Deck (available on Amazon for $680).

Community reaction is overwhelmingly positive

On Reddit, the team at OldUnreal is being praised as the savior of a classic. The discussion is filled with nostalgic memories of Instagib matches, school LAN sessions, and iconic maps such as Facing Worlds from Unreal Tournament. Many users describe that era as the “golden age of PC gaming” and consider the game the “best arena shooter of all time.” At the same time, opinions about Epic Games are far more critical. Some users still resent the decision to delist the Unreal series from online stores and to shift the company’s focus heavily toward Fortnite.