Classic shooter Unreal Tournament 2004 is now free to play in 4K on modern PCs

The classic arena shooter Unreal Tournament 2004 is now available to download and play for free, thanks to fan group OldUnreal and with official permission from Epic Games. As reported by Video Games Chronicle, the group has released an auto-installer that not only makes the game free but also patches it to run in 4K resolution on modern PCs.

How to download Unreal Tournament 2004 free

Windows users can visit the OldUnreal website to download an auto-installing executable file. The installer downloads an original game disc image from OldUnreal's servers, extracts it, installs the game, and automatically applies the latest patch. The entire process takes around five minutes according to testing.

Linux and macOS users can access installers through the OldUnreal GitHub page, though they'll need to apply the patch manually. The download and installation process is completely free and requires no authentication or registration.

First patch in over 20 years brings 4K support

OldUnreal has released the game's first patch in more than two decades, adding significant modernisation features. The update enables resolutions up to 4K, introduces widescreen improvements, and includes numerous optimisations for contemporary hardware. The patch also addresses both legacy bugs from the original 2004 release and new issues created by adapting the game for modern systems.

"Obviously, there is lots of work still to be done, but we had to start somewhere," OldUnreal stated. "Some are side-effects of playing at much higher frame rates than were common in 2004, others are legacy bugs from the final official version that went unnoticed back then."

Epic Games grants official permission

Epic Games granted OldUnreal permission to distribute Unreal Tournament 2004 for free late last year. This isn't the group's first collaboration with Epic — they've previously released similar auto-installers for Unreal Gold and Unreal Tournament: Game of the Year Edition with the company's blessing. Epic Games has shown continued support for preserving their classic titles through community efforts.

The arrangement allows OldUnreal to distribute complete game files legally while maintaining their own servers for downloads. This partnership represents a positive approach to game preservation, ensuring classic titles remain accessible to new generations of players.

What to expect from the revival

OldUnreal acknowledges that work continues on fixing remaining bugs and improving compatibility. The group has identified three categories of issues: high-framerate side effects not present in 2004, legacy bugs from the original release, and regression bugs introduced during modernisation. They've committed to promptly addressing the most visible and gameplay-impacting problems.

UAE gamers looking for free classic games can access the download globally through the same process. The revival could potentially reinvigorate the game's multiplayer community, which remains active despite the game's age.

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