3 AM LAN Party (DRAFT)
How to Play Multiplayer Quake
This document provides a technical guide for setting up and playing multiplayer Quake, including both NetQuake and QuakeWorld.
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1. Select the Appropriate Quake Engine
| Version | Protocol | Description |
|----------------|-------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **NetQuake** | Original | Vanilla networking; suitable for LAN or nostalgia. |
| **QuakeWorld** | Optimized | Online-optimized with prediction, ping correction, and community |
| | | servers. |
Recommended Clients
- NetQuake: `QuakeSpasm`, `vkQuake`, `DarkPlaces`
- QuakeWorld: `ezQuake`, `nQuake`, `FodQuake`
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2. Acquire Game Data
You need the original Quake data files:
- `pak0.pak` (required, from shareware or full version)
- `pak1.pak` (optional, from full version)
Place these in the `id1/` directory inside your client directory:
quake/
├── ezquake.exe
└── id1/
├── pak0.pak
└── pak1.pak
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3. Running the Client
NetQuake Example (QuakeSpasm):
./quakespasm -game id1
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4. Joining a Multiplayer Game
a. Public Servers, QuakeWorld (recommended)
1. Launch ezQuake
2. Press ESC → Multiplayer → Server Browser
3. Select and join a server
Manual (CLI):
/connect :, example: /connect qw.foppa.dk:28501
b. Direct IP / LAN Connect
If another player is hosting:
/connect :
Default ports:
NetQuake: 26000
QuakeWorld: 27500
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5. Hosting a Server
a. Dedicated Server; NetQuake:
./quake -dedicated 1 +map start
QuakeWorld:
./qwsv +map dm6
Make sure to port-forward appropriately.
b. LAN Hosting (non-dedicated)
From a Quake client:
/map e1m1
Other players join via:
/connect
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6. Game Modes
Mode Command-line Parameters
Deathmatch +deathmatch 1
Team Deathmatch +deathmatch 1 +teamplay 1
Cooperative +coop 1 +deathmatch 0
Capture the Flag Requires additional mods and maps
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7. Configuration
autoexec.cfg (QuakeWorld Example)
Create in qw/autoexec.cfg:
name "PlayerName"
rate 25000
cl_maxfps 72
+mlook
Server Variables (in console or config):
fraglimit 30
timelimit 10
hostname "Quake Server"
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8. Resources
QuakeWorld Server List: https://www.quakeworld.nu/play
QuakeWorld Installer (nQuake): https://nquake.com/
QuakeSpasm (NetQuake client): https://sourceforge.net/projects/quake/
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9. Notes
QuakeWorld is recommended for Internet play due to latency compensation.
NetQuake offers more accurate vanilla gameplay and is ideal for local or co-op games.
VPNs like ZeroTier or Tailscale can be used to simulate LAN over the Internet.
Optional: Firewall/Port Forwarding
NetQuake Default Port: 26000
QuakeWorld Default Port: 27500
Ensure these are open or forwarded on your router/firewall when hosting.