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Difference between revisions of "Quake III Arena"

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{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
|cover        = Quake III Arena cover.jpg
+
|cover        = Quake III Arena (PC Cover).png
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|id Software}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|id Software}}
{{Infobox game/row/linporter|Loki Software}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|The Omni Group|OS X}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Loki Software|Linux}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Activision}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Activision}}
Line 11: Line 12:
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|December 2, 1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|December 2, 1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|December 27, 1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|December 27, 1999}}
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|2000}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|December 28, 1999}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 4, 2002}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, FPS, Shooter }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Fantasy, Sci-fi }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Quake }}
 +
|reception    =
 
|steam appid  = 2200
 
|steam appid  = 2200
 
|steam appid side = 2350
 
|steam appid side = 2350
|gogcom page  = quake_iii_gold
+
|gogcom id    = 1443696086
 +
|gogcom id side = 1441704920
 +
|hltb        = 7459
 +
|igdb        = quake-iii-arena
 +
|lutris      = quake-iii-arena
 
|strategywiki = Quake III Arena
 
|strategywiki = Quake III Arena
 +
|mobygames    = 649
 
|wikipedia    = Quake III Arena
 
|wikipedia    = Quake III Arena
 
|winehq      = 532
 
|winehq      = 532
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|Quake}}
 
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{++}} Engine is open source with modern multi-platform ports available; see [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
+
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  =
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://www.esreality.com ESReality] - Community hub for competitive Quake.
+
{{mm}} [https://www.esreality.com ESReality] - Community hub for competitive Quake.
{{mm}} [http://www.celephais.net/board/news.php Func_Msgboard] - Mapper hub, new map releases, technique improvements.
+
{{mm}} [https://www.celephais.net/board/news.php Func_Msgboard] - Mapper hub, new map releases, technique improvements.
{{mm}} [http://planetquake.gamespy.com Planet Quake] - Very old hub for the Quake franchise. Has mods, guides, and news on the Quake communities.
 
{{mm}} [http://quake.wikia.com/wiki/Quake_Wikia Quake Wiki] - Wiki for the Quake franchise.
 
 
{{mm}} [https://ws.q3df.org/maps/ Worldspawn Archive] - Map repository.
 
{{mm}} [https://ws.q3df.org/maps/ Worldspawn Archive] - Map repository.
{{GOG.com links|quake_iii_gold|quake_series|for game series}}
+
{{GOG.com links|1441704920|quake_series|for game series}}
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/2200/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
+
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2200/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
{{mm}} [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=281 Steam Users' Forums] for game series
 
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | |  | Windows, Mac OS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Key | |  | Windows, Mac OS, Linux }}
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B00GXHJ83E | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 2968-1 | Steam | Quake III Gold. Unlike other digital stores, this can be bought in Germany. |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | DD-Q3 | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | quake_iii_arena | DRM-free, key | Quake III Gold.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/news/release_quake_ii_iii_wolfenstein_3d_return_to_castle_wolfenstein|title=RELEASE: QUAKE II + III, WOLFENSTEIN 3D, RETURN TO CASTLE WOLFENSTEIN - GOG.com News|date=May 2023}}</ref> Serial key shown in the game library entry. |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | quake_iii_gold | DRM-free | Quake III Gold. Cannot be purchased in Germany.<ref>[https://www.gog.com/news/release_quake_ii_iii_wolfenstein_3d_return_to_castle_wolfenstein RELEASE: QUAKE II + III, WOLFENSTEIN 3D, RETURN TO CASTLE WOLFENSTEIN - GOG.com News]</ref> |  | Windows }}
 
 
{{Availability/row| Humble | quake-iii-arena-team-arena | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Humble | quake-iii-arena-team-arena | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Steam | 2200 | Steam | Quake III Gold. |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Microsoft Store | 9nwnls28zg37 | DRM-free | DRM-free after being copied to any other folder.<br>Included with {{Store feature|Xbox Game Pass}}. Unlike other digital stores, this can be bought in Germany.  |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 2200 | Steam, key | Quake III Gold. |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B00GXHJ83E | Steam |  |  | Windows | unavailable }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Bethesda.net | QU3CSTPCBG01 | DRM-free |  |  | Windows | unavailable }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | quake-ii | Steam |  |  | Windows | unavailable }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} A [https://archive.org/details/QuakeIiiArenaDemo demo] is available. Can also be installed [steam://install/9080 via Steam] (allow Steam popup).
 +
{{ii}} A faithful higher quality icon can be found from [http://www.iconarchive.com/show/game-icons-by-th3-prophetman/Quake-III-Arena-icon.html IconArchive].
 +
{{ii}} Only Gamesplanet and Microsoft Store versions are available in Germany.
 +
 
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} '''Quake III: Gold''' includes the base game along with the Team Arena expansion.
 +
{{ii}} id Software launched a free-to-play browser-based port of Quake III titled [[Quake Live]], that has since migrated to Steam and is no longer free-to-play. Most players have migrated to this service to continue playing, as it adds new features and game modes, and improves compatibility with newer systems.
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|cross-game bonus      =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        = The expansion pack includes new game modes, skins, maps and weapons.
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
|subscription gaming service = Available via [[List of PC Game Pass games|Xbox Game Pass for PC]].
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} Quake III: Gold includes the base game along with the Quake III: Team Arena expansion.
 
  
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
{{DLC/row| Quake III: Team Arena | Included with Quake III: Gold. | Windows}}
+
{{DLC/row| Team Arena | | Windows}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
===Version differences===
 
====Vanilla====
 
The original, closed-source versions of the game still work for online multiplayer. Many users may prefer to use more recent, improved engines based on the source code release.
 
 
====Quake Live====
 
id Software launched a free-to-play browser-based port of Quake III titled [[Quake Live]], that has since migrated to Steam and is no longer free-to-play. Most players have migrated to this service to continue playing, as it adds new features and game modes, and improves compatibility with newer systems.
 
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
Line 60: Line 99:
 
{{ii}} Digital distribution platforms such as GOG and Steam are already have the latest version.
 
{{ii}} Digital distribution platforms such as GOG and Steam are already have the latest version.
 
{{ii}} The latest official patch is 1.32c, it can be downloaded from [http://www.quake3world.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21699 Quake 3 World].
 
{{ii}} The latest official patch is 1.32c, it can be downloaded from [http://www.quake3world.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21699 Quake 3 World].
 +
 +
===[https://www.moddb.com/mods/the-unofficial-patch The Unofficial Patch]===
 +
{{++}} The unofficial update for Quake 3: Arena and Team Arena expansion, which fixes a lot of menu, texture, sound and script errors left by original developers.
 +
{{ii}} Supports [[#Source ports|source ports]] and it's recommended to use those to play on this patch.
  
 
===Source ports===
 
===Source ports===
 
While the original Quake III Arena point releases still work on modern systems, the release of the engine's source code has enabled the creation of additional variants that improve upon the game but are backwards compatible for multiplayer play. These versions do not support PunkBuster anti-cheat and thus cannot connect to servers using it, though very few still exist.
 
While the original Quake III Arena point releases still work on modern systems, the release of the engine's source code has enabled the creation of additional variants that improve upon the game but are backwards compatible for multiplayer play. These versions do not support PunkBuster anti-cheat and thus cannot connect to servers using it, though very few still exist.
 +
{{ii}} '''ioquake3''' is recommended for authenticity to the original; '''Quake3e''' and '''Spearmint''' is recommended for graphical enhancements and quality-of-life features.
  
====[http://ioquake3.org/ ioquake3]====
+
{{Source ports table|content=
{{ii}} ioquake3 is a port of the engine to SDL to assist in multi-platform development of stand-alone mods for the Quake III engine. For improvements this port provides, see [http://ioquake3.org/ the Improvements section].
+
{{Source ports table/row| ioquake3 | url=https://ioquake3.org/ | A port of the engine to SDL to assist in multi-platform development of stand-alone mods for the Quake III engine. '''Includes an auto updater which automatically updates the software with a new version'''. | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
+
{{Source ports table/row| Quake3e | url=https://github.com/ec-/Quake3e | Fork of ioquake3. Adds bug fixes, security and performance improvements as well as some '''quality of life features for competitive play'''. | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
====[http://edawn-mod.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7 Quake3e]====
+
{{Source ports table/row| Spearmint | url=https://github.com/zturtleman/spearmint/ | Fork of ioquake3. Update in-game menu with modern graphics settings like MSAA or anisotropic filtering, and '''supports XInput controllers and split screen multiplayer up to 4 players'''.<br/>Does not support vanilla Quake III Arena servers, mods or demos.<br>Stopped development as of October 2018 [https://clover.moe/2018/09/19/10-years-of-quake-3/], with the latest update from July 2020.[https://clover.moe/2020/07/10/spearmint-1-0-3-released/] | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
{{ii}} Quake3e is a fork of ioquake3 which introduces many bug, security and performance fixes as well as some quality of life features for competitive play.
+
{{Source ports table/row| Quake 3: Arena NT | url=https://github.com/PJayB/Quake-III-Arena-D3D11 | Designed specifically around the features of Windows 8's app packer. Adds ARM support, widescreen, XInput controllers, and DirectX 11. | Windows }}
 
+
{{Source ports table/row| vkQuake3 | url=https://github.com/suijingfeng/vkQuake3 | Enhanced client using the Vulkan renderer, adding improvements like AVI video capture of demos, improved console autocompletion, HTTP/FTP download redirection and many bug fixes. | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
====[http://spearmint.pw/ Spearmint]====
+
{{Source ports table/row| Quake III Arena: Kenny Edition | url=https://github.com/kennyalive/Quake-III-Arena-Kenny-Edition | Built around being as close as possible to the original version, at the same time clearing the game code from functions related to the ancient hardware. | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
{{ii}} Spearmint is a fork of ioquake3 which supports XInput controllers and split screen multiplayer up to 4 players.
+
}}
 
 
===Modifications===
 
Quake 3 servers often use modifications in order to enhance the game in some way.
 
  
====[http://playmorepromode.org/ Challenge Promode Arena]====
 
{{ii}} Challenge Promode Arena (CPMA) is a modification which supports a two gameplay styles (vanilla and promode) and many different game modes, it is often used for competitive play.
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
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===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\baseq3\}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\baseq3\q3config.cfg}}
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}}
{{Game data/row|Linux|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Linux|{{p|linuxhome}}/.q3a/baseq3/q3config.cfg}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{XDG|unknown}}
+
{{XDG|false}}
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\baseq3\q3config.cfg}}
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
{{Game data/row|Linux|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Linux|{{p|linuxhome}}/.q3a/baseq3/q3config.cfg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|origin               =  
+
|discord                  =
|origin notes         =  
+
|discord notes            =
|steam cloud           = true
+
|epic games launcher      =
|steam cloud notes    =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
|uplay                =  
+
|gog galaxy                = false
|uplay notes           =  
+
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                   =  
 +
|origin notes             =  
 +
|steam cloud               = true
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =  
 +
|xbox cloud                = false
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Quake III Arena Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Quake III Arena Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/quake-iii-arena
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/quake-iii-arena
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = silver
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = silver
Line 120: Line 167:
 
|multimonitor notes        = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|multimonitor notes        = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. Image is {{term|Vert-}} and FOV will need to be increased to compensate. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. Chat text does not scale.
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov notes                  = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
 
|fov notes                  = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
Line 130: Line 177:
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|anisotropic                = hackable
 
|anisotropic                = hackable
|anisotropic notes          = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
+
|anisotropic notes          = Can be forced through the [[Nvidia Control Panel#Forcing Anti-Aliasing/Anisotropic Filtering|Nvidia Control Panel]]/[[AMD VISION Engine Control Center|AMD Control Center]], or by using a source port. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
|antialiasing notes        = Can be forced through the [[NVIDIA Control Panel#Forcing Anti-Aliasing/Anisotropic Filtering|NVIDIA Control Panel]]/[[AMD VISION Engine Control Center|AMD Control Center]].
+
|antialiasing notes        = In source ports like ioquake3, open the console and enter {{code|/r_ext_multisample N}} where N is the number of MSAA samples. Use {{code|/vid_restart}} to apply changes.
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync notes                = Vsync is the "sync every frame" setting.
 
|vsync notes                = Vsync is the "sync every frame" setting.
Line 138: Line 188:
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps                    = hackable
 
|120 fps                    = hackable
|120 fps notes              = 90FPS by default; can be changed by typing /com_maxfps in the console with the number of frames wish. Certain numbers can adversely affect player physics, use at your own risk.
+
|120 fps notes              = Frame rate is capped at 90 FPS. Override with <code>/com_maxfps XX</code> in the console. Certain numbers can adversely affect player physics.
|color blind                = false
+
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
 
 
# Launch the game at least once then close it.
 
# Launch the game at least once then close it.
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Open {{file|q3config.cfg}} with a text editor.
 
# Open {{file|q3config.cfg}} with a text editor.
# Find the following lines, and set them to the desired values.
+
# Change the following lines to set the resolution.
<pre>
+
#* <code>seta r_customwidth "XXXX"</code>
seta r_customwidth "YourResolution"
+
#* <code>seta r_customheight "XXXX"</code>
seta r_customheight "YourWidth"
+
# Change the following line to this value.
</pre>
+
#* <code>seta r_mode "-1"</code>
 
 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Find the following line, and set it to this value.
 
<pre>
 
seta r_mode "-1"
 
</pre>
 
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{ii}} Change the text beginning with '''Your''' to the desired values.
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} FMVs may be blank and character models in the model viewer may be distorted.
  
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Edit the configuration file|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Edit the configuration file|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
 
# Launch the game at least once then close it.
 
# Launch the game at least once then close it.
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 
# Open {{file|q3config.cfg}} with a text editor.
 
# Open {{file|q3config.cfg}} with a text editor.
# Find the following line, and set it to the desired value.
+
# Change the following line to the desired value.
<pre>
+
#* <code>seta cg_fov "XX"</code>
seta cg_fov "YourFieldOfView"
 
</pre>
 
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
{{ii}} Change the text beginning with '''Your''' to the desired values.
+
{{ii}} Changing FOV affects the weapon viewmodel.
{{ii}} Increasing the field of view shrinks the weapon viewmodel, however a field of view with a value higher than 120 can put the CPU under stress because of the larger viewing area.  
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
 
{{Image|Quake III Arena Controls.png|In-game control settings.}}
 
{{Image|Quake III Arena Controls.png|In-game control settings.}}
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 193: Line 233:
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
|controller support notes  = Limited modern controller support in vanilla. A source port is required for full xinput controllers support. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]]
+
|controller support notes  = Limited modern controller support in vanilla. A source port is required for full XInput controllers support. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]]
 
|full controller          = hackable
 
|full controller          = hackable
 
|full controller notes    = A source port is required for menu navigation support. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]]. Cannot navigate Team Arena menus.
 
|full controller notes    = A source port is required for menu navigation support. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]]. Cannot navigate Team Arena menus.
Line 203: Line 245:
 
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 
|invert controller y-axis notes= Needs to be manually mapped to the specific direction.
 
|invert controller y-axis notes= Needs to be manually mapped to the specific direction.
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = unknown
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
|button prompts           = false
+
|xbox prompts              = unknown
|button prompts notes     =  
+
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4               = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =  
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = true
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts     = false
 +
|other button prompts notes=  
 
|controller hotplug        = false
 
|controller hotplug        = false
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|haptic feedback          = false
 
|haptic feedback          = false
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
|light bar support        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = true
|light bar support notes   =  
+
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Quake III Arena Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Quake III Arena Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
|surround sound          = true
+
|surround sound          = hackable
|surround sound notes    =  
+
|surround sound notes    = [[Quake III Arena#ioquake3|ioquake3]] supports up to 7.0 output through [[Glossary:Sound card#Set up OpenAL|OpenAL]].
|subtitles                = false
+
|subtitles                = n/a
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
|mute on focus lost      = true
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
|eax support notes        = A3D 2.0<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20031011180758/http://www.vortexofsound.com/techhelp/gm_q3.htm Games help: Quake III Arena - Vortex of Sound (retrieved)]</ref> only<ref>[http://www.shacknews.com/article/2934/eax-in-quake3-nope EAX in Quake3? Nope. - Shacknews]</ref><br />
+
|eax support notes        = A3D 2.0<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031011180758/http://www.vortexofsound.com/techhelp/gm_q3.htm|title=Games help: Quake III Arena - Vortex of Sound (retrieved)|date=May 2023}}</ref> only.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/2934/eax-in-quake3-nope|title=EAX in Quake3? Nope. - Shacknews|date=May 2023}}</ref><br />
Broken since one of the first patches<ref>[http://www.neoseeker.com/forums/1039/t675-acoustic-edge-win2k-drivers/3.htm#30 Acoustic Edge and win2k drivers - Neoseeker Forums]</ref> (possibly 1.17)<ref>[http://icculus.org/pipermail/quake3/2008-April/002492.html &#91;quake3&#93; Re: A3D - icculus.org]</ref> 1.25 point release beta is the last version with A3D support.
+
Possibly broken since one of the first patches,<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203081138/http://www.neoseeker.com/forums/1039/t675-acoustic-edge-win2k-drivers/3.htm#30|title=Acoustic Edge and win2k drivers - Neoseeker Forums (retrieved)|date=May 2023}}</ref> and removed for good in either version 1.25<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://icculus.org/pipermail/quake3/2008-April/002492.html|title=&#91;quake3&#93; Re: A3D - icculus.org|date=9 June 2023}}</ref> or 1.27g.<ref>[https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=73727#p850560 Running Quake 3 on A3D 2.0 \ VOGONS]</ref>
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}}[[Quake III Arena#ioquake3|ioquake3]] supports [[Glossary:Surround sound#OpenAL|OpenAL Soft]] for binaural HRTF mixing.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0-94KI3yWE Quake III Arena with 3D spatial sound in ioquake3 🎧 (OpenAL Soft HRTF audio)]</ref> Unlike A3D 2.0, it does ''not'' support elevation HRTF effects.
  
 
{{L10n|content=
 
{{L10n|content=
Line 241: Line 314:
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
  |fan notes =  
+
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Hungarian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = hackable
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/quake-3-arena/quake-3-arena-team-arena-szinkron/2397 Fan translation.]
 +
  |fan       = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 280: Line 360:
 
|tcp  = 27950, 27952, 27960, 27965
 
|tcp  = 27950, 27952, 27960, 27965
 
|udp  = 27950, 27952, 27960, 27965
 
|udp  = 27950, 27952, 27960, 27965
|upnp =  
+
|upnp = unknown
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==VR support==
 +
{{VR support
 +
|gg3d name                  =
 +
|native 3d gg3d award        =
 +
|nvidia 3d vision gg3d award =
 +
|tridef 3d gg3d award        =
 +
|iz3d gg3d award            =
 +
|native 3d                  =
 +
|native 3d notes            =
 +
|nvidia 3d vision            =
 +
|nvidia 3d vision notes      =
 +
|tridef 3d                  =
 +
|tridef 3d notes            =
 +
|iz3d                        =
 +
|iz3d notes                  =
 +
|vorpx                      = true
 +
|vorpx modes                = G3D,DirectVR
 +
|vorpx notes                = Officially supported game, see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list].
 +
|htc vive                    =
 +
|htc vive notes              =
 +
|oculus rift                =
 +
|oculus rift notes          =
 +
|osvr                        =
 +
|osvr notes                  =
 +
|windows mixed reality      =
 +
|windows mixed reality notes =
 +
|keyboard-mouse              =
 +
|keyboard-mouse notes        =
 +
|3rd space gaming vest      =
 +
|3rd space gaming vest notes =
 +
|novint falcon              =
 +
|novint falcon notes        =
 +
|trackir                    =
 +
|trackir notes              =
 +
|tobii eye tracking          =
 +
|tobii eye tracking notes    =
 +
|play area seated            =
 +
|play area seated notes      =
 +
|play area standing          =
 +
|play area standing notes    =
 +
|play area room-scale        =
 +
|play area room-scale notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 286: Line 410:
  
 
===Game crashes on exit===
 
===Game crashes on exit===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Game Crashes Upon Exit|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Game Crashes Upon Exit|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
 
 
# Right-click the game in your Steam library.
 
# Right-click the game in your Steam library.
 
# Click Properties.
 
# Click Properties.
 
# Uncheck "Enable Steam Community In-Game".
 
# Uncheck "Enable Steam Community In-Game".
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Random FPS drops===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Edit a line in config: <code>r_finish 0</code>|ref=<ref name="fpsdrops">[https://steamcommunity.com/app/2350/discussions/0/360671352681442687/ FPS Fix :: Quake III: Team Arena General Discussions]</ref>|fix=
 +
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use a [[#Source_ports|Source port]]|ref=<ref name="fpsdrops"/>|fix=
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Invalid CD key===
 +
{{ii}} Write the CD key in lowercase.
 +
 +
===Brightness issues===
 +
{{ii}} By default, Quake III Arena has brightness issues and may appear very dark, with the in-game brightness settings having no effect.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Edit the configuration file|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-09-08|comment=Also usable for other idTech 3 titles like [[Star Trek: Voyager - Elite Force]]}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\baseq3|folder}}
 +
# Open {{file|q3config.cfg}} with a text editor.
 +
# Find the line '''r_overBrightBits 2'''.
 +
# Set the value to 0.
 +
<pre>
 +
seta r_overBrightBits "0"
 +
</pre>
 +
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} You can change the gamma level by finding the line {{code|r_gamma 1}} and increasing it to brighten the screen or lowering it to darken the screen.
 +
{{ii}} {{code|r_intensity}} can also be set to a value above 1 to multiply texture intensity, making them appear brighter.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Quake3e: Enable Offscreen Rendering (Vulkan Render Only)|fix=
 +
{{ii}} This also restricts Quake 3 applying it's gamma globally to the monitor it's assigned to; additionally fixing overly dark/bright external screenshots and video recordings.
 +
# Launch Quake 3 with either {{code|quake3e-vulkan.x64}} or {{code|quake3e-vulkan}}
 +
# Open the developer console (default key: tilde {{code|`}})
 +
# Type {{code|r_fbo 1}}, and press Enter
 +
# Then either type {{code|vid_restart}} and press Enter again, or close and restart Quake3e Vulkan to apply changes
 +
{{ii}} Enabling {{code|r_fbo}} is also required for other Vulkan-specific features for this port as well.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===View bob===
 +
{{ii}} By default, Quake III Arena has view bob that may cause motion sickness.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Edit the configuration file|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\baseq3|folder}}
 +
# Open {{file|q3config.cfg}} with a text editor.
 +
# Find these three lines: '''cg_bobup 0.005''', '''cg_bobpitch 0.002''' and '''cg_bobroll 0.002'''.
 +
# Set their values to 0.
 +
<pre>
 +
seta cg_bobup "0.000"
 +
seta cg_bobpitch "0.000"
 +
seta cg_bobroll "0.000"
 +
</pre>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
 
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
Line 309: Line 481:
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
|vulkan support        =  
+
|vulkan versions        = hackable
|vulkan support notes   =  
+
|vulkan notes           = Use [https://github.com/ec-/Quake3e Quake3e] or [https://github.com/kennyalive/Quake-III-Arena-Kenny-Edition Quake III Arena Kenny Edition].
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
|64-bit executable     = hackable
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
|64-bit executable notes= A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = hackable
 +
|windows arm app        = hackable
 +
|windows exe notes      = A source port is required for native 64-bit and ARM. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = true
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = hackable
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = hackable
 +
|macos arm app          = hackable
 +
|macos app notes        = The original version of the game on OS X only supported PowerPC.<br>A source port is required for Intel 64-bit support and M1 support to work on OS X 10.7 and later. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 +
|linux powerpc app     = hackable
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= true
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= hackable
 +
|linux arm app          = hackable
 +
|linux 68k app          = hackable
 +
|linux executable notes = A source port is required for native 64-bit. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].<br>An alternate source port supports PowerPC.
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = true
 +
|mac os 68k app        = unknown
 +
|mac os executable notes=
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Brightness issues===
+
===Middleware===
{{ii}} By default, Quake III Arena has brightness issues and may appear very dark.
+
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            = DirectSound
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        =
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      =
 +
|multiplayer notes=
 +
|anticheat        = PunkBuster
 +
|anticheat notes  = {{cn}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Graphics improvements===
 +
====Increase LOD (reduce pop-in)====
 +
After starting the game, open the console, write {{code|/r_subdivisions -1; r_lodbias -1}} then press Enter. The first command increases world geometry detail, whereas the second command uses high-quality models regardless of the viewing distance.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/quake-iii-arena-remastered-runo-edition/downloads/quake-iii-arena-v132e-runo-edition Quake 3 Remastered (Runo Edition)]====
 +
{{++}} This mod contains High Resolution Textures, HD Models, Effects, 2D Elements, High Quality Sounds.
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/high-quality-quake/downloads High resolution menus and HUD]====
 +
{{ii}} A [[#Source ports|source port]] is required.
 +
{{ii}} An [https://www.moddb.com/mods/high-quality-quake/addons additional mod] is required for Team Arena support.
 +
{{ii}} Widescreen support is integrated. Enter the following into the console for 1920x1080 (example): {{code|/exec res1920x1080}}
 +
{{ii}} You get the highest possible graphic settings with: {{code|/exec hq}}
 +
{{++}} New assets are faithful to original HUD and menus.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/quake-3-neural-upscale/addons Neural upscaled textures]====
 +
{{ii}} All in-game textures, upscaled with Waifu2x and SFTGAN.
 +
{{++}} Upscaled textures are faithful to the original textures.
 +
 
 +
===Modifications===
 +
Quake 3 servers often use modifications in order to enhance the game in some way.
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
====[http://playmorepromode.org/ Challenge Promode Arena]====
{{Fixbox/fix|Edit the configuration file|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}}}
+
{{ii}} Challenge Promode Arena (CPMA) is a modification which supports two gameplay styles (vanilla and promode) and many different game modes. It is often used for competitive play.
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\baseq3\</code>
 
# Open <code>q3config.cfg</code> with a text editor.
 
# Find the line '''r_overBrightBits'''.
 
# Change the default value to 0.
 
<pre>
 
seta r_overBrightBits "0" (default 2)
 
</pre>
 
}}
 
  
===Head Bobbing===
+
====[https://q3defrag.org/files/ Defrag]====
{{ii}} By default, Quake III Arena has head bobbing that may cause motion sickness.
+
{{ii}} Defrag (q3df) is a modification that removes the deathmatch from Quake 3 (de-fragging it), replacing it with obstacle courses for bunnyhopping, trickjumping, and surfing, to name a few.
 +
{{ii}} Secondary resource [https://www.q3df.org/ here].
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
====[https://wrong-place.net/ Q3A Reloaded]====
{{Fixbox/fix|Edit the configuration file|ref={{cn|date=October 2016}}}}
+
{{ii}} Q3AReloaded (Q3AR) is a graphical overhaul HD modification. Including high resolution textures, UI, models and effects. Running with Q3A 1.11 and 1.32 + mods.
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\baseq3\</code>
+
{{ii}} Q3AR-MODDB [https://www.moddb.com/mods/q3a-reloaded-116n-hd-overhaul visit].
# Open <code>q3config.cfg</code> with a text editor.
 
# Find these three lines: '''cg_bobup''', '''cg_bobpitch''' and '''cg_bobroll'''.
 
# Change their default values to 0.
 
<pre>
 
seta cg_bobup "0.000" (default 0.005)
 
seta cg_bobpitch "0.000" (default 0.002)
 
seta cg_bobroll "0.000" (default 0.002)
 
</pre>
 
}}
 
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 354: Line 561:
  
 
|minOS    = 95, NT 4.0
 
|minOS    = 95, NT 4.0
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 233 MHz or Pentium II 300 MHz or AMD K6-2 350 MHz or Athlon.
+
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium MMX 233 MHz<br>Intel Pentium II 300 MHz
 +
|minCPU2  = AMD K6-2 350 MHz<br>AMD Athlon 500 MHz
 
|minRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minHD    = 25 MB
 
|minHD    = 25 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 8 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 8 MB
 
|minGPU  =  
 
|minGPU  =  
 +
|minOGL  = 1.1
 
|minDX    = 7
 
|minDX    = 7
  
 
|recOS    = 98, ME, 2000, XP
 
|recOS    = 98, ME, 2000, XP
 +
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium III 600 MHz
 +
|recCPU2  = AMD Athlon 600 MHz
 
|recHD    = 500 MB
 
|recHD    = 500 MB
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Mac OS
 +
 +
|minOS    = 8.6
 +
|minCPU  = PowerPC G3
 +
|minRAM  = 64 MB
 +
|minVRAM  = 6 MB
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 369: Line 589:
  
 
|minOS    = Any distribution (ports of the engine available in most distros' package repositories)
 
|minOS    = Any distribution (ports of the engine available in most distros' package repositories)
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 233 MHz / Pentium II 300 MHz or AMD K6-2 350 MHz / Athlon. Also suitable are CPUs exceeding 400MHz of any ISA.
+
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 233 MHz / Pentium II 300 MHz or AMD K6-2 350 MHz / Athlon. Also suitable are CPUs exceeding 400 MHz of any ISA
 
|minRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minHD    = 25 MB
 
|minHD    = 25 MB
Line 378: Line 598:
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 +
{{GOG.com Enhancement Project}}

Latest revision as of 03:42, 21 February 2024

Quake III Arena
Quake III Arena cover
Developers
id Software
macOS (OS X) The Omni Group
Linux Loki Software
Publishers
Activision
Engines
id Tech 3
Release dates
Windows December 2, 1999
Linux December 27, 1999
Mac OS (Classic) December 28, 1999
macOS (OS X) January 4, 2002
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, FPS, Shooter
Art styles Realistic
Themes Fantasy, Sci-fi
Series Quake
Quake III Arena on HowLongToBeat
Quake III Arena on IGDB
Quake III Arena guide on StrategyWiki
Quake III Arena on MobyGames
Quake III Arena on Wikipedia
Quake
Quake 1996
Quake II 1997
Quake III Arena 1999
Quake 4 2005
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars 2007
Quake Live 2010
Quake II RTX 2019
Quake Enhanced 2021
Quake Champions 2022
Quake II Enhanced 2023

Quake III Arena is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action, FPS and shooter game in the Quake series.

General information

ESReality - Community hub for competitive Quake.
Func_Msgboard - Mapper hub, new map releases, technique improvements.
Worldspawn Archive - Map repository.
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
CD key
Windows
Mac OS
Linux
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Quake III Gold. Unlike other digital stores, this can be bought in Germany.
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
CD key
Quake III Gold.[1] Serial key shown in the game library entry.
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Microsoft Store
DRM-free after installation through Microsoft Store client (notes may include more details)
DRM-free after being copied to any other folder.
Included with Xbox Game Pass for PC. Unlike other digital stores, this can be bought in Germany.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
CD key
Quake III Gold.
Windows
Amazon.com (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Bethesda.net (unavailable)
DRM-free after installation through Bethesda.net Launcher (notes may include more details)
Windows
GamersGate (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Windows
A demo is available. Can also be installed via Steam (allow Steam popup).
A faithful higher quality icon can be found from IconArchive.
Only Gamesplanet and Microsoft Store versions are available in Germany.

Version differences

Quake III: Gold includes the base game along with the Team Arena expansion.
id Software launched a free-to-play browser-based port of Quake III titled Quake Live, that has since migrated to Steam and is no longer free-to-play. Most players have migrated to this service to continue playing, as it adds new features and game modes, and improves compatibility with newer systems.

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack The expansion pack includes new game modes, skins, maps and weapons.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
Subscription gaming service Available via Xbox Game Pass for PC.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Team Arena
Windows

Essential improvements

Official patch

Digital distribution platforms such as GOG and Steam are already have the latest version.
The latest official patch is 1.32c, it can be downloaded from Quake 3 World.

The Unofficial Patch

The unofficial update for Quake 3: Arena and Team Arena expansion, which fixes a lot of menu, texture, sound and script errors left by original developers.
Supports source ports and it's recommended to use those to play on this patch.

Source ports

While the original Quake III Arena point releases still work on modern systems, the release of the engine's source code has enabled the creation of additional variants that improve upon the game but are backwards compatible for multiplayer play. These versions do not support PunkBuster anti-cheat and thus cannot connect to servers using it, though very few still exist.

ioquake3 is recommended for authenticity to the original; Quake3e and Spearmint is recommended for graphical enhancements and quality-of-life features.
Name Description
ioquake3 A port of the engine to SDL to assist in multi-platform development of stand-alone mods for the Quake III engine. Includes an auto updater which automatically updates the software with a new version.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Quake3e Fork of ioquake3. Adds bug fixes, security and performance improvements as well as some quality of life features for competitive play.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Spearmint Fork of ioquake3. Update in-game menu with modern graphics settings like MSAA or anisotropic filtering, and supports XInput controllers and split screen multiplayer up to 4 players.
Does not support vanilla Quake III Arena servers, mods or demos.
Stopped development as of October 2018 [1], with the latest update from July 2020.[2]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Quake 3: Arena NT Designed specifically around the features of Windows 8's app packer. Adds ARM support, widescreen, XInput controllers, and DirectX 11.
Windows
vkQuake3 Enhanced client using the Vulkan renderer, adding improvements like AVI video capture of demos, improved console autocompletion, HTTP/FTP download redirection and many bug fixes.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Quake III Arena: Kenny Edition Built around being as close as possible to the original version, at the same time clearing the game code from functions related to the ancient hardware.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux


Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\baseq3\q3config.cfg[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux $HOME/.q3a/baseq3/q3config.cfg
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2200/pfx/[Note 2]
This game does not follow the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\baseq3\q3config.cfg[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux $HOME/.q3a/baseq3/q3config.cfg
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2200/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud
Xbox Cloud

Video

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
See Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Ultra-widescreen
See Widescreen resolution. Image is Vert- and FOV will need to be increased to compensate. See Field of view (FOV).
4K Ultra HD
See Widescreen resolution. Chat text does not scale.
Field of view (FOV)
See Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Can be forced through the Nvidia Control Panel/AMD Control Center, or by using a source port. See Source ports.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
In source ports like ioquake3, open the console and enter /r_ext_multisample N where N is the number of MSAA samples. Use /vid_restart to apply changes.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Vsync is the "sync every frame" setting.
60 FPS
120+ FPS
Frame rate is capped at 90 FPS. Override with /com_maxfps XX in the console. Certain numbers can adversely affect player physics.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Widescreen resolution

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Launch the game at least once then close it.
  2. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  3. Open q3config.cfg with a text editor.
  4. Change the following lines to set the resolution.
    • seta r_customwidth "XXXX"
    • seta r_customheight "XXXX"
  5. Change the following line to this value.
    • seta r_mode "-1"
FMVs may be blank and character models in the model viewer may be distorted.

Field of view (FOV)

Edit the configuration file[citation needed]
  1. Launch the game at least once then close it.
  2. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  3. Open q3config.cfg with a text editor.
  4. Change the following line to the desired value.
    • seta cg_fov "XX"

Notes

Changing FOV affects the weapon viewmodel.

Input

In-game control settings.
In-game control settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Limited modern controller support in vanilla. A source port is required for full XInput controllers support. See Source ports
Full controller support
A source port is required for menu navigation support. See Source ports. Cannot navigate Team Arena menus.
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Needs to be manually mapped to the specific direction.
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Button prompts
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
ioquake3 supports up to 7.0 output through OpenAL.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
A3D 2.0[2] only.[3]
Possibly broken since one of the first patches,[4] and removed for good in either version 1.25[5] or 1.27g.[6]
Royalty free audio
ioquake3 supports OpenAL Soft for binaural HRTF mixing.[7] Unlike A3D 2.0, it does not support elevation HRTF effects.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Hungarian
Fan translation.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
4 A source port is required. See Source ports
LAN play
16
Online play
16
All official maps are designed for at most 16 players. However, dedicated servers can be set to have no max player limit.

Connection types

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 27950, 27952, 27960, 27965
UDP 27950, 27952, 27960, 27965
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

3D modes State Notes
vorpX
G3D, DirectVR
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.

Issues fixed

Game crashes on exit

Game Crashes Upon Exit[citation needed]
  1. Right-click the game in your Steam library.
  2. Click Properties.
  3. Uncheck "Enable Steam Community In-Game".

Random FPS drops

Edit a line in config: r_finish 0[8]
Use a Source port[8]

Invalid CD key

Write the CD key in lowercase.

Brightness issues

By default, Quake III Arena has brightness issues and may appear very dark, with the in-game brightness settings having no effect.
Edit the configuration file[9]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\baseq3
  2. Open q3config.cfg with a text editor.
  3. Find the line r_overBrightBits 2.
  4. Set the value to 0.
seta r_overBrightBits "0"

Notes

You can change the gamma level by finding the line r_gamma 1 and increasing it to brighten the screen or lowering it to darken the screen.
r_intensity can also be set to a value above 1 to multiply texture intensity, making them appear brighter.
Quake3e: Enable Offscreen Rendering (Vulkan Render Only)
This also restricts Quake 3 applying it's gamma globally to the monitor it's assigned to; additionally fixing overly dark/bright external screenshots and video recordings.
  1. Launch Quake 3 with either quake3e-vulkan.x64 or quake3e-vulkan
  2. Open the developer console (default key: tilde `)
  3. Type r_fbo 1, and press Enter
  4. Then either type vid_restart and press Enter again, or close and restart Quake3e Vulkan to apply changes
Enabling r_fbo is also required for other Vulkan-specific features for this port as well.

View bob

By default, Quake III Arena has view bob that may cause motion sickness.
Edit the configuration file[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\baseq3
  2. Open q3config.cfg with a text editor.
  3. Find these three lines: cg_bobup 0.005, cg_bobpitch 0.002 and cg_bobroll 0.002.
  4. Set their values to 0.
seta cg_bobup "0.000"
seta cg_bobpitch "0.000"
seta cg_bobroll "0.000"

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
OpenGL 1.1
Vulkan
Use Quake3e or Quake III Arena Kenny Edition.
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bitARM Notes
Windows
A source port is required for native 64-bit and ARM. See Source ports.
macOS (OS X)
The original version of the game on OS X only supported PowerPC.
A source port is required for Intel 64-bit support and M1 support to work on OS X 10.7 and later. See Source ports.
Linux
A source port is required for native 64-bit. See Source ports.
An alternate source port supports PowerPC.
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio DirectSound
Anti-cheat PunkBuster [citation needed]

Graphics improvements

Increase LOD (reduce pop-in)

After starting the game, open the console, write /r_subdivisions -1; r_lodbias -1 then press Enter. The first command increases world geometry detail, whereas the second command uses high-quality models regardless of the viewing distance.

Quake 3 Remastered (Runo Edition)

This mod contains High Resolution Textures, HD Models, Effects, 2D Elements, High Quality Sounds.

High resolution menus and HUD

A source port is required.
An additional mod is required for Team Arena support.
Widescreen support is integrated. Enter the following into the console for 1920x1080 (example): /exec res1920x1080
You get the highest possible graphic settings with: /exec hq
New assets are faithful to original HUD and menus.

Neural upscaled textures

All in-game textures, upscaled with Waifu2x and SFTGAN.
Upscaled textures are faithful to the original textures.

Modifications

Quake 3 servers often use modifications in order to enhance the game in some way.

Challenge Promode Arena

Challenge Promode Arena (CPMA) is a modification which supports two gameplay styles (vanilla and promode) and many different game modes. It is often used for competitive play.

Defrag

Defrag (q3df) is a modification that removes the deathmatch from Quake 3 (de-fragging it), replacing it with obstacle courses for bunnyhopping, trickjumping, and surfing, to name a few.
Secondary resource here.

Q3A Reloaded

Q3AReloaded (Q3AR) is a graphical overhaul HD modification. Including high resolution textures, UI, models and effects. Running with Q3A 1.11 and 1.32 + mods.
Q3AR-MODDB visit.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95, NT 4.0
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium MMX 233 MHz
Intel Pentium II 300 MHz
AMD K6-2 350 MHz
AMD Athlon 500 MHz
System memory (RAM) 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 25 MB
Video card (GPU) 8 MB of VRAM
OpenGL 1.1 compatible
DirectX 7 compatible
Mac OS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 8.6
Processor (CPU) PowerPC G3
System memory (RAM) 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD)
Video card (GPU) 6 MB of VRAM
Linux
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) Any distribution (ports of the engine available in most distros' package repositories)
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 233 MHz / Pentium II 300 MHz or AMD K6-2 350 MHz / Athlon. Also suitable are CPUs exceeding 400 MHz of any ISA
System memory (RAM) 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 25 MB
Video card (GPU) 8 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).
  2. 2.0 2.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/2200/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (2200) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References