How to Play QuakeWorld
New to QuakeWorld? Follow this guide to get fragging in minutes.
Getting Started
Install
Run the nQuake installer and follow the prompts. Choose your install location - the default is fine for most users.
Installation takes about 500MB of disk space.
Connect to This Server
Launch ezQuake, press ~ to open the console, and type:
connect qw.ssetco.com:27500
Or use the in-game server browser to find and join servers.
Start Playing!
You'll spawn automatically - this server runs Free-For-All mode. Grab weapons, find enemies, and frag them. First to 10 frags wins!
Basic Controls
| Action | Default Key |
|---|---|
| Move Forward | W |
| Move Backward | S |
| Strafe Left | A |
| Strafe Right | D |
| Jump | Space |
| Fire Weapon | Mouse 1 |
| Next Weapon | Mouse Wheel Up |
| Previous Weapon | Mouse Wheel Down |
| Open Console | ~ |
Controls can be customized in the ezQuake options menu or via console commands.
Weapons
Melee weapon. Last resort when out of ammo.
Starting weapon. Reliable at medium range.
Devastating at close range. Two barrels of pain.
Rapid-fire projectiles. Good for suppression.
Faster nails, more damage. Eats ammo quickly.
Bouncing explosives. Great for area denial.
High damage with splash. The king of weapons.
Continuous beam. Deadly accurate but drains cells fast. Don't use in water!
Tips for New Players
Keep Moving
Standing still makes you an easy target. Strafe, jump, and stay unpredictable.
Learn the Maps
Know where weapons, armor, and health spawn. Map control wins games.
Grab Armor
Red Armor (200 points) is the most valuable pickup. Green (100) and Yellow (150) are also important.
Rocket Jump
Fire a rocket at your feet while jumping to launch yourself higher. Costs health but provides mobility.
Use the Right Weapon
Rockets for mid-range, Lightning Gun for close tracking, Shotgun for finishing.
Watch and Learn
Check the Recordings page to watch past matches and learn from other players.
Frequently Asked Questions
The game looks old. Is that normal?
Yes! QuakeWorld was released in 1996. The graphics are retro, but the gameplay is incredibly fast and skill-based. Many players prefer the clean, readable visuals for competitive play.
How do I change my name?
Open the console (~) and type: name YourName
How do I change my player colors?
Use console commands: topcolor X and bottomcolor X where X is 0-13.
Can I play with a controller?
Technically yes, but mouse and keyboard is strongly recommended. QuakeWorld requires fast, precise aiming that controllers can't match.
How do I watch recorded matches?
Download MVD files from the Recordings page, place them in your ezQuake/qw/demos folder, then use the console command: playdemo filename
Where can I find more help?
Join the QuakeWorld Discord, visit QuakeWorld.nu, or check the QW Wiki.