Quake Live

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Quake Live is a fast-paced and competitive arena FPS with over 100 arenas, developed by id Software and the community. The game offers various game modes, including Free-for-All, Duel, and Capture the Flag, and allows players to track their career stats and match history. Compete with friends and players worldwide for an exhilarating multiplayer experience.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,337 reviews

gameplay44 positive mentions

stability7 negative mentions

Fast-paced and fun gameplay that rewards skill and practice.
Classic Quake III Arena experience with updated features and a dedicated community.
Great variety of game modes and maps, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences.

Steep learning curve, making it difficult for new players to compete against veterans.
Small player base, leading to challenges in finding matches and often encountering toxic behavior.
Technical issues such as crashes and resolution problems, particularly on modern systems.

gameplay
131 mentions
34 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
Quake Live is praised for its fast-paced, skill-based gameplay that remains true to the classic Quake formula, offering a blend of accessibility for newcomers and depth for veterans. Players appreciate the smooth movement mechanics, intricate tactics, and the absence of modern gimmicks, making it a pure arena shooter experience. However, the game's limited player base and server issues detract from its overall enjoyment, despite the gameplay being considered some of the best in the FPS genre.
- “Quake Live's gameplay is simple to understand for a dummy like me, but difficult to master, and very rewarding.”
- “The simplicity and accessibility of the gameplay mechanics make it easy for newcomers to pick up and enjoy, while also providing depth for veterans to explore.”
- “The gameplay is flawless... I can't understand why people would not enjoy this game.”
- “Gameplay-wise or game-mechanic-wise, the game is probably rather superior to any FPS games out there, though there is no point in playing even if it has good mechanics since all the servers ban you for high ping. You just can't play the game for being kicked and banned for unequal and irrational reasons.”
- “I really wouldn't recommend this game to new players who are used to modern FPS mechanics or someone who is looking to jump in quickly to a match. It is incredibly difficult to get into if you're new unless you're willing to get fragged constantly and learn the map. Even then, you still have to learn the weapons and when to correctly apply them to the situation.”
- “Over the years, Quake Live has received a series of updates that have significantly altered the gameplay, and other updates have nerfed certain classes and weapons, leading to accusations of favoring microtransactions over gameplay balance.”
graphics
73 mentions
21 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Quake Live" are generally considered outdated, reflecting its origins from the late 90s, with many players noting that while they are not visually impressive by modern standards, they effectively support the fast-paced gameplay. The game's art style and straightforward presentation contribute to its immersive atmosphere, and various mods can enhance the visuals for those seeking improvements. Overall, while the graphics may not be a selling point, the game's focus on gameplay and nostalgia resonates with fans of the original "Quake" series.
- “Graphically, 'Quake Live' maintains the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping visuals that defined the original 'Quake III Arena.' While it doesn't boast modern graphics, its timeless art style and straightforward presentation contribute to the game's intense and immersive atmosphere.”
- “Though old, the graphics and maps are very stunning and iconic.”
- “You should buy the game for the aesthetics alone; 'Quake Live' has some very cool looking and well-organized maps.”
- “Otherwise, compatibility, visuals, art direction, net-code are remarkably poor even by 2010 standards.”
- “The graphics are still old.”
- “Graphics are absolutely awful.”
story
18 mentions
17 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that "Quake Live" lacks a traditional story mode, focusing instead on competitive multiplayer gameplay where narratives emerge from player interactions rather than a scripted storyline. While some players appreciate the absence of a single-player narrative, others feel that the game's legacy and competitive nature compensate for this omission, making it enjoyable despite the lack of a formal story. Overall, the consensus is that the game thrives on its multiplayer experience rather than a structured narrative.
- “Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
- “In my opinion, the whole story was only on hand, because the name of Quake Live is much more sonorous, and symbolizes the revival of the great series.”
- “While there isn't a story mode like in Q2, it doesn't need one per se.”
- “If you're in it for the single player, there is no story either, so it will be just wasting your money.”
- “The third installment of the Quake series, Arena differs from previous games by excluding a story-based single-player mode and focusing primarily on multiplayer gameplay.”
- “Same old story since '99.”
humor
14 mentions
93 % positive mentions
-14 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by quirky player models, amusing in-game interactions, and lighthearted banter, making it enjoyable even for those who may not typically seek out comedic elements. Players appreciate the funny moments that arise during gameplay, whether through character actions or chat interactions, contributing to an overall entertaining experience.
- “Woohoo funny rocket game bang bang”
- “Type 'wilson' and a man does a funny scream”
- “Even if you're not into that, you also have bot support if you just want to gun down some bots and chat with them for some humor, and some of the stock Quake 3 maps still hold up well to this day.”
- “The jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
- “I expected more laughs, but it was mostly cringeworthy.”
- “The humor is outdated and misses the mark completely.”
optimization
14 mentions
21 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews. While some players praise its fast performance and improved visuals, others express dissatisfaction with lingering performance issues that have not been addressed. However, many agree that it is well-optimized for modern hardware, offering a balanced and polished experience, especially for fans of classic arena shooters.
- “If you enjoy stretching out for fun against bots, this is the blazingly fast, well-optimized, as tough as you set it yourself experience.”
- “Pick this up during a sale and experience one of the most balanced, playable, masterful first-person shooters in history, newly optimized for modern hardware.”
- “Polished, customizable, optimized, quick competitive play, this game has it all.”
- “Not satisfied with the performance.”
- “Part of the reason I play this is because champions won't run for me due to some performance issue that has been around for years and hasn't been patched.”
- “Preventing this game from being affected by CPU mitigations will also increase performance a lot.”
music
10 mentions
30 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, featuring compositions by notable artists like Sonic Mayhem and Bill Leeb, which enhances the overall experience and enjoyment, even during less intense gameplay. However, some users find the audio elements, particularly sound effects, to be repetitive and lacking in atmospheric depth. Overall, the soundtrack receives a strong rating, with many players appreciating its contribution to the game's ambiance.
- “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- “It features music composed by Sonic Mayhem and Front Line Assembly founder Bill Leeb.”
- “Appropriate to these hazardous worlds, various sound beats and musical tunes may be heard playing in the background.”
- “The audio is also underwhelming, with repetitive sound effects and a lack of atmospheric music.”
- “As an alternative, Quake Champions is free and has a matchmaker (I played it for about 30 hours) but that is a more complicated game (menus, game mechanics, lots of visual clutter in the design, bad music, higher graphics requirements).”
- “I would like, of course, a more rigid soundtrack.”
stability
8 mentions
38 % positive mentions
-25 % neutral mentions
88 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including bugs related to texturing, visual settings, and server connectivity, making it difficult for players to join matches. While some praise the legendary engine for its fast FPS, many users report frustrating gameplay experiences due to freezing mechanics and other glitches. Overall, the game's stability is a major concern for players looking for a smooth experience.
- “Legendary engine, bug-free, fast FPS that will blow your mind!”
- “The game runs smoothly without any crashes or glitches.”
- “I appreciate how stable the gameplay is, even during intense moments.”
- “The game is rather buggy (especially in terms of texturing and visual settings), but if you want Quake 3 Arena remastered edition, this is it!”
- “I tried getting back into this, it's basically impossible to get into a game. There are a few active servers that require a bunch of confusing and buggy steps to join. You have to link your Steam account and do a bunch of other garbage just to get into a server with hardly any players.”
- “After death, the player freezes (cannot move or shoot) and stays in this state until the end of the round, or until his team members unfreeze him (for this, you just need to stand for a few seconds).”
atmosphere
7 mentions
43 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of Quake Live is a mixed bag; while it retains the fast-paced visuals and core elements of Quake III Arena, it lacks the dark and edgy ambiance that fans expect, partly due to the removal of gore and underwhelming audio. Although the game's straightforward presentation and timeless art style contribute to an immersive experience, many feel it falls short of capturing the iconic atmosphere of its predecessor. Overall, it serves as a solid remaster focused on competitive gameplay, but at the cost of some atmospheric depth.
- “Graphically, 'Quake Live' maintains the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping visuals that defined the original 'Quake III Arena.' While it doesn't boast modern graphics, its timeless art style and straightforward presentation contribute to the game's intense and immersive atmosphere.”
- “It is the best 'remastered' alternative of Quake III; it has the original atmosphere and physics.”
- “Balanced controls, physics, guns, maps, high-quality content, atmosphere, and fixed multiplayer.”
- “A true Quake game needs to have a dark and edgy atmosphere, and this game just does not.”
- “Sadly they removed the messy gore that existed in Quake 3, but the game focuses more on the competitive aspect, so it's not that bad. However, it has an impact on the atmosphere if you can't gib people with your rocket launchers, railguns, or double-barreled shotguns.”
- “While Quake 3 Arena's presentation and atmosphere are better (nothing will ever beat Christian Antkow's iconic voice as the announcer), Quake Live has the best gameplay of the entire Quake franchise.”
monetization
7 mentions
0 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
86 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn mixed reactions, with some players criticizing the reliance on microtransactions and in-game ads, which they feel detracts from gameplay balance and customization. Others appreciate the absence of in-game purchases in favor of a purely ad-supported model, suggesting that this approach could enhance the game's popularity. Overall, the monetization methods have sparked debate about their impact on player experience and game integrity.
- “Other updates have nerfed certain classes and weapons, leading to accusations of favoring microtransactions over gameplay balance.”
- “Kind of odd, if you ask me, since I would have thought that a free model would come on Steam as free to play, without the microtransactions.”
- “Carmack reported that revenues will only come from in-game advertising.”
grinding
5 mentions
20 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the grinding aspect of the game, suggesting it requires an excessive time commitment that can deter new players. Many feel that the competitive environment is dominated by seasoned players with extensive hours logged, making it difficult for newcomers to enjoy the experience. Some propose that making the game free could help attract a larger player base and balance the competitive landscape.
- “No mask glitches, no grinding guns, it's a pure game like chess or checkers at this point, but now with voice comms. :D”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “I say make the game free; it's what it needs to have a chance at regrowing an actual player base, since nowadays lobbies are full of people with thousands of hours essentially farming stats on players that want to try the game (like me), and are forced to play 2-3 competitive game modes out of the 20 that they have.”
replayability
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's exceptional replayability, enhanced by the Steam Workshop, which offers a wealth of unique content that keeps the experience fresh and engaging. Many feel that the value provided by the gameplay and replayability justifies the small fee.
- “Combine that with the Steam Workshop, and my goodness, even more unique layers of content are available for a game of infinite replayability.”
- “This being said, it is well worth the small fee for the gameplay and replayability.”
emotional
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that players of Quake Live tend to experience strong emotional reactions, suggesting that the game's competitive nature can evoke intense feelings. However, there is a call for discussions to remain focused and respectful, avoiding personal insults and emotional arguments.
- “I know Quake Live players often get very emotional.”