The Many Faces of Quake

There's a bunch of different Quake engines/source ports floating around the interwebs. They all have their own unique qualities (and back stories). It's hard to keep track of them all and even harder to track them down. Here's my list and the links to ones I know (Updated 4-6-2022)

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• FTEQW - A personal favorite

This Quake engine/source port looks the best (IMO) and it's compatible with most Quake mods. FTEQW has network protocol support for connecting to NetQuake and QuakeWorld servers. There are graphics preset options allow you to customize the look and feel of Quake. Between the mod support, various graphic options, and mouse supported menu navigation, this port is almost perfect. The developer is active in the Quake community and is constantly releasing new updates.

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• ezQuake - A solid runner up

ezQuake is EZ to install and it gives you tons of options to tweak. It’s sweaty approved and if you’re looking to sweat with the best, there's the nQuake build (which utilizes the ezQuake engine). nQuake includes a bunch of options that are really only useful for competitive play. nQuake will be your go-to build for the competitive Quake Clan Arena/KTX scene. However, if you're wanting to play other QuakeWorld mods, you're going to be better off using the standalone ezQuake install.

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• QuakeSpasmSpiked - Almost a favorite

It’s great for online cooperative play on mods like Arcane Dimensions. It has that good vanilla Quake feel. However, it’s lacking a few must have features. I believe that FTEQW evolved from QSS and has the same developer. I do find myself using QSS for certain single player mods that you want to try with some friends cooperatively.

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• QuakeSpasm - A great vanilla style source port

Focuses on the look and feel vanilla Quake. The modified code allows compatibility with popular mods that utilize it's expanded features. It's the go to client for the Map Jam community. It's also the preferred client for mods like Arcane Dimensions and Copper.

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• Mark_V - My 2nd favorite

I usually alternate between using Mark_V and FTE. I've been preferring the look of software rendering lately.

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• FOD Quake (Fomerly FuhQuake) - This multiplayer only source port seems a bit ambitous

I haven't really had a chance to experience FOD Quake. It comes highly recommended from fellow Quake community members. It has an interesting server browser. I'm unsure of it's mod support abilities. FOD seems to resemble a NetQuake client and has the familiar look and feel.

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• QRACK - NationwideMoose's favorite Quake engine

It's a fun port. It reminds me of Quake 64 for Nintendo 64. It's still being developed and I'm hoping for some more features to be added. This port has a website that's very nostolgic of the 1990's dial up/GeoCities days.

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• DarkPlaces - A good modern style Quake engine with lots of graphical enhancement options

Excellent for playing through original Quake episodes. It doesn't really seem intended for multiplayer use, though it works. It supports the two Quake Mission Packs and the Quake 1.5 mod. There are tons of graphical options/add-ons and this will be your favorite client if you are trying to play a more modern looking Quake. There's support for high quality models, textures, real-time lighting, and shadow effects. Also, check out the Quake HD Pack, which is DarkPlaces with all graphic enhancements enabled.

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• Vanilla Quake - Quake straight from the hands of idSoftware.