Quake / Weapons
Quake weapons: shotguns, nailguns, rockets and Thunderbolt
Compare the eight original weapons and understand explosive and underwater hazards.
Edition covered
The original 1996 Quake campaign with four episodes and the final Shub-Niggurath encounter. Pictures come from the 2021 enhanced-release publisher gallery and include later expansion environments. Mission packs, Dimension episodes and altered remaster Nightmare rules are outside the gameplay reference.
8 items · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Weapons
Quick notes
- Use shotguns for economical combat. The starting Shotgun is dependable against ordinary enemies.
- Reserve rapid fire for pressure. Nailguns provide sustained damage but spend ammunition quickly.
- Respect explosive bounce and splash. Grenades can bounce into the player, and rockets damage nearby surfaces immediately.
- Do not discharge the Thunderbolt underwater. In original Quake, firing the lightning weapon while submerged releases its cells in a dangerous discharge.
Reserve rapid fire for pressure
| Situation | Choice to consider | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Zombie blocks the route | Explosive weapon | Keep blast clearance |
| Enemy rushes a narrow room | Shotgun or rapid weapon | Avoid self-splash |
| Target is around a corner | Grenade bounce | The grenade can bounce back |
| Large dangerous target | Nails or cells | Track the shared ammo supply |
| Player is underwater | Non-lightning weapon | Thunderbolt discharge is hazardous |
Useful tip
In original Quake, firing the lightning weapon while submerged releases its cells in a dangerous discharge. Leave the water before using it unless deliberately experimenting with that hazard.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Quake publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| id Software Quake manual, archived transcription | manualzz.com |
| id Software Quake source release | github.com |
| Original final-boss walkthrough | quakeone.com |