Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Zero-K VS Quake

Compare Zero-K VS Quake and see what are their differences

Zero-K logo Zero-K

Do you want epic battles?

Quake logo Quake

Quake is a series of first-person shooter video games released by id Software.
  • Zero-K Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21
  • Quake Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-01

Zero-K features and specs

  • Open Source
    Zero-K is completely open-source, allowing players to modify the game, contribute to its development, or simply enjoy it for free.
  • Active Community
    The game has an engaged community that contributes to ongoing development, discussion, and support for new players.
  • Complex Gameplay
    Zero-K offers deep strategic gameplay with a variety of units and mechanics that cater to experienced RTS players seeking challenging engagements.
  • Regular Updates
    The game receives regular updates that introduce new features, balance changes, and bug fixes, keeping it fresh and engaging.
  • No Microtransactions
    Zero-K does not include microtransactions, ensuring that all players have access to the same content without additional purchases.

Possible disadvantages of Zero-K

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The game can be difficult for beginners due to its complex mechanics and lack of comprehensive tutorials for new players.
  • Limited Graphics
    Compared to modern commercial RTS games, Zero-K's graphics are less advanced, which may be off-putting to players who prioritize visuals.
  • Occasional Bugs
    As an open-source project, Zero-K might experience occasional bugs or glitches, although they are usually resolved quickly by the community.
  • Smaller Player Base
    Being a niche game, Zero-K has a smaller player base, which may result in longer waiting times for multiplayer matches.
  • System Requirements
    Despite its simpler graphics, Zero-K can be demanding on system resources, potentially requiring a powerful PC for optimal performance.

Quake features and specs

  • Classic First-Person Shooter Experience
    Quake is a pioneer in the FPS genre, providing a timeless gaming experience with fast-paced action and engaging gameplay that has influenced countless other FPS games.
  • Modding Community
    Quake has a robust and active modding community, offering a wide range of user-generated content that can significantly extend the game's replayability and customization.
  • Multiplayer Mode
    The game includes a multiplayer mode that allows players to compete against each other, enhancing its longevity and providing a competitive edge that appeals to many gamers.
  • Remastered Version
    The remastered version of Quake comes with updated graphics and improved performance, making the game more accessible and visually appealing to modern audiences.
  • Cross-Platform Play
    Quake supports cross-platform play, allowing players on different systems to compete against each other, which can reduce matchmaking times and enhance the community.

Possible disadvantages of Quake

  • Outdated Mechanics
    Some gameplay mechanics may feel outdated to modern players who are accustomed to more recent shooter innovations and controls.
  • Limited Single-Player Content
    While Quake's single-player campaign is historic and influential, it may be considered short and less complex compared to contemporary single-player campaigns.
  • Retro Graphics
    Even with the remastered update, the graphics may still appear retro and lack the polish and detail found in more modern games, which could be a turn-off for some players.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    New players might find Quake's fast-paced action and unique mechanics challenging to master, leading to a steeper learning curve compared to other FPS titles.
  • Niche Appeal
    Due to its age and style, Quake might appeal more to nostalgic players or those with an interest in retro gaming, rather than attracting a broader modern gaming audience.

Analysis of Quake

Overall verdict

  • Quake (quake.bethesda.net) is generally well-regarded among fans of first-person shooters and those with a nostalgic appreciation for classic games.

Why this product is good

  • The game is praised for its fast-paced, skill-based gameplay and its faithful remastering of the original 1996 shooter. The updated graphics and smoother performance enhance the gaming experience while retaining the core mechanics that made Quake a revolutionary title in the FPS genre. Additionally, the game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, providing varied experiences and high replayability.

Recommended for

    Quake is highly recommended for fans of classic FPS games, players who enjoy competitive multiplayer environments, and those who appreciate games with a strong emphasis on movement and precision shooting. It's also suitable for newcomers interested in exploring the roots of modern first-person shooters.

Zero-K videos

A Brief Fling with Zero-K โค๏ธ

More videos:

  • Review - The Next Supreme Commander - Zero-k Review and impressions - Zerok New Epic RTS

Quake videos

Retro Review - Quake 1 PC Game Review

More videos:

  • Review - Quake - An LGR Retrospective
  • Review - Quake 1 2 3 and 4 review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Zero-K and Quake)
Games
76 76%
24% 24
Data Dashboard
0 0%
100% 100
Strategy Games
100 100%
0% 0
Action
46 46%
54% 54

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Zero-K seems to be a lot more popular than Quake. While we know about 22 links to Zero-K, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Quake. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Zero-K mentions (22)

  • Beyond All Reason โ€“ open-source RTS game built on top of the Recoil RTS Engine
    Zero-K is a similar game (also opensource, built on same engine, slightly different design goals): https://zero-k.info/ https://store.steampowered.com/app/334920/ZeroK/ Zero-K simplified the economy (metal cost = energy cost) but added a whole lot of mechanics like overdrive grids and made every unit unique. There is a lot more unit variety with mind-control, jumpjets, shields, unit-throwers, self-replicators,... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Supreme Commander Graphics Study
    And, for completion, with the same engine that beyond all reason is done, but with a different game play feeling: https://zero-k.info/ I personally prefer Zero-K (flatter tech tree, territory can be more important), but both are great games. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • OpenRA โ€“ Classic strategy games rebuilt for the modern era
    I'll take this opportunity to recommend Zero-K[1] for those who were into Total Annihilation. It's truly excellent! [1]: https://zero-k.info/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Deadlands in Beyond All Reason (BAR)
    Zero-k (https://zero-k.info/) on the same engine supports custom maps. How would you feel about uploading / other people uploading the map? Source: about 3 years ago
  • What is your favorite open source Linux game? Mine is Wideland (Best way to describe is the way Settlers 3 should have been)
    My current favorite is Beyond All Reason. Before BAR, my favorite was Zero-K. Both BAR and zk use the same game engine, SpringRTS. BAR and zk are very similar to one another, and they're successors for Total Annihilation and Supreme Commander. Source: over 3 years ago
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Quake mentions (2)

  • Game Pass perks code
    Usually codes should be redeemable via the Bethesda account (https://quake.bethesda.net/en) or the Steam library. But unfortunately I have no idea what kind of account you get with Game Pass. If all else fails you could try to ping u/SyncError, he's a/the developer and often willing to help. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Does anybody have the full picture of this?
    Here you go man! I found this through the official Quake.com home page. Source: about 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Zero-K and Quake, you can also consider the following products

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Doom - Doom is a science fiction horror-themed first-person shooter video game in which players assume the...

Spring Engine - Spring is a versatile 3D RTS game engine.

Xonotic - Xonotic is a free (GPL), fast-paced first-person shooter that works on Windows, OS X and Linux.

Veloren - A multiplayer voxel RPG. Inspired in games such as Cube World, Breath of the Wild, Dwarf Fortress and Minecraft.

Unreal Tournament - Unreal is a series of first-person shooter video games developed by Epic Games.