Basic Maneuvers

Sometimes it's hard to tell - particularly at a distance - whether an enemy is dead or just wounded. Unless you're short on ammo, don't be afraid to pump an extra shot or two into them. On the other hand, you can always tell when grunts, enforcers, and ogres are dead - their ammo sacks fly into the air when they expire.

When attacking an enemy, keep in mind that the distance between you and your target can make a big difference. Firing at a grunt who is barely visible at the end of a hallway does not have the same impact as shoving a gun in his face and pulling the trigger.

Fire up close and personal to leave little room for survivors

Turning the monsters against each other is a good way to conserve ammo and health

Although head-on attacks are lots of fun (it's a macho thing), you'll spend less time searching frantically for health power-ups if you use a couple of very basic attack strategies:

Seek out safe places from which to launch your assault. For example, if you move up against a wall or corner, you can often pick off enemies as soon as part of them appears (an arm or leg, for instance). On a related note, monsters will occasionally get caught on walls. Stand at the end of a hallway and brace yourself against the wall leading into a room. Monsters will approach, but their close-range attacks will be rendered useless by the wall - and you can easily pick them off.

Side-stepping can sometimes move you out of harm's way. Learn to use it effectively, especially when approaching large rooms from narrow corridors.

Listen as you shoot: Struck enemies make characteristic sounds when they've been hit.

As in Doom, many of the most vicious monsters can be immobilized by a steady stream of fire from the nailgun or super nailgun. This tactic works well with death knights and shamblers, for example.

Unlike Doom and Doom II, where point-and-shoot is the name of the game, aiming is critical in Quake. You can't hit an enemy who's above you if you're aiming at ground level. Learn to raise and lower your sights. And when shooting at a trigger switch object, watch where your bullets strike. Unless you're using a very powerful weapon, merely coming close to your target won't cut it.

Most regular doors and buttons are triggered by touch. Don't waste ammo on them. Secret entrances, however, must be struck or shot before they'll open. When exploring for secret entrances, use your ax instead of wasting ammo.

Finally, use the monsters' aggressive nature to your benefit. Doom veterans will be familiar with this tactic, though it is much more effective in Quake. There are many rooms where you'll face an overwhelming number of monsters. When more than one breed is present, try to get them to attack each other. Get a few death knights to attack a few fiends and you'll save immeasurable ammo and health.