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How to play QuakeWorld Team Fortress
QWTF is the original class shooter - the 1996 Quake mod that Team Fortress Classic and TF2 descend from. It is still fast, still strange, and preserved through the QWTF Play client and match archive. Here is everything you need to get started.
Start here
- 01 · Client. Download the free alpha for Windows, macOS or Linux. It is a complete package - engine, assets and maps included, nothing else to buy or own.
- 02 · Watch first. Not ready to commit? Browse a recorded match from the archive and see how the game moves.
- 03 · Learn the classes. Start with Soldier or Medic, then use the archive to see how experienced players move and defend.
Learn the game
Most QWTF maps are capture the flag: grab the enemy flag, carry it back to your own base, and stop them doing the same to you. The classic arena is 2fort - two symmetrical forts separated by a bridge and a lot of bad decisions.
Pick a class and start with the basics. Soldier and Medic are the recommended starters; the client marks them for you.
Movement is the game inside the game: QuakeWorld's physics reward bunny-hopping, rocket jumps and grenade jumps. Don't worry about any of that in match one. Shoot rockets, chase the flag, and the rest follows.
The nine classes
- Scout - the fastest thing on the map. Runs flags, concs ahead of the push.
- Soldier - rockets, armour, no bad matchups. Start here.
- Medic - heals by touch, second-fastest legs, concussion-jump specialist. The other starter.
- Demoman - pipe traps and detpacks. Owns doorways.
- HWGuy - an assault cannon with a person attached. The wall that shoots back.
- Sniper - patience as a weapon. Controls the long sightlines.
- Pyro - incendiary rockets and a flamethrower. Chaos, weaponised.
- Spy - disguises, feigned death, and the backstab you never saw.
- Engineer - sentries and dispensers. The backbone of every defence.
Find the community
Find client updates, archive news and QWTF Play feedback on Discord and Steam:
- QWTF Play Discord - discord.gg/BbBmjqAAwQ - help getting started, client builds and feedback.
- Steam group - QWTF Play on Steam - announcements when something big ships.
The player record and match archive preserve the game's history.
Questions people actually ask
- Is QWTF Play free?
- Yes. The downloadable QWTF Play client is free - no account, no purchase, no ads.
- What does QWTF mean?
- QWTF stands for QuakeWorld Team Fortress: the fast online version of the original 1996 Team Fortress mod for Quake.
- Do I need to own Quake to play?
- No. The QWTF Play client is a complete download - engine, assets and maps included.
- Does QWTF Play work on Mac?
- A macOS build is available alongside Windows and Linux downloads.
- Where can I learn more about QWTF Play?
- The QWTF Play community shares client updates, feedback and archive news on Discord and Steam.
- What is the difference between QWTF and Team Fortress 2?
- QWTF is the original 1996 Quake mod that the whole Team Fortress series descends from. It is faster and rougher than TF2: quicker movement, hand grenades, bunny-hopping and grenade jumps are all part of normal play.