As pioneering titles in the legendary first-person shooter lineage that began with Doom, the Quake series has secured its legacy since the original’s 1996 release. Celebrated for their intense combat, cutting-edge 3D visuals, and revolutionary online multiplayer, the first four Quake games remain compelling experiences even today. Thanks to modern engine reimaginings and virtualization technology, you can now enjoy these fast-paced classics on your Apple silicon Mac. Here’s how.

Table of Contents

• How to Run Quake 1 on Apple Silicon Macs
• How to Run Quake 2 on Apple Silicon Macs
• How to Run Quake 3 on Apple Silicon Macs
• How to Run Quake 4 on Apple Silicon Macs
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tip: Craving more retro FPS thrills? Discover how to play Doom 1, 2, and 3 on Apple silicon Macs.

How to Run Quake 1 on Apple Silicon Macs

The original Mac version of Quake 1 is incompatible with Apple silicon, even with Rosetta 2 enabled. However, you can relive the game’s dark, gothic world through vkQuake—a contemporary engine port that delivers superior visuals, enhanced stability, and broader compatibility. Follow these steps:

1. Download the signed and notarized version of vkQuake. Alternatively, compile it yourself using the source code on its GitHub repository.

2. Open the downloaded “vkQuake.dmg” file and drag the application into your “Applications” folder.

3. Buy Quake 1 from GOG.com and download the official Extractor tool. Use it to unpack the game data from the installer. Set the Quake 1 installer as the “Input File” and your “Downloads” folder as the output location.

4. Find the “id1” folder in the output directory and move it to your “Applications” folder, placing it alongside vkQuake.app.

5. Launch vkQuake and dive into the classic campaign on your Apple silicon Mac.

Tip: Apple Arcade subscriber? Explore the top Apple Arcade titles available on Mac.

How to Run Quake 2 on Apple Silicon Macs

Revive the sci-fi intensity of Quake 2 on your Apple silicon Mac with Yamagi Quake II, a faithful and highly optimized engine port. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Head to MacSourcePorts.com and download the signed and notarized build of Yamagi Quake II. For the technically inclined, you can also compile it from source.

2. After downloading, open “yquake.dmg” and drag the app into your “Applications” folder.

3. Purchase Quake 2 from GOG.com and download the Extractor tool to unpack the game files from the installer.

4. Open Finder, go to your home directory, and press command + shift + . to reveal hidden files. Create a new folder named “~/.yq2/”.

5. Locate the “baseq2” folder from the extraction output and copy it into the “~/.yq2/” folder you just created.

6. Start Yamagi Quake II and prepare to battle the Strogg once more.

Tip: Quake II RTX is not compatible with Apple silicon Macs due to its reliance on NVIDIA-specific ray tracing, which isn’t supported on this platform.

How to Run Quake 3 on Apple Silicon Macs

For fans eager to jump back into Quake 3’s lightning-fast multiplayer arenas, ioquake3 is the ideal solution—an updated engine port built for modern systems with improved compatibility and performance.

1. Get the signed and notarized version of ioquake3 from MacSourcePorts.com, or build it from source via its GitHub page.

2. Open the “ioquake3.dmg” file and move the app to your “Applications” folder.

3. Buy Quake 3 from GOG.com. You’ll need a legitimate copy to extract the required game data. Download the Extractor tool and use it to unpack the installer.

4. In Finder, create a folder named “Quake3” inside “~/Library/Application Support/”. Then, copy the “baseq3” folder from the extracted files and paste it into the new “Quake3” directory.

5. Launch ioquake3 and test your skills in a deathmatch.

Good to know: Maximize your Mac’s gaming potential by learning how to install Unreal Engine.

How to Run Quake 4 on Apple Silicon Macs

Currently, there is no native engine port of Quake 4 that supports Apple silicon. However, you can still play it smoothly—achieving 60 FPS with ultra settings at 1440×900 resolution—by running it in a Windows virtual machine using Parallels Desktop.

1. Download and install the free trial of Parallels Desktop on your Apple silicon Mac.
2. Purchase Quake 4 from GOG.com or Steam. Launch Parallels and install the game inside the virtual Windows environment, just as you would on a regular PC.

3. Switch to full screen by selecting “View -> Enter Full Screen” or clicking the green full-screen button. Then launch Quake 4 and start your campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need original copies of the Quake games to play them legally on my Apple silicon Mac?

Yes. To play legally, you must own a valid copy of each game. The easiest way is to purchase them from platforms like GOG.com.

Are Apple silicon Macs powerful enough to run Quake 1, 2, 3, and 4 at 60 FPS?

Absolutely. The first three titles run flawlessly, even at 4K resolution. Quake 4 performs excellently within Parallels with proper configuration.

Can I play multiplayer in the Quake games on my Apple silicon Mac?

Yes. Multiplayer modes work perfectly on Apple silicon Macs using the modern engine ports—just find your opponents online.

Can I play the 2021 Quake 1 re-release on my Apple silicon Mac?

Yes. The remastered Quake 1 from Steam features updated visuals and runs on Apple silicon. While vkQuake

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