How to Install Quake III Arena on macOS Using ioquake3

Quake III Arena is still one of the most responsive and competitive FPS games ever made. Thanks to ioquake3, the open-source engine based on id Software’s original code, it’s still possible—and surprisingly easy—to run Quake 3 natively on modern macOS.

This guide walks you through the cleanest way to get Quake III Arena running on macOS using ioquake3.

quake 3 arena online

What You Need

Before starting, make sure you have:

  • A legal copy of Quake III Arena
    • Original CD
    • GOG version
    • Steam version
  • A Mac running macOS 10.13 or newer
  • Basic familiarity with Finder and folders

⚠️ ioquake3 does not include game data. You must own Quake III Arena.

Step 1: Download ioquake3 for macOS

  1. Go to the official ioquake3 site:
  2. Download the macOS build (usually a .dmg or .zip)
  3. Extract the files and move ioquake3.app to your /Applications folder

Step 2: Get the Quake III Arena Game Data

You need the original game files, specifically the PAK files.

Required file:

  • pak0.pk3

Where to find it:

  • CD version:
    Quake III Arena/baseq3/pak0.pk3
  • Steam:
    Steam/steamapps/common/Quake 3 Arena/baseq3/
  • GOG:
    Installed game folder → baseq3/

Step 3: Create the baseq3 Folder for ioquake3

  1. Open Finder
  2. Go to: ~/Library/Application Support/
  3. Create a folder named: ioquake3
  4. Inside it, create another folder: baseq3
  5. Copy pak0.pk3 into: ~/Library/Application Support/ioquake3/baseq3/

Your folder structure should look like this:

ioquake3/
 └── baseq3/
     └── pak0.pk3

Step 4: Launch ioquake3

  1. Open ioquake3.app
  2. If macOS blocks it:
    • Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security
    • Allow the app manually

If everything is set correctly, Quake III Arena will launch immediately.

Step 5 (Optional): Add High-Resolution Support

To improve visuals on modern screens:

  1. Open the in-game console using ~
  2. Enter: r_mode -1 r_customwidth 1920 r_customheight 1080 vid_restart

You can adjust the resolution to match your display.

Step 6 (Optional): Enable Multiplayer

Quake III Arena still has active community servers.

Why ioquake3?

  • Native macOS support
  • Open-source and actively maintained
  • Better performance on modern hardware
  • Compatible with mods and custom maps

It’s the best way to experience Quake III Arena today.

Final Thoughts

Running Quake III Arena on macOS using ioquake3 proves one thing:
Great engines never die.

With a few files and the right setup, you can relive one of the purest FPS experiences ever made—exactly how it was meant to be played.

Old school. Fast movement. Zero compromises.

Buy Quake III Arena (Required)

ioquake3 does not include the original game assets. You must own a legal copy of Quake III Arena.

You can purchase the game directly from GOG here:
👉 https://www.gog.com/en/game/quake_iii_arena

Once installed or downloaded, you’ll have access to the required game data files.

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