------3. W E A P O N S----------------------------------------------------------

Explore all nine unique weapons in Quake III Arena. Learn their stats, damage, fire rate, and effective strategies for each weapon, from the Gauntlet to the BFG 10K.

Quake III Arena features nine distinct weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. While a secondary fire mode for each weapon would have doubled the arsenal, the existing nine are well-designed and effective.

Below is a quick reference chart for all weapons:

WEAPON	SPEED	RANGE	MAX AMMO	FIRE RATE	HIT DAMAGE
Gauntlet	N/A	Point Blank	N/A	N/A	50
Machine Gun	Instant	Infinite	200	Very High	7, 5 in TP
Shotgun	Instant	Infinite	200	Slow	110
Grenade Launcher	Slow	90ft max	200	Slow	120
Rocket Launcher	Moderate	Infinite	200	Slow	100
Lightning Gun	Fast	80ft	200	Non Stop	8 (1 cell)
Rail Gun	Instant	Infinite	200	Very Slow	100
Plasma Gun	Very fast	Infinite	200	High	20 (1 ball)
BFG 10K	Very fast	Infinite	200	High	100

Gauntlet

The Gauntlet is a melee weapon useful when you have no other ammo. It can kill an opponent in one or two hits at close range. It's best used for surprise attacks, such as luring enemies around corners. By crouching, you become a harder target while closing the distance.

Speed of Projectile: N/A
Range: Point Blank
Starting Ammo: N/A
Max Ammo: N/A
Fire Rate: N/A
Damage: 50

Machine Gun

The Machine Gun is the default weapon in Quake III Arena. It can be effective against weaker opponents when used properly. Aiming for the head can be effective against fleeing enemies. However, be cautious of stronger opponents with better weapons, especially around corners.

Speed of Projectile: Instant
Range: Infinite
Starting Ammo: 100
Max Ammo: 200
Fire Rate: Very High
Damage: 7, 5 in TP (team-play)

Shotgun

The Shotgun is a popular weapon known for its power. At close range, it fires eleven pellets, dealing up to 110 damage. The spread of the pellets increases with distance, reducing effectiveness at longer ranges.

Speed of Projectile: Instant
Range: Infinite
Starting Ammo: 10
Max Ammo: 200
Fire Rate: Slow
Damage: 110 max, varies depending on range.

Grenade Launcher

The Grenade Launcher is considered difficult to use effectively in direct assaults. It is more suited for campers or for creating traps. A common tactic is to shoot grenades ahead of you when being chased down a corridor, creating a hazard for pursuers.

Speed of Projectile: Slow
Range: 90ft max
Starting Ammo: 100
Max Ammo: 200
Fire Rate: Slow
Damage: 120