[13-7] Who to look out for

Learn to recognize top Quake modem players like Zer0, Novak, and The_Brain. Understand their playstyles and how to counter them in online matches.

Alright, so you're getting pretty good at Quake, huh? You've mastered the basics and you're ready to take on other players online. But the internet is a wild place, and not everyone you meet is going to be a pushover. Some folks are just naturally gifted, or they've put in the hours to become absolute beasts. This section is all about helping you spot those players – the ones you really need to watch out for if you want to come out on top.

Think of this as your cheat sheet for identifying the heavy hitters on the servers. Knowing who's who can totally change how you approach a match. Are they aggressive? Sneaky? Do they love a certain weapon? We'll break down some of the top players that were around back in the day, so you can get a heads-up on what to expect.

Who to Watch Out For

• [Zer0]: This player is all about skill. They're known for being incredibly good and don't hold back. Just be ready for a tough fight.
• [Novak]: Seriously tough. This guy is a master of understanding and exploiting player patterns. If you're predictable, he'll punish you for it.
• [The_Brain]: He's got a really aggressive playstyle. If you let him get going, he can rack up a ton of kills really fast. You've got to stay on him.
• [Shostakov]: Similar to The_Brain in his aggression, but Shostakov is considered even better. He's a potshot player, meaning he'll take opportunistic shots.
• [^Dragon^]: A genuinely good player and a friend of the author. He's a sneaky one, so you'll need to keep your eyes peeled. He actively looks for opportunities to surprise you.
• [Mynx]: She's noted as the only female player mentioned and a very strong one at that. While her exact skill level is hard to gauge because she often plays teamed up, she's definitely tough.
• [RIP]: He's a decent player who makes the servers more competitive. He's improving at an impressive rate, so expect him to get even better quickly.
• [Gooseman]: This player has a particular fondness for missiles. If you find yourself in a match with him, prepare for a lot of explosions and 'gibbed' opponents. A specific strategy against him isn't detailed yet, but expect rocket spam.
• [SwanSong]: Another well-rounded player who's fun to compete against. He's good enough to occasionally beat the author, so he's definitely a skilled opponent.
• [RomeovioD]: Included mostly for his massive ego, which is apparently bigger than the author's! He's still looking for a match, so if you think you're the best 28.8 deathmatcher out there, he might be your challenge.
• [Kill-9]: This player is very skilled, especially on the map Zigguruat Vertigo. If you see him there, be extra cautious.

So there you have it – a rundown of some of the top talents you might encounter. Remember, knowing your opponent is half the battle. Keep these names in mind, watch their playstyle, and adapt. Good luck out there!