Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Quake III Arena (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Quake III Arena on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Quake, which both science fiction and atmospheric.
- Quake III Arena is tagged FPS, Arena Shooter, Classic, Action, Multiplayer, Shooter, Competitive, 1990's by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Quake
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 12 player tags including FPS, Classic and Shooter; released around the same time (1996).
Developed by the award-winning id Software, Quake® is the ground-breaking, original dark fantasy first-person shooter that inspires today’s retro-style FPS games. With Quake (Enhanced), experience the authentic, updated, and visually enhanced version of the original.
Quake at a glance Released 1996 Studio Nightdive Studios Player sentiment 96% positive of 16,302 Price $9.99 FPSClassicShooter1990'sFirst-PersonOld SchoolGoreFast-Paced
- 2
Quake II
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 12 player tags including FPS, Classic and Shooter; released around the same time (1997).
You are humanity’s last hope to stop the Strogg, a hostile alien race waging war against Earth. Play this military sci-fi FPS, now upgraded for modern platforms with improved visuals, new campaign content, online multiplayer/co-op, and more.
Quake II at a glance Released 1997 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 95% positive of 10,370 Price $9.99 FPSClassicShooterBoomer Shooter1990'sSci-fiGoreFirst-Person
- 3
DOOM + DOOM II
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 13 player tags including FPS, Classic and 1990's.
Developed by id Software, and originally released in 1993 and 1994, the definitive, newly enhanced versions of DOOM + DOOM II are available as a combined product.
DOOM + DOOM II at a glance Released 2007 Studio id Software Player sentiment 97% positive of 28,979 Price $9.99 FPSClassic1990'sOld SchoolShooterGoreFirst-PersonBoomer Shooter
- 4
Deathmatch Classic
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 12 player tags including FPS, Classic and Shooter; released around the same time (2001).
Enjoy fast-paced multiplayer gaming with Deathmatch Classic (a.k.a. DMC). Valve's tribute to the work of id software, DMC invites players to grab their rocket launchers and put their reflexes to the test in a collection of futuristic settings.
Deathmatch Classic at a glance Released 2001 Studio Valve Player sentiment 83% positive of 3,320 Price $4.99 FPSClassicShooterFirst-PersonArena ShooterOld SchoolSci-fiCompetitive
- 5
Doom 64
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 11 player tags including FPS, Classic and 1990's; released around the same time (1997).
Play the enhanced version of the original game released on the Nintendo 64 in 1997. Years have passed since you stopped Hell’s invasion of Earth. Quarantined for humanity’s safety, the UAC research facilities on Mars were abandoned and forgotten...until now.
Doom 64 at a glance Released 1997 Studio Midway Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,793 Price $4.99 FPSClassic1990'sGoreShooterViolentFirst-PersonBoomer Shooter
- 6
Quake Champions
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 12 player tags including Arena Shooter, FPS and Fast-Paced.
Step into the Arena. Compete against players from around the world in this fast-paced shooter that combines the dark mythos of the original Quake with the skill-based competition of Quake III Arena. Become a Champion.
Quake Champions at a glance Released 2022 Studio id Software Player sentiment 74% positive of 39,005 Price Free Arena ShooterFPSFast-PacedGoreShooterFirst-PersonCompetitiveViolent
- 7
Half-Life
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Classic and 1990's; released around the same time (1998).
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
Half-Life at a glance Released 1998 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 96% positive of 163,786 Price $9.99 FPSClassic1990'sSci-fiShooterFirst-PersonGoreModdable
- 8
Quake 4
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 11 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Sci-fi.
As part of the elite Rhino Squad, you must spearhead Earth’s military invasion of a hostile alien homeworld. But, in this desperate war for humanity’s survival against an unrelenting enemy, you may discover that the only way to defeat them...is to become one of them.
Quake 4 at a glance Released 2005 Studio Raven Software Player sentiment 88% positive of 3,977 Price $14.99 FPSShooterSci-fiGoreClassicFirst-PersonFast-PacedArena Shooter
- 9
DOOM
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Gore and Shooter.
Now includes all three premium DLC packs (Unto the Evil, Hell Followed, and Bloodfall), maps, modes, and weapons, as well as all feature updates including Arcade Mode, Photo Mode, and the latest Update 6.66, which brings further multiplayer improvements as well as revamps multiplayer progression.
DOOM at a glance Released 2016 Studio id Software Player sentiment 96% positive of 221,344 Price $19.99 FPSGoreShooterFirst-PersonFast-PacedSci-fiClassicDifficult
- 10
Unreal Gold
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Classic, FPS and Sci-fi.
Your prison ship has crash-landed on the fastest, sleekest, most dangerous 3D world ever created. Look around, crystal clear water shimmers, shadows dance and shift, alien architecture fades into the horizon.
Unreal Gold at a glance Released 2008 Studio Epic Games, Inc. Player sentiment 89% positive of 2,569 Price Not listed ClassicFPSSci-fiShooterFirst-Person1990'sOld SchoolFast-Paced
- 11
Unreal Tournament 3 Black
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including FPS, Arena Shooter and Shooter.
Now includes the free Titan Pack expansion! The Titan Pack gives players a substantial amount of enhanced features and new content, including many original environments, new gametypes, the namesake Titan mutator, powerful deployables and weapons, new characters, and the Stealthbender.
Unreal Tournament 3 Black at a glance Released 2009 Studio Epic Games, Inc. Player sentiment 88% positive of 4,204 Price Not listed FPSArena ShooterShooterSci-fiFast-PacedFirst-PersonGoreCompetitive
- 12
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Sci-fi.
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source is a recreation of the first multiplayer game set in the Half-Life universe. Features all the classic weapons and most-played maps, now running on the Source engine.
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source at a glance Released 2006 Studio Valve Player sentiment 76% positive of 5,582 Price $9.99 FPSShooterSci-fiFirst-PersonClassicViolentCompetitiveFast-Paced
- 13
DOOM II
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 11 player tags including Classic, FPS and 1990's.
Hell has invaded Earth, and to save it, you must battle mightier demons with even more powerful weapons. This beloved sequel to the groundbreaking DOOM (1993) introduced players to the brutal Super Shotgun, the infamous Icon of Sin boss, and more intense FPS action.
DOOM II at a glance Released 2007 Studio id Software Player sentiment 95% positive of 9,057 Price Not listed ClassicFPS1990'sShooterGoreOld SchoolModdableViolent
- 14
Serious Sam II
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person.
Serious Sam II is a shot of adrenaline to the hearts of first-person shooter fans across the world. This is serious!
Serious Sam II at a glance Released 2012 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 90% positive of 14,188 Price $9.99 FPSShooterFirst-PersonGoreClassicSci-fiBoomer ShooterDifficult
- 15
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Classic and Sci-fi; released around the same time (1999).
Return to the Black Mesa Research Facility as one of the military specialists assigned to eliminate Gordon Freeman. Experience an entirely new episode of single player action. Meet fierce alien opponents, and experiment with new weaponry. Named 'Game of the Year' by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
Half-Life: Opposing Force at a glance Released 1999 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 95% positive of 28,900 Price $4.99 FPSClassicSci-fiShooterFirst-Person1990'sGoreModdable
- 16
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and Shooter; released around the same time (2001).
Made by Gearbox Software and originally released in 2001 as an add-on to Half-Life, Blue Shift is a return to the Black Mesa Research Facility in which you play as Barney Calhoun, the security guard sidekick who helped Gordon out of so many sticky situations.
Half-Life: Blue Shift at a glance Released 2001 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 21,191 Price $4.99 FPSSci-fiShooterClassicFirst-Person1990'sModdableViolent
- 17
Wolfenstein 3D
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 10 player tags including FPS, 1990's and Old School.
World War II rages. The Nazis are planning to build an unstoppable, mutant army. On a mission to steal the secret plans, you were captured and imprisoned. Now, a lucky break gives you the chance to escape, but a maze of passages and trigger-happy Nazis stand in your way.
Wolfenstein 3D at a glance Released 1992 Studio Interplay Entertainment Player sentiment 93% positive of 4,352 Price $4.99 FPS1990'sOld SchoolFirst-PersonShooterClassicModdableDifficult
- 18
Half-Life 2: Deathmatch
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person.
Fast multiplayer action set in the Half-Life 2 universe! HL2's physics adds a new dimension to deathmatch play. Play straight deathmatch or try Combine vs. Resistance teamplay. Toss a toilet at your friend today!
Half-Life 2: Deathmatch at a glance Released 2004 Studio Valve Player sentiment 91% positive of 15,340 Price Not listed FPSShooterFirst-PersonSci-fiCompetitiveOld SchoolArena ShooterModdable
- 19
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Classic and Gore; released around the same time (1998).
Having defeated the Campaigner, Turok throws the Chronocepter into a waiting volcano to destroy it. Unfortunately the blast awakens an even deadlier force - The Primagen. Once again a Turok is tasked with restoring peace to the land and stopping the Primagen from merging Earth with the nether world.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil at a glance Released 1998 Studio Acclaim Studios Austin Player sentiment 90% positive of 2,835 Price $19.99 FPSClassicGoreViolentSci-fi1990'sShooterBoomer Shooter
- 20
Deus Ex
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Classic, FPS and Sci-fi; published by the same company; released around the same time (2000).
The year is 2052. The world's economies are close to collapse and the gap between the insanely wealthy and the desperately poor grows ever wider. Worst of all, an ages old conspiracy bent on world domination has decided that the time is right to emerge from the shadows and take control.
Deus Ex at a glance Released 2000 Studio Ion Storm Player sentiment 95% positive of 15,619 Price $6.99 ClassicFPSSci-fiFirst-PersonModdableShooter
- 21
Alien: Isolation
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Sci-fi, First-Person and Difficult.
Discover the true meaning of fear in Alien: Isolation, a survival horror set in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger.
Alien: Isolation at a glance Released 2014 Studio Creative Assembly Player sentiment 93% positive of 66,658 Price $11.99 Sci-fiFirst-PersonDifficultFPSGoreShooter
- 22
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Gore.
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is a visually upgraded and fully Steam supported remake version of the original high-adrenaline single-play and 16-player co-operative arcade-action FPS which was Gamespot's Game of the Year 2001 and which scored overall of 87% on Metacritic!
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter at a glance Released 2009 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,940 Price $14.99 FPSShooterGoreClassicFirst-PersonOld SchoolDifficultSci-fi
- 23
AMID EVIL
Why it matched: both science fiction and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Old School, Boomer Shooter and Arena Shooter.
A retro FPS for the ages! Once branded a HERETIC. Now YOU have been chosen as our champion! Reclaim our sacred weapons. Take back our ancient lands. If you can stand... AMID EVIL.
AMID EVIL at a glance Released 2019 Studio Indefatigable Player sentiment 93% positive of 7,723 Price $19.99 Old SchoolBoomer ShooterArena ShooterFPSSci-fiShooterFirst-Person1990's
- 24
Far Cry
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including FPS, Classic and Shooter.
A tropical paradise seethes with hidden evil in Far Cry®, a cunningly detailed action shooter that pushes the boundaries of combat to shocking new levels. Freelance mariner Jack Carver is cursing the day he ever came to this island.
Far Cry at a glance Released 2004 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 82% positive of 11,764 Price $9.99 FPSClassicShooterFirst-PersonDifficultSci-fi
Common questions
What game is most like Quake III Arena?
Quake, on the evidence we have. It both science fiction and atmospheric. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Quake III Arena" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Quake III Arena. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.