Quake is played from a first-person perspective. The main objective is to fight through episodes of interconnected levels, collect keys, activate exits, discover secrets, and survive increasingly dangerous enemy encounters.

The Ranger uses firearms, explosives, and the powerful lightning gun while moving through corridors, platforms, water, and hazardous areas. Health and armor must be managed carefully, and hidden rooms often contain ammunition, power-ups, or alternate routes. The Nintendo 64 release supports a single-player campaign and multiplayer matches for up to four players using split-screen.

Learn the layout of each level before spending powerful ammunition. Conserve rockets and cells for tough enemies, and use the environment to separate groups or avoid unnecessary damage.

Search for secret areas and monitor health, armor, and ammunition before entering unfamiliar rooms. Keep moving during combat, especially against enemies with strong projectiles, and use vertical space whenever a level allows it.