What are the default controls for Quake III Arena?

Quake III Arena, a shooter game, uses 38 default keybinds across 6 categories. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.

Can you remap Quake III Arena controls?

Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Quake III Arena's in-game control or key-binding settings.

Which platforms do these Quake III Arena controls cover?

These keyboard controls apply on Windows. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.

Is this an official Quake III Arena resource?

No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Quake III Arena or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Quake III Arena Keyboard controls

Windows
38 default keybinds
Shooter →
Quake collection →

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Default keyboard and mouse controls for Quake III Arena, id Software's 1999 arena shooter. The list comes from id's own Default Controls manual page and the default.cfg that ships inside the game's pak file: W and the arrow keys walk, A and D step sideways, Ctrl or the left mouse button fires, the number row picks a weapon from Gauntlet to BFG10K, and F1 and F2 answer a vote.

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All Quake III Arena keyboard controls

Layout

38 shortcuts

Weapons 11

Action	Shortcut
Previous Weapon	`Wheel ↑`then`/`then`[`
Next Weapon	`Wheel ↓`then`/`then`]`then`/`then`/`
Rocket Launcher	`5`
Railgun	`7`
Shotgun	`3`
Lightning Gun	`6`
Plasma Gun	`8`
Gauntlet	`1`
Machine Gun	`2`
Grenade Launcher	`4`
BFG10K	`9`

Movement 10

Action	Shortcut
Walk Forward	`W`then`/`then`UP`
Jump / Up	`Space`
Backpedal	`S`then`/`then`DOWN`
Step Left	`A`
Step Right	`D`
Crouch / Down	`C`
Run / Walk	`Shift`
Sidestep / Turn	`Alt`then`/`then`RMB`
Turn Left	`LEFT`
Turn Right	`RIGHT`

Interface 7

Action	Shortcut
Show Scores	`Tab`
Menu	`Esc`
Console	`
Pause	`Pause`
Screenshot	`F11`
Shrink View	`−`
Enlarge View	`=`

View 4

Action	Shortcut
Zoom View	`MMB`
Center View	`End`
Look Up	`PgDn`
Look Down	`Del`

Multiplayer 4

Action	Shortcut
Chat	`T`
Vote Yes	`F1`
Vote No	`F2`
Team Orders	`F3`

Combat 2

Action	Shortcut
Attack	`LMB`then`/`then`Ctrl`
Use Item	`Enter`

Sourced from archive.org, github.com Last verified September 30, 2026

Esc

F10

F11

F12

⌫ Back

Tab

[

]

Caps

;

Enter ⏎

Shift

Ctrl

Win

Alt

Space

Alt

Win

Ctrl

MMB · Zoom View

↑

←

↓

→

+ 4 more controls in the table below

38 default keybinds across 6 categories. Most can be reassigned in Quake III Arena's control settings.

Unofficial reference. ShortcutPosters is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Quake III Arena. All product names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. See our licensing & trademark notice.

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Quake III Arena controls — FAQ

What are the default controls for Quake III Arena?: Quake III Arena, a shooter game, uses 38 default keybinds across 6 categories. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.
Can you remap Quake III Arena controls?: Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Quake III Arena's in-game control or key-binding settings.
Which platforms do these Quake III Arena controls cover?: These keyboard controls apply on Windows. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.
Is this an official Quake III Arena resource?: No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Quake III Arena or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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