This repository contains the game code for the 2023 rerelease of Quake II, for users who wish to mod the game, along with the original game code that was use for reference. Mods can be loaded into the rerelease the same way as the original game: launch the game with +set game mymod or type game mymod into the console while the game is running. We recommend installing mods into your %USERPROFILE%\Saved Games\Nightdive Studios\Quake II directory to ensure the original game files do not get modified.

id Software is unable to provide support for this release, however we urge you to take advantage of the depth of community-driven resources already available.

The rerelease of Quake II uses a new version of the API to communicate between the server & the game module. It also introduces a very thin “client game” module, akin to Quake III Arena’s cgame module, to allow for extended modding opportunities that change previously hardcoded client behavior. It also has a new network protocol, version 2023.

This codebase is a combination of the separate game modules that were part of the original game: baseq2, ctf, rogue, and xatrix. It requires a C++17 compiler. In cases of conflicting spawnflags, maps were modified in order to resolve issues, so original expansion pack maps may not load correctly with this DLL. The combined FGD as used for development is also available for users wishing to make new maps. A modified TrenchBroom Quake II gameconfig.cfg is included as there are modified textureflags.

Because the game export interface has changed, existing mods may be able to be moved over to support the API changes. However, in order to support all expansion packs under one codebase and new features in the rerelease, there have been some major changes to structure and layout, so old mods wishing to use the new codebase may need to be rewritten.

The API changes discussed here are written from the perspective of the game DLL.