*Controls
*The_Mouse
*Basic_Shooting_Tips *Basic_Jumping_Tips
*Basic_Sidestep_Tips
Welcome cadet, so you want to learn how to play I see? Well Quake 2 is only for the fast and the sharp ones. Don't worry these skills will grow on you the more you play. So here are the basics.
CONTROLS
Very important. The type of controls you use are crucial to fragging excellency. First off, make sure you are using mouse aiming. Turning this option on in *Options*, then *Customize Controls* In the Quake 2 Menu. Secondly, make sure you have a 'sidestep' button. I like to have the sidestep key on the centre key in the number pad but thats because I'm left handed. For those right handed, you should use the 'S' key as SIDESTEP, LEFT as 'A' key, RIGHT as 'D' key and FORWARD as 'W' key. Take note that these are just recommendations. Also make sure 'Always Run' is on (Find it in the *Customize Controls* menu)
The Mouse
The config I have is left button as FIRE and right button is JUMP. Other people prefer the right button as the CHANGE WEAPON or FORWARD button. Maybe you would prefer this I don't know its all about preference here.
GENERAL SHOOTING TIPS
If you don't know already, Quake 2 is a FPS (First Person Shooter). This means that you've gotta shoot to kill the other dudes. When shooting someone, try to shoot towards the centre of the enemy (everyone is your enemy in deathmatch). Aiming for the head is also good, but you'll most often miss. Remember, every bullet counts in Quake 2 so make sure they all count!
GENERAL JUMPING TIPS
I'm not the first to admit it but Quake 2 is extremely unrealistic. Your jumps are especially good when running away from enemies. By jumping you reduce the chance the enemy hits you in the centre. Snipers will also find it harder to hit you if you suddenly begin jumping around.
Of course in certain situations you shouldn't jump too much such as in lava and toxic areas. In these situations, back up, run until you reach the edge and then jump. Its hard at first but after a while lava should be more of a friend then your enemy when it comes to being chased.
GENERAL SIDESTEP TIPS
SIDESTEP. One of the most important buttons in Quake. When ever shooting SIDESTEP. If you notice an enemy firing SIDESTEP. Theres a good chance they've got the gun aimed right in your gut. Sidestepping is also good one-on-one but it depends on the skill of the opponent. Some Quakers can predict the sidestep and may throw the rocket in the place you sidestep to.
Now since you've read this perhaps you should go for some practice? The Quake 2 game doesn't provide you with much deathmatch training so you'll have to stick to bots. Bots are computer AI deathmatch players. You can download it here. Follow the instructions in the readme.txt to activate it.
Now onto the WEAPONS