# How to play Quake 3 Arena over Meshnet

## Introduction <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

[Quake 3 Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quake_III_Arena) is a classic first-person shooter game that has been a favorite among gamers for decades. While the game lacks a dedicated single-player storyline, it more than makes up for it with its engaging multiplayer experience.

In Quake 3 Arena, you can enjoy online multiplayer servers or create your own local server with just a few clicks. The server creation menu allows you to customize many aspects of the game, thereby making the game more interesting. However, what is the point of hosting a local server if none of your friends can join it?

By adding Meshnet to the equation, you can create a secure virtual network that connects devices located all over the world. Meshnet allows you to reap most of the benefits of [local area network](https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-lan/) (LAN) gaming, even when all of the participants are using different networks.

This article will showcase how you can use NordVPN’s Meshnet feature to play Quake 3 Arena on Windows with your friends.

## Start your Quake 3 Arena server <a href="#start-your-quake-3-arena-server" id="start-your-quake-3-arena-server"></a>

To create your personal Quake 3 Arena server:

1. Open **Quake 3 Arena**.

2. Select **Multiplayer** and click **Create**.

3. Choose your preferred map as well as the game mode and click **Next**.

4. Configure the server’s settings to your liking.

5. Set the **Dedicated** option to **No**.<br>

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FdhYSed1s4UlBoFSGVlct%2Fquake_dedicated_no.png?alt=media&#x26;token=400a05df-9091-4430-89e4-7e588e119039" alt="Quake 3 Arena server creation screen with the Dedicated option set to &#x27;No&#x27;"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

6. Click **Fight**.

Once the server loads in a few seconds, other people can start joining in.

## Invite your friends <a href="#invite-your-friends" id="invite-your-friends"></a>

After loading into the selected map, your friends can join the server to participate in the game. To connect to the server:

1. Copy the Meshnet IP address of the server computer from the NordVPN app by clicking it.

2. Open **Quake 3 Arena**.

3. Select **Multiplayer** and click **Specify**.

4. Paste the copied Meshet IP to the **Address** field.<br>

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FJiEnNmxP2sMaeBV7sSib%2Fquake_address.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ecc8ea86-1a3c-4b71-b8ff-69b16807aa96" alt="Entering Meshnet IP to the Address field"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

5. Click **Fight**.

Alternatively, you can open the console by pressing the **\~** (tilde) key on your keyboard and then typing in the following command, replacing `<server>` with the copied Meshnet IP address.

```
connect <server>
```

**Example**

```
connect 100.110.208.130
```

You will shortly be connected to the server and have the opportunity to enjoy a private LAN game of Quake 3 Arena through Meshnet.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FNMAM0ZT2wCgN4eXoBieG%2Fplayer2.png?alt=media&#x26;token=df5bc78a-480f-47fa-95e9-5e0a23815a65" alt="Two players in a Quake 3 Arena game"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>