Any player with Quake Live on Steam, on a Windows PC, can join a PlayNHost Quake Live server, with /connect and your server's address. Each player needs Quake Live in their own Steam library: Quake Live is not free on Steam. No id Software or Bethesda account is needed, and the server itself needs nothing from your Steam account.
Is Quake Live free to play?
No. The Quake Live Steam page sells the game, and Steam's store data marks it as not free (checked 30 Oct 2026). Every player needs it in their own Steam library. Your server does not need a copy: PlayNHost installs Quake Live's dedicated server, whose Linux files id Software put on Steam at no charge when the game moved to Steamworks on 27 October 2015 (Quake Live Steamworks Launch). PlayNHost downloads them without any Steam account of yours.
Which platforms can join?
| Platform | Can join? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC, Quake Live on Steam | Yes | The Steam store lists Quake Live for Windows |
| Mac | No | The Steam store lists no Mac version |
| Linux PC | No | The Steam store lists no Linux version |
| PlayStation, Xbox, Switch | No | Joining needs Quake Live from Steam, which the store sells for Windows PCs only |
So there is no crossplay to set up: everyone on your server plays the same Windows game from Steam.
Do players need a Bethesda or id Software account?
No. PlayNHost's ready email for Quake Live says it: anyone with Steam and the join address can connect with /connect from the in-game console. Joining steps: How to join your Quake Live server.
Can I keep strangers out?
Yes. Set a Server Password under Settings, Game Settings, and only players who have it can connect: How to change your Quake Live server name and password. To leave the server out of the public list as well, see How to list your Quake Live server in the server browser.
How many players can join at once?
As many as Max Players, the player limit your plan includes, up to 32: How many players can a Quake Live server have?
