Deathmatch Classic Reviews
Enjoy fast-paced multiplayer gaming with Deathmatch Classic (a.k.a. DMC). Valve's tribute to the work of id software, DMC invites players to grab their rocket launchers and put their reflexes to the test in a collection of futuristic settings.
App ID | 40 |
App Type | GAME |
Developers | Valve |
Publishers | Valve |
Categories | Multi-player, PvP, Online PvP, Remote Play Together, Shared/Split Screen PvP, Valve Anti-Cheat enabled |
Genres | Action |
Release Date | 1 Jun, 2001 |
Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Supported Languages | English, French, Italian, German, Spanish - Spain, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Russian, Korean |

1 211 Total Reviews
999 Positive Reviews
212 Negative Reviews
Mostly Positive Score
Deathmatch Classic has garnered a total of 1 211 reviews, with 999 positive reviews and 212 negative reviews, resulting in a ‘Mostly Positive’ overall score.
Reviews Chart
Chart above illustrates the trend of feedback for Deathmatch Classic over time, showcasing the dynamic changes in player opinions as new updates and features have been introduced. This visual representation helps to understand the game's reception and how it has evolved.
Recent Steam Reviews
This section displays the 10 most recent Steam reviews for the game, showcasing a mix of player experiences and sentiments. Each review summary includes the total playtime along with the number of thumbs-up and thumbs-down reactions, clearly indicating the community's feedback
Playtime:
619 minutes
░░░░░░░░░░░░▄▄░░░░░░░░░
░░░░░░░░░░░█░░█░░░░░░░░
░░░░░░░░░░░█░░█░░░░░░░░
░░░░░░░░░░█░░░█░░░░░░░░
░░░░░░░░░█░░░░█░░░░░░░░
███████▄▄█░░░░░██████▄░░
▓▓▓▓▓▓█░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█░
▓▓▓▓▓▓█░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█░
▓▓▓▓▓▓█░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█░
▓▓▓▓▓▓█░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█░
▓▓▓▓▓▓█░░░░░░░░░░░░░░█░
▓▓▓▓▓▓█████░░░░░░░░░█░░
██████▀░░░░▀▀██████▀░░░░
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
13 minutes
Fun
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
188 minutes
fun game but i have no friends to play with
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
31 minutes
Its just Quake with a little Half-Life deathmatch.
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
20 minutes
this song is so fire Man puts me in the mood to play cod mobile 📱👍 👽👽👽👽👽👽
👍 : 1 |
😃 : 2
Positive
Playtime:
54 minutes
I love the game but sadly i saw it has 2 players playing right now.. i wish Valve made this game for free
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
297 minutes
graphics great
gameplay ok
lack of knowing if what you're doing is actually doing damage
👍 : 0 |
😃 : 0
Positive
Playtime:
6 minutes
You're not going to find many players online with this game, which is unfortunate. Only get this game if you know a group of players that play.
Edit: Half Life Deathmatch Source is fairly active as of February 2025 so I would play that version instead.
👍 : 1 |
😃 : 0
Negative
Playtime:
2992 minutes
🎯 Rating: 7.6/10
📜 Overview
Deathmatch Classic is a multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Valve and released in 2001. The game is a re-imagining of the classic Quake deathmatch, using the Half-Life engine. It offers fast-paced, competitive deathmatch gameplay where players fight to be the last one standing. The game features a variety of weapons and maps, all designed to provide a competitive, skill-based experience. Although Deathmatch Classic was never as popular as Counter-Strike or Team Fortress Classic, it remains a nostalgic title for those who appreciate old-school, arena-style shooters.
🌟 Pros
✅ Fast-Paced Action – True to its roots, Deathmatch Classic offers frantic, fast-paced combat that rewards quick reflexes and precise aim.
✅ Classic Shooter Feel – The game brings back the classic arena-shooter experience that Quake fans will appreciate, with plenty of weapons and power-ups scattered throughout the maps.
✅ Simple and Addictive – The mechanics are straightforward, making it easy for new players to jump in, but hard to master, offering a level of competitive depth for those who invest time.
✅ Nostalgic Appeal – For fans of older shooters, Deathmatch Classic delivers a nostalgic experience that recalls the heyday of PC gaming in the late 90s and early 2000s.
⚠️ Cons
❌ Limited Content – The game lacks the content and game modes of modern multiplayer shooters. Its map pool and weapon variety are relatively basic compared to newer titles.
❌ Outdated Graphics – The graphics, while improved with the Source engine, are still relatively dated and may not appeal to players accustomed to more modern visuals.
❌ Small Player Base – The game's community has dwindled over the years, making it difficult to find active servers, especially on official servers.
❌ Minimal Updates – Since its release, Deathmatch Classic has not seen significant updates or new content, leaving it stagnant compared to the evolution of other Valve games.
💬 Player Sentiment
Positive Reviews: Players who enjoy fast, old-school multiplayer shooters appreciate the directness and intensity of Deathmatch Classic. The simplicity and fun of the game are its main selling points.
Negative Reviews: Common criticisms focus on the outdated visuals, limited content, and reduced player base, which make it less appealing for modern gamers.
🎯 Target Audience
Fans of classic arena shooters who enjoy fast-paced combat.
Players nostalgic for the golden age of PC multiplayer shooters.
Gamers looking for a simple, no-frills competitive experience without the complexity of modern titles.
🏆 Rating Breakdown
🎮 Gameplay: 8/10
🎨 Graphics & Art Style: 6/10
🔄 Replayability: 7/10
⚙️ Mechanics & Balance: 7.5/10
👥 Community & Support: 6/10
Overall Experience: 7.6/10
🎯 Final Verdict
Deathmatch Classic offers a no-nonsense, action-packed deathmatch experience that harkens back to the early days of multiplayer gaming. It excels in fast-paced combat and simplicity, making it enjoyable for those looking for an old-school shooter. However, its outdated graphics, limited content, and declining player base mean it’s primarily for those who enjoy retro multiplayer games. While it holds a special place in gaming history, it may not appeal to players who prefer modern, feature-rich shooters.
👍 : 7 |
😃 : 0
Positive