The Original is a promotional primary weapon for the Soldier. It is based on the Rocket Launcher from the video game Quake; a bulky, tan rocket launcher with a metallic tubular exhaust port, metallic and tan handles, as well as a distinctive oversized barrel.

This weapon functions nearly identically to the Rocket Launcher, except for a few minor changes. As with the Rocket Launcher in Quake, the Original's first-person view model is at the bottom-center of the screen, and its rockets are launched straight ahead of the Soldier, as opposed to being fired at an angle. The Soldier holds the weapon normally in third-person view. The Original also changes several standard weapon sound effects into sounds from the original Quake, such as the Rocket Launcher's switch, firing, reload, and explosion sounds.

This item was awarded in Genuine quality to players who purchased Quake 4 on Steam before 10AM PDT (5PM UTC) on August 8, 2011. It was also awarded in Unique quality to players who purchased the Quakecon Bundle before August 6th, 2012 at 10AM PDT.

Note: This video is outdated since the January 5, 2023 Patch, which changed the reload sound.

Only the first statistic counts towards the strange rank.

August 9, 2011 Patch

August 18, 2011 Patch

September 15, 2011 Patch

March 12, 2013 Patch

July 10, 2013 Patch

November 12, 2013 Patch

January 5, 2023 Patch

First-person view

The Rocket Launcher in first-person view in both Quake and Team Fortress.

The Rocket Launcher in first-person view in Deathmatch Classic.

Promotional Steam pop-up for the Quake item.

The Soldier posing with the Original, seen on the Steam Store page for Quake 4 during the promotional period.