The Hero
The player-created protagonist, whose class, skills, and choices determine how many challenges are solved.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow keys | Move the hero or move the cursor through the interface. |
|---|---|
Enter | Confirm a selected command or choice. |
Escape | Cancel or leave the current interaction where supported. |
Keyboard | Enter parser commands and type dialogue or object instructions. |
Control notes
The DOS release supports keyboard input; exact mouse behavior and shortcuts can vary by SCI version.
How it plays
How does Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero play?
The game uses a first-person room view with text-parser interaction and keyboard or mouse navigation, depending on the DOS version. The main objective is to explore Spielburg, investigate its curse, complete quests, and become a recognized hero.
Players choose a warrior, magic user, or thief, then improve skills through practice and successful actions. Exploration includes forests, caves, town locations, and hazardous encounters. Combat occurs in real time, while many problems can be solved through conversation, inventory use, magic, stealth, or combat. Day and night cycles, character statistics, money, equipment, and class-specific solutions shape progression.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero?
Build a balanced skill set rather than relying on a single statistic. Practice class skills whenever safe, keep healing supplies available, and save before entering dangerous wilderness areas.
Explore the town and wilderness repeatedly. Talk to characters after important events, examine unusual objects, and try class-appropriate solutions; thief, magic-user, and warrior routes often reveal different rewards. Carry enough food and money for extended trips, and return to town regularly to rest and resupply.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Abdulla Doo
A wealthy merchant and influential resident of Spielburg who provides information and assistance.
Erasmus
A friendly but eccentric wizard who introduces the hero to magical and comic situations.
Fenrus
Erasmus's talking rat-like companion and a recurring source of commentary.
Baba Yaga
A powerful witch who rules a hut in the wilderness and gives the hero dangerous tasks.
Brauggi
A giant living near Spielburg whose troubles can become part of the hero's quests.
Shameen and Shema
Travelers from Raseir who provide background about the wider world and its cultures.
Baron Stefan von Spielburg
The baron whose disappearance and curse are central to Spielburg's history.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Save before combat, entering the forest, and attempting uncertain parser commands.
- 2
Train skills through repeated safe practice; successful actions can matter more than equipment.
- 3
Explore both during the day and at night, since some encounters and solutions are time-dependent.
Community discussion
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