Documented for this version

Which controls does this version use?

Actions

Wolfenstein 3D action controls
Arrow Up
Move forward
Arrow Down
Move backward
Arrow Left
Turn left
Arrow Right
Turn right
Ctrl
Fire weapon
AltArrow Left
Strafe left
AltArrow Right
Strafe right
Shift
Run while moving
Space
Open doors and activate switches
1
Select knife
2
Select pistol
3
Select machine gun

Combos and sequences

Wolfenstein 3D combo and sequence controls
4
Select chaingun

Control notes

  • The original DOS release uses keyboard controls; exact key reassignment can vary by version.

How it plays

How does Wolfenstein 3D play?

The player views the world from B.J.’s first-person perspective and moves through maze-like floors filled with guards, officers, attack dogs, traps, locked doors, treasure, and secret areas. The main objective is to find the exit while surviving enemies and collecting useful supplies.

Weapons include a knife, pistol, machine gun, and chaingun. Ammunition, health, armor, and treasure support survival, while colored keys open corresponding doors. Episodes are divided into numbered floors, and completing a floor advances the campaign. Some versions also include secret levels and boss encounters.

Plan your run

What is the best way to play Wolfenstein 3D?

Search every room for secret push walls; hidden areas often contain ammunition, treasure, health, or extra lives.

Conserve ammunition by using the knife or pistol against isolated weak enemies, and switch to the machine gun or chaingun when several enemies attack together.

Listen for alerted guards, keep moving in open spaces, and use doors as temporary cover. Save before dangerous rooms and boss encounters.

Meet the cast

Who are the key characters?

1

William “B.J.” Blazkowicz

The Allied agent controlled by the player and the protagonist of the campaign.

2

Hans Grosse

A heavily armed guard captain and boss encountered in the first episode.

3

Dr. Schabbs

A Nazi scientist and boss associated with biological experiments.

4

Gretel Grosse

A powerful guard captain and boss.

5

General Fettgesicht

A Nazi general serving as a major episode boss.

6

Otto Giftmacher

A high-ranking Nazi commander and boss.

7

Adolf Hitler

The final boss of the original campaign, fought in his armored form.

Documented inputs

What cheats and unlocks are documented?

IDDQD

Activates god mode in versions that support the Wolfenstein 3D cheat code.

IDKFA

Grants weapons, ammunition, and keys in versions that support the Wolfenstein 3D cheat code.

Before you begin

What should you know before playing?

  1. 1

    Check corners and suspicious walls for secret push panels.

  2. 2

    Colored keys are required for their matching locked doors.

  3. 3

    Treasure increases score, while food and medkits restore health.

  4. 4

    The chaingun is powerful but consumes ammunition quickly.

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