Whether you’re a first-time freedom fighter or a seasoned Nazi-stomper, this compilation of tips, tricks, and secrets will give you the edge you need to survive Castle Wolfenstein and crush the Third Reich’s twisted experiments.
General Gameplay Tips
- Giblets Can Save Your Life
When your health drops below 10%, look for pools of gore or "gibs" in torture rooms, kennels, and prisons. Swallow your pride and heal up. - Hidden Hallways and Secret Keys
Always search rooms with keys for secret doors. They often lead to safer routes or valuable resources. - The MLI Cheat (With a Cost)
The MLI cheat gives full health, ammo, both keys, and a chaingun—but resets your score to zero and adds 10 minutes to your time. Use sparingly! - Backshots Are Better
Shooting guards from behind deals double damage. Sneak up and let loose. - Eavesdrop Tactics
Firing a shot near a door may lure guards into revealing their positions with shouts. SS and officers may stay silent—beware mutants; they're dead quiet. - Clear Before You Explore
Always clear a room before searching for secrets. Enemies can sneak up and kill you quickly. - Avoid the Doorway Deathtrap
Never stand in doorways during combat. Open the door, back up, and strafe to scan the room. - Ammo Efficiency
Save your chaingun for big fights. Use the machine gun for grunts to conserve bullets. - Control the Battlefield
Try to funnel enemies through a single door. Avoid two-front battles. - Fight on Health Packs
Draw enemies toward rooms with health. Stay on top of the kits and glide over them during battle. - Keyboard + Mouse = Power
Use keyboard for running (Up Arrow + Right Shift), mouse for precision. The combo makes you a deadly blur. - Secret Areas Are Safe
Guards never spawn directly in secret rooms, so breathe easy—then grab the loot. - Close Combat Is Lethal
The closer you are, the more damage you (and your enemies) deal. Shoot first. - Find the Secret Levels
Each episode has a 10th secret level. Find hidden elevators for massive loot and a challenge. - Stay on the Move
Guards aim poorly at moving targets. Keep moving and you'll survive longer.
Enemy Breakdown
- Killer Dogs: One shot kills, but hard to hit. Wait in doorways for easy takedowns.
- Guards: Weak, carry pistols, poor reaction. Mow them down with minimal ammo.
- SS Troopers: Tough, machine guns, bulletproof vests, deadly at close range. Take seriously.
- Mutants: Silent, fast, dual cleaver-and-gun combo. Stay sharp and preemptive.
- Officers: Fast and smart, move erratically. Don't underestimate—hit fast and from cover.
Boss Combat Tips
- Hans Grosse (Episode 1): Uses dual chainguns. Lure him into healing rooms and strafe-shoot from cover. Kevin’s Trick: stand on health and shoot while healing.
- Dr. Schabbs (Episode 2): Throws deadly needles. Hide behind corners, peek out to shoot, and retreat for health.
- MechaHitler (Episode 3): Four chainguns plus final human form. Fight from corners and hit fast. Avoid open combat.
- Otto Giftmacher (Episode 4): Launches rockets. Lure him into large rooms. Use pushwalls to access healing/ammo.
- Gretel Grosse (Episode 5): Fast, with dual chainguns. Fight from a distance. Don’t relax after the fight—more enemies await.
- General Fettgesicht (Episode 6): Chaingun + missile launcher. Use cover, strafe corners, and stay mobile.
Pro Tips from the Creators
- Run Like Hell: John Romero's advice: never stop moving, and charge enemies before they see you.
- Hidden Goodies Galore: Pushwalls hide 1Ups, chainguns, treasure, and ammo. Tap every odd wall.
- Plan Your Ammo Usage: Certain levels are designed to drain your ammo (e.g., dog/SS combo rooms).
- Level Design Secrets: Many levels are shaped like swastikas, initials, or have hidden “joke” areas.
- Use Audio Cues: Recognize German phrases to anticipate enemy types (e.g., “Schutzstaffel!” = SS nearby).
Whether you're revisiting this iconic shooter or experiencing it for the first time, these battle-hardened hints from the original developers will help you survive the Nazi nightmare and blast your way to victory. Achtung, baby!