Return to Castle Wolfenstein review

Return to Castle Wolfenstein is the 2001 reboot that brought the series into full 3D on the Quake III Arena engine. The campaign sends Army Ranger B.J. Blazkowicz against Himmler's SS Paranormal Division, mixing World War II firefights with the undead and experimental mutant soldiers, and a mix of real and sci-fi weapons. Unlike the modern games, it also ships with objective-based team multiplayer as Axis or Allies. Its numbers are strong: 91% of 4,235 English Steam reviews are positive and Steam shows a Metacritic score of 88, the highest on this list. At $4.99 it is also among the cheapest paid entries. It ranks fourth rather than higher because of age: Steam still lists Windows 2000 and XP as the target systems, the visuals date from 2001, and it lacks modern extras like achievements or controller support.

Who it is for

classic FPS fans who want campaign and multiplayer for $5

Price

$4.99 one-time on Steam.

As US Army Ranger William “B.J.” Blazkowicz, pierce the black heart of the Third Reich and stop them...or die trying. $4.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Single-player campaign that mixes World War II action with horror
• Enemies include Nazis, the undead and experimental mutant soldiers
• Mix of classic WW2 and sci-fi inspired weapons
• Objective-based, team multiplayer as Axis or Allies
• Powered by the Quake III Arena engine

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 91% of 4,235 English Steam reviews are positive
• Strength: Metacritic score of 88 on Steam, the highest on this list
• Strength: $4.99 list price for campaign and multiplayer
• Weakness: Steam lists Windows 2000 and XP as the target systems
• Weakness: Originally released in 2001, so visuals are dated
• Weakness: No achievements or controller support listed on Steam

Key facts

• Developer: Gray Matter Studios
• Original release: 2001
• English Steam reviews: 91% positive of 4,235
• Metacritic (PC): 88, as shown on Steam
• Modes: Single-player and online multiplayer

Where it ranks

Return to Castle Wolfenstein is No. 3 in our Best Wolfenstein Games verdict.