Wolfenstein 3D review

Wolfenstein 3D is the 1992 id Software game that the Steam page credits with starting the modern FPS genre. B.J. Blazkowicz escapes Castle Wolfenstein and works through six episodes of Nazi soldiers, scientists and mutants with a knife, pistols and machine guns. The Steam edition also includes Spear of Destiny, the prequel expansion in which B.J. infiltrates Castle Nuremberg to recover the Spear, so $4.99 buys both. That is why Spear of Destiny does not have its own entry here. Steam reviews are the highest on this list at 92% positive of 2,450 English reviews, and the game adds accessibility options such as a Keyboard Only Option, Adjustable Text Size and Camera Comfort. It ranks fifth because its scope is small by modern standards: flat maze levels, no multiplayer and system listings that stop at Windows Vista.

Who it is for

players who want the origin of the series and the FPS genre

Price

$4.99 one-time on Steam, Spear of Destiny included.

Now, a lucky break gives you the chance to escape, but a maze of passages and trigger-happy Nazis stand in your way. $4.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Six episodes of the original 1992 game
• Spear of Destiny prequel expansion included
• Weapons include a knife, pistols and machine guns
• Keyboard Only Option, Adjustable Text Size and Camera Comfort settings
• Save Anytime and Steam Cloud

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 92% of 2,450 English Steam reviews are positive
• Strength: $4.99 covers two games: Wolfenstein 3D and Spear of Destiny
• Strength: Runs on practically any Windows PC
• Weakness: 1992 design with maze-like levels and no vertical movement
• Weakness: Single-player only
• Weakness: Steam lists Windows XP and Vista as the target systems

Key facts

• Developer: id Software
• Original release: 1992
• English Steam reviews: 92% positive of 2,450
• Episodes: Six, plus Spear of Destiny
• Modes: Single-player

Where it ranks

Wolfenstein 3D is No. 5 in our Best Wolfenstein Games verdict.