Deal | More than 30 years after release: Classic shooter drops below $1 on Steam for the first time

Wolfenstein 3D is among the earliest true first-person shooters and a technical trailblazer for later genre icons such as Doom and Quake. Its 2.5D levels are built on raycasting technology, featuring strict right angles, straight corridors, and hidden doors. There is no vertical movement and no ability to freely look up or down. Instead, the game focuses on fast-paced run-and-gun action, scarce resources and deadly enemies.

Players take on the role of Allied spy William “B.J.” Blazkowicz and battle their way through waves of Nazi forces. The goal is to escape from Castle Wolfenstein, infiltrate enemy strongholds, and bring an end to the so-called Operation Eisenfaust. Initially armed with only a knife and a pistol, you must navigate maze-like corridors lined with locked doors and hidden rooms. Each episode culminates in a boss fight, ranging from a deranged scientist to a heavily armed commander.

On Steam, Wolfenstein 3D holds a 93% positive rating across more than 4,100 reviews. While nostalgia plays a significant role, many players continue to praise its core strengths. The fast, straightforward action, rewarding secret areas, and distinctive atmosphere remain key highlights. Criticism tends to focus on the clunky controls and dated technology – hardly surprising for a game released in the early 1990s.

First-ever 80% discount

Wolfenstein 3D was developed by id Software and launched in May 1992. It typically sells for around $5 on Steam. Until February 15, however, the shooter is 80% off and available for just under $1. According to SteamDB, previous discounts capped out at 75%, making the current offer a new record low. The game is rated "Playable" on the Steam Deck (available on Amazon for $650). It runs smoothly thanks to its minimal system requirements. That said, the controls are not optimized for handheld play. Community-created control layouts can help address this issue.

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