If you’re a fan of pulse-pounding action, alternate history twists, and taking down Nazis in epic fashion, the Wolfenstein series has been delivering thrills since the early ’80s. Starting as a stealthy escape game and evolving into the genre-defining first-person shooter (FPS) we know today, Wolfenstein follows the indomitable William “B.J.” Blazkowicz and his relentless battle against Axis forces infused with occult horrors and sci-fi tech. But with reboots, spin-offs, and multiple timelines, figuring out the Wolfenstein games in order can feel like navigating a Nazi stronghold.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll break down the Wolfenstein games in order, focusing on chronological lore rather than just release dates. Why lore order? Release order (like starting with 1981’s Castle Wolfenstein) gives a historical view of how the series evolved from top-down stealth to blistering FPS action. But chronological order by in-universe events immerses you in the story’s flow, highlighting how B.J.’s WWII exploits lead to dystopian futures where Nazis conquer the world. This enhances the experience for newcomers and veterans alike, revealing Easter eggs, character arcs, and timeline connections that make replaying the series even more rewarding.
Whether you’re gearing up for a marathon playthrough or curious about the roots of modern shooters, understanding Wolfenstein games in chronological order by lore is key. We’ll cover the classic timeline (pre-reboot) and the MachineGames reboot separately, as they represent distinct continuities with minimal overlap. Let’s dive in and liberate the timeline!
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Wolfenstein Games in Chronological Order: An Overview
The Wolfenstein series spans two main timelines due to reboots and retcons. The original/classic timeline covers WWII-era events with occult elements, while the 2014 reboot by MachineGames imagines a world where Nazis win the war, leading to a dystopian postwar era. This division respects the lore’s breaks in continuity—think of the classic games as one universe and the reboots as an alternate history reset. Below, we list the Wolfenstein games in order within each timeline, emphasizing their place in the lore.
Classic Timeline: Wolfenstein Games in Order (Pre-Reboot)
This timeline sticks close to WWII settings, blending stealth, FPS action, and supernatural Nazi schemes. It starts with basic escapes and builds to high-stakes occult battles. Note: Spin-offs like Spear of Destiny’s DLCs (“Return to Danger” and “Ultimate Challenge”) add missions but don’t alter the core chronology.
1. Castle Wolfenstein (1981)
- Release Date: September 1981
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: In this foundational entry, you play an unnamed American POW during WWII, escaping a Nazi fortress while stealing secret war plans. The focus is on stealth—avoiding guards, disarming them, or using disguises—setting the stage for the series’ anti-Nazi theme without B.J. Blazkowicz yet. It’s the earliest lore event, establishing Castle Wolfenstein as a hub of Axis horrors.
- Platform Availability: Originally on Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, DOS; modern ports via emulation or collections on PC.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: As the series originator, it kicks off the WWII timeline, predating all supernatural escalations.
2. Beyond Castle Wolfenstein (1984)
- Release Date: July 1984
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: Continuing directly from the first game, you infiltrate a Berlin bunker to plant a bomb and assassinate Adolf Hitler during a meeting. Stealth mechanics evolve with sabotage elements, like bribing guards, in a top-down view that emphasizes evasion over combat. This deepens the lore’s focus on disrupting Nazi leadership mid-war.
- Platform Availability: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, DOS; source code released in 2004 for ports.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Set shortly after the original, it advances the sabotage narrative within the same WWII framework.
3. Spear of Destiny (1992)
- Release Date: 1992
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: As B.J. Blazkowicz, you retrieve the stolen Spear of Destiny artifact from Nazis before they harness its occult power. This prequel introduces FPS gameplay with fast-paced shooting, tying into early Nazi supernatural experiments that foreshadow larger threats.
- Platform Availability: DOS, PC; expansions on same platforms; available via Steam or GOG remasters.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Occurs before Wolfenstein 3D, establishing B.J.’s artifact-hunting role in the occult WWII arc.
4. Wolfenstein 3D (1992)
- Release Date: May 5, 1992
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: Captured spy B.J. Blazkowicz escapes Castle Wolfenstein, uncovers Operation Eisenfaust (Iron Fist), and confronts Hitler. The shift to first-person view amps up action, blending run-and-gun with lore on Nazi bio-experiments.
- Platform Availability: DOS, PC, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360; remastered on modern PC, consoles.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Follows Spear of Destiny, escalating from artifact retrieval to direct regime sabotage.
5. Return to Castle Wolfenstein (2001)
- Release Date: November 21, 2001
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: B.J. and Agent One investigate SS Paranormal Division rumors, leading to Operation Resurrection—reviving undead warriors. Escaping capture, B.J. battles occult forces, expanding the lore with Himmler’s supernatural ambitions.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox; ports on modern PC via Steam.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Set after Wolfenstein 3D, it builds on established occult themes with deeper WWII investigations.
6. Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory (2003)
- Release Date: 29 May 2003
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: In this multiplayer spin-off, Allied and Axis teams clash in WWII objectives like espionage and sabotage, echoing the series’ war efforts without a single-player story. It fits as ongoing battles amid paranormal threats.
- Platform Availability: PC (free-to-play); still available via community servers.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Concurrent with Return to Castle Wolfenstein-era events, focusing on multiplayer skirmishes.
7. Wolfenstein RPG (2008)
- Release Date: September 30, 2008
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: B.J. escapes The Tower prison to halt Axis paranormal operations, blending RPG elements like puzzles with shooting. It reinforces the occult WWII narrative, including nods to earlier games.
- Platform Availability: Mobile (Java, iOS); emulated on PC.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Parallels Return to Castle Wolfenstein, adding mobile-friendly depth to mid-war lore.
8. Wolfenstein (2009)
- Release Date: August 18, 2009
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: B.J. uncovers a medallion with Veil powers on a German battleship, leading to Isenstadt where Nazis mine crystals for the Black Sun dimension. This loose sequel introduces alternate dimensions, wrapping the classic timeline’s sci-fi occult blend.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Post-Return to Castle Wolfenstein, it concludes the original arc with escalating supernatural tech.
Reboot Timeline: Modern Wolfenstein Games in Order (MachineGames Era)
This alternate history resets the lore: Nazis win WWII using advanced tech. It starts in 1946 and jumps to dystopian futures. Continuity is tighter here, with direct sequels.
1. Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (2015)
- Release Date: 5 May 2015
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: In 1946, B.J. and Agent One infiltrate Castle Wolfenstein for General Deathshead’s location, uncovering archaeological digs for ancient occult knowledge. It’s a prequel blending stealth and action, setting up the Nazi victory.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Earliest in reboot, bridging WWII to postwar dominance.
2. Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014)
- Release Date: 20 May 2014
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: After a failed 1946 assault on Deathshead, B.J. awakens in 1960 to a Nazi-ruled world. Joining the Resistance, he dismantles the regime, exploring alternate history with mechs and moon bases.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Directly follows The Old Blood, spanning the war’s “end” to resistance efforts.
3. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017)
- Release Date: 27 October 2017
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: In 1961, post-coma B.J. leads the Kreisau Circle against Frau Engel, sparking a U.S. revolution by assassinating leaders and hijacking airships. It amplifies themes of freedom in a occupied America.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Sequel to The New Order, advancing the fight one year later.
4. Wolfenstein: Youngblood (2019)
- Release Date: July 25, 2019
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: In the 1980s, B.J.’s daughters Jessie and Zofia search Nazi-occupied Paris for their missing father, battling remnants with co-op gameplay and upgraded tech.
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Decades after The New Colossus, focusing on next-gen resistance.
5. Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot (2019)
- Release Date: July 26, 2019
- Brief Plot Summary Tied to Lore: As a French Resistance hacker in the 1980s, you pilot hacked Nazi machines in VR, aiding the fight a week before Youngblood’s events.
- Platform Availability: PC (VR), PlayStation VR.
- Why It Fits in the Chronology: Spin-off concurrent with Youngblood, adding VR side story.
Recommended Playing Order
For history buffs, start with the classic timeline in release order (Castle Wolfenstein to 2009’s Wolfenstein) to appreciate the genre evolution—pros: See FPS origins; cons: Dated graphics may deter modern players. Newbies? Jump to the reboot (The Old Blood first) for polished gameplay and story—pros: Cohesive narrative, better accessibility; cons: Misses nostalgic roots. Mix them for full lore: Classics first, then reboot.
FAQs About Wolfenstein Games in Order
What’s the best Wolfenstein game to start with?
For beginners playing Wolfenstein series in order, try The New Order—it’s modern, story-rich, and doesn’t require priors.
Are all Wolfenstein games connected?
Not entirely; classics share a loose WWII lore, but the reboot is a separate alternate history. Search “Wolfenstein games in chronological order by lore” for details.
How many Wolfenstein games are there?
13 main and spin-offs, split across timelines. Is there a Wolfenstein remaster collection? Yes, classics like Wolfenstein 3D are on Steam; reboots have no full bundle yet.
Conclusion:
The Wolfenstein series, spanning from 1981’s stealthy Castle Wolfenstein to 2019’s co-op Youngblood, offers a thrilling ride through alternate WWII history and dystopian futures. Exploring the Wolfenstein games in order by lore—classic timeline to MachineGames’ reboot—unlocks B.J. Blazkowicz’s epic saga against Nazi occult and sci-fi tyranny. Whether you savor the genre-defining FPS roots or dive into modern reboots for polished storytelling, this chronological guide enhances your journey. Pick your timeline, grab a weapon, and join the fight! Share your favorite Wolfenstein moment below, and check out more FPS adventures for gaming inspiration. For More: Wikipedia.org
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