The Wolfenstein franchise stands as one of the most enduring series in gaming history, shaping the first-person shooter genre across several decades. Traversing its expansive history can be challenging because the overarching narrative is split across distinct eras and reboots. Understanding how every title fits into the timeline helps players appreciate the complete journey of B.J. Blazkowicz.
Classic Era and Early Stealth Origins
The series began in 1981 with Muse Software's stealth titles, Castle Wolfenstein and Beyond Castle Wolfenstein. These early top-down games laid the groundwork for the franchise before id Software revolutionized action games with Wolfenstein 3D in 1992. Following that release, Spear of Destiny served as a narrative prequel to the 3D classic.
The Supernatural Revival and Mid-2000s Era
In 2001, Return to Castle Wolfenstein modernized the franchise by introducing heavy occult themes and secret weapon projects. This narrative path continued through the multiplayer spinoff Enemy Territory and the 2009 reboot simply titled Wolfenstein. These entries established a darker tone while bridging classic mechanics with modern action shooter design.
The MachineGames Modern Continuity
MachineGames soft-rebooted the timeline starting with Wolfenstein: The New Order in 2014, depicting an alternate 1960s world. To experience this modern arc chronologically, players should begin with the 1946-set prequel, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. The story then progresses through The New Order, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, and concludes with the 1980s co-op adventure Youngblood.
Recommended Play Order for New Players
For players diving into the series today, following the release order of the modern era offers the smoothest gameplay evolution. Starting with The New Order provides the intended narrative impact before looping back to The Old Blood. Experienced gamers interested in retro gaming history can explore the legacy titles to see how mechanics evolved over forty years.
