Wolfenstein 3D All Secrets Guide: Episode 1 Floor 1

Finding all secrets in Wolfenstein 3D is a core mechanic for players who want to maximize their score and survival capabilities. In the game's opening level, Episode 1, Floor 1 (part of the "Escape from Castle Wolfenstein" episode), there are a total of five hidden secrets. These secrets are discovered by interacting with specific wall segments, which move to reveal hidden rooms containing weapons, health, treasure, and even a path to a secret level.

Every Secret Location in Episode 1, Floor 1

The first level of the game serves as an introduction to the "push-wall" mechanic. Players must identify specific textures or decorations on the walls and interact with them to trigger the secret. In E1F1, these secrets provide a significant advantage, including the first available automatic weapon.

1. The Machine Gun Cache

The first major secret is found by locating a wooden wall segment featuring an eagle emblem. Pushing this wall reveals a hidden room.

• Rewards: One Machine Gun, two ammo clips, and two first aid kits.
• Impact: Obtaining the Machine Gun this early allows players to dispatch Guards much faster than with the standard pistol.

2. The Hitler Portrait Treasure Room

Players should look for a grey brick wall that features a portrait of Hitler. Pushing this wall segment opens a large cache of supplies and points.

• Rewards: Eight ammo clips, three crosses, and four treasure chests.
• Impact: This is the densest concentration of ammo in the level, making it essential for players on higher difficulty settings.

3. The Hidden First Aid

Search for a standard grey brick wall that appears isolated or slightly different from the surrounding architecture. Interacting with this wall reveals a small alcove.

• Rewards: One first aid kit.
• Note: This secret is the entry point for a chain of nested secrets.

4. The Secret Level Elevator

While inside the room revealed by Secret 3, players must investigate the grey brick walls again. Pushing a specific wall segment within this hidden area reveals a passage to a unique exit.

• Rewards: Access to the elevator leading to Floor 10, the secret level of Episode 1.
• Context: This is the only way to reach the secret floor; standard level progression will skip Floor 10 entirely.

5. The Extra Life (One Up)

Hidden even deeper within the secret chain, players must search the walls inside the Secret 4 area. Pushing a final grey brick wall reveals a rare item.

• Rewards: One Extra Life (One Up).
• Impact: Extra lives provide a safety net for players, especially those attempting the "I am Death incarnate!" difficulty.

Accessing the Secret Level (Floor 10)

The secret level, Floor 10, is a standalone map accessible only through the hidden elevator found in Episode 1, Floor 1. To reach it, players must successfully navigate the nested secrets (Secret 3 and Secret 4). This mechanic was so iconic that it was later replicated in other games. For instance, the secret level MAP31 in Doom II: Hell on Earth is a recreation of this Wolfenstein level, including the secret exit that leads to another recreated floor.

Level Statistics and Scoring

To achieve a 100% Secret Ratio or Treasure Ratio on Floor 1, players must collect all items and trigger all push-walls. The following items contribute to the total treasure count:

Successfully finding all secrets and treasures, combined with a high kill count, contributes to the high score. For E1F1, the base high scores (before bonuses) are approximately 12,500 on lower difficulties and 15,500 on the highest setting.

Difficulty and Enemy Scaling

The number of enemies encountered while searching for secrets changes based on the chosen difficulty level. The game features four distinct difficulty modes:

• Can I Play, Daddy?: Features 11 total enemies (10 Guards).
• Don't hurt me.: Features 20 total enemies (17 Guards).
• Bring 'em on!: Features 37 total enemies (32 Guards).
• I am Death incarnate!: Features 37 total enemies (32 Guards) with increased aggression.

Legacy and Easter Eggs

Floor 1 of Episode 1 is widely considered one of the most recognizable maps in gaming history. Beyond its appearance in Wolfenstein 3D and its recreation in Doom II, the level also appears as an Easter Egg in Wolfenstein: The New Order. In that game, players can trigger a "nightmare" version of this classic 1992 level by interacting with a mattress in the resistance headquarters.

FAQ

How many secrets are in Episode 1 Floor 1?

There are 5 secrets in total.

Where is the secret elevator in the first level?

The elevator is located behind two nested secret walls. You must first find the grey brick wall containing a first aid kit (Secret 3), then push a wall inside that room to reveal the elevator (Secret 4).

What weapon can I find in the E1F1 secrets?

You can find the Machine Gun by pushing the wooden wall with the eagle emblem.