Run & Gun

Contra

Classic run-and-gun action! Fight through waves of enemies with powerful weapons.

CONTRA

Run and Gun Action!

Arrow Keys / WASD: Move & Aim

Space/Z: Jump | X/J: Shoot

High Score: 0

Games Played: 0

Press ENTER to start

Controls

Arrow Keys/WASD: Move & Aim
Space/Z: Jump
X/J: Shoot
ESC: Pause

About Contra

Contra is one of the most influential run-and-gun games ever made, originally released by Konami in 1987. The game follows elite commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean as they fight against the alien Red Falcon organization.

Our browser version captures the intense action, challenging gameplay, and weapon variety of the original. Battle through side-scrolling stages, collect powerful weapon upgrades, and defeat waves of enemy soldiers and aliens.

Famous for its challenging difficulty and iconic Konami Code, Contra remains a benchmark for action games. Test your skills and see how far you can get!

How to Play Contra

1

Move and Aim

Use arrow keys or WASD to run and aim in 8 directions. Crouch with Down to avoid bullets!

2

Jump and Dodge

Press Space or Z to jump over obstacles and enemies. You can shoot while jumping!

3

Collect Power-ups

Grab weapon orbs for powerful upgrades. Spread shot is devastating against groups!

4

Clear the Stage

Eliminate all enemies and reach the end of the level to complete your mission!

Frequently Asked Questions

Contra is a legendary run-and-gun arcade game originally released by Konami in 1987. You play as a commando fighting through side-scrolling stages filled with enemy soldiers, turrets, and aliens. Our browser version captures the intense action of the original.
Use Arrow keys or WASD to move and aim. Press Space or Z to jump. Press X or J to fire your weapon. You can aim in 8 directions while moving or jumping!
Normal: Standard single shot. Spread (S): Fires 5 bullets in a fan pattern - very powerful! Laser (L): Fast, piercing shots. Machine Gun (M): Rapid fire single shots.
Power-ups appear as floating orbs throughout the level. Walk into them to collect. Each shows a letter indicating the weapon type: S=Spread, L=Laser, M=Machine Gun.
You lose one life and your weapon reverts to Normal. You get brief invincibility (flashing). The game ends when all lives are lost.
Soldiers (red): Stand and shoot. Runners (orange): Chase you quickly. Snipers (dark red): Accurate long-range shots. Turrets (gray): Stationary but durable gun emplacements.
Yes! This browser version is completely free. No downloads or accounts required.
Yes! Touch controls are available with on-screen buttons for movement, jumping, and shooting.
Press Escape to pause and resume gameplay.
Defeat all enemies and reach the right side of the level. Higher levels have more enemies and challenges.

Tips & Strategies

  • •Keep moving! Standing still makes you an easy target
  • •The Spread weapon is incredibly powerful - protect it!
  • •Crouch to lower your hitbox when enemies shoot at your position
  • •Take out turrets first - they're dangerous but can't dodge
  • •Use platforms for cover and better shooting angles
  • •Runners are fast - shoot ahead of where they're going

Why Play Contra?

Classic Action

Legendary run-and-gun gameplay

Weapon Variety

Multiple powerful upgrades

Challenging

Test your skills and reflexes

Free to Play

No downloads required

Related Games

If you enjoy Contra, try these other action games:

Metal SlugMega ManSpace InvadersBrowse All Games
Need a tool? Ask us!