Contra (NES / Famicom) Walkthrough, Secrets & Cheat Codes

1Game Basics

A run-and-gun shooter where two commandos fight an alien invasion across side-view and overhead stages.

2Core Gameplay

You begin with a standard rifle. Weapon pods dropped by red falcons grant the Machine Gun, Spread, Laser, or Fireball. The Spread Gun (S) is the community favorite for clearing screens fast. One hit kills you, so movement and cover matter more than shooting.

3Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. On the title screen enter: Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A, then press Start for 30 lives.
2. Grab the Spread Gun early in Stage 1 and protect it — never take a needless hit.
3. Stage 3 (the waterfall) is the difficulty spike: use the ledges to break line of sight and advance in bursts.
4. Overhead base stages: hug walls and sweep the Spread Gun in arcs.
5. Final boss: stay mobile, keep firing the pod weapon, and dodge the core's beams.

4Hidden Secrets & Easter Eggs

TheUp-Up-Down-Down... sequence is the original 'Konami Code' and became one of gaming's most famous Easter eggs, later reused across countless Konami and tribute games.

5Cheats & Codes

# Contra 30-life code (title screen)
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A  then  START
# Result: 30 lives instead of 3

6Player Reviews & Tips

Veterans say the code is essential for new players — without it the game is nearly impossible on three lives. With it, Contra becomes a joyful co-op classic.