Learn · Practice · Play

Arcade Game Guides

Version-checked controls, beginner strategies, boss orders, secrets, and walkthroughs for games you can play here. Start with one clear problem, learn the route, then put it into practice.

12 original guides6 classic platformsSources and versions listed
Contra coverBeginner Guide
NES7 min read

Contra NES Beginner Guide: Controls, Weapons, and the 30-Lives Code

Learn the North American NES version of Contra, including movement, weapon priorities, stage survival, two-player habits, and the classic 30-lives code.

Read guide
The King of Fighters '97 coverBeginner Guide
Arcade / Neo Geo MVS8 min read

The King of Fighters '97 Beginner Guide: Modes, Movement, and Team Basics

Start playing the arcade version of KOF '97 with a clear explanation of its four buttons, Advanced and Extra modes, movement, defense, and beginner team practice.

Read guide
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs coverBeginner Guide
Arcade / CPS-17 min read

Cadillacs and Dinosaurs Beginner Guide: Combat, Weapons, and Boss Survival

Learn the 1993 Capcom arcade beat ’em up with practical advice for choosing a character, controlling crowds, using weapons, preserving health, and approaching bosses.

Read guide
Metal Slug coverBeginner Guide
Arcade / Neo Geo MVS7 min read

Metal Slug Beginner Guide: Weapons, Hostages, Vehicles, and Mission Survival

A practical beginner guide to the original 1996 Metal Slug arcade game, covering its three-button controls, limited-ammo weapons, rescued hostages, the Metal Slug tank, and safer boss play.

Read guide
Pac-Man coverStrategy Guide
Arcade6 min read

Pac-Man Arcade Beginner Strategy: Routes, Power Pellets, and Ghost Control

Learn the original arcade Pac-Man with practical habits for pre-turning, clearing dangerous lanes, using power pellets deliberately, escaping through tunnels, and building consistent scores.

Read guide
Super Mario Bros. coverBeginner Guide
NES6 min read

Super Mario Bros. NES Beginner Guide: Running, Jumping, and Safer Clears

Learn the original NES Super Mario Bros. controls, running jumps, power-up decisions, enemy timing, pipes, castles, and a simple practice plan for reaching later worlds.

Read guide
Mega Man X coverBoss Order
SNES8 min read

Mega Man X Beginner Boss Order: Upgrades, Weaknesses, and First Clear

Follow a forgiving SNES Mega Man X boss order, starting with the essential dash upgrade and using each Maverick weapon against the next major weakness.

Read guide
Super Mario World coverBeginner Guide
SNES7 min read

Super Mario World Secret Exits Guide for Beginners

Learn how normal and secret exits work in the SNES Super Mario World, how to read the map, carry keys to keyholes, control Cape Mario, and search without wasting lives.

Read guide
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask coverBeginner Guide
Nintendo 648 min read

Majora's Mask First Three Days Guide: Clock Town and the First Reset

A spoiler-light guide to the opening N64 cycle of Majora’s Mask, including Clock Town priorities, the Great Fairy, Bomber code, Moon’s Tear, Clock Tower, and the first Song of Time reset.

Read guide
GoldenEye 007 coverBeginner Guide
Nintendo 647 min read

GoldenEye 007 N64 Beginner Guide: Controls, Objectives, and First Missions

Learn the original N64 GoldenEye 007 mission structure, default controls, auto-aim, difficulty objectives, alarms, stealth, and a reliable first-run approach.

Read guide
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins coverBeginner Guide
Game Boy7 min read

Super Mario Land 2 Beginner Guide: Zones, Power-Ups, and Secret Exits

Learn the Game Boy Super Mario Land 2 structure, choose a forgiving zone order, use Fire and Bunny Mario, preserve lives, find secret exits, and prepare for Wario’s castle.

Read guide
Kirby: Squeak Squad coverTreasure Guide
Nintendo DS7 min read

Kirby: Squeak Squad Treasure Guide for Beginners

Learn how treasure chests, Squeak hideouts, Copy Abilities, Copy Scrolls, the touch-screen stomach, and ability mixing work in the Nintendo DS Kirby: Squeak Squad.

Read guide