Read the changing eight-stage route
Adapt to jungle platforms, base corridors, vertical climbing and snow terrain.
Original 1988 North American NES Contra. The 1987 arcade game has a different stage structure; Japanese Famicom presentation and PAL Probotector character replacements are outside this guide.
Illustrated reference
Jungle — Stage 1
The opening side-view stage introduces platforms, bridges and stationary defenses. Use it to learn firing angles while keeping each next landing clear of soldiers.
Actual NES jungle scene from the original stage map; crop of a map assembled from original NES screenshots.
Base 1 — Stage 2
The first base uses forward-facing defensive rooms and an electrical barrier. Destroy the required targets before advancing into the next room of the installation.
Actual NES Base 1 room pixels; crop of a map assembled from original NES screenshots.
Waterfall — Stage 3
The route climbs vertically across rocky ledges and water scenery. Decide the next landing early, and coordinate upward scrolling when playing with a partner.
Actual NES waterfall scenery; crop of a map assembled from original NES screenshots.
Snow Field — Stage 5
The snowy side-view route comes after Base 2. Its gun emplacements and later vehicles reward the same clear firing lanes learned in the opening jungle.
Actual NES Snow Field scenery; crop of a map assembled from original NES screenshots.
Make the jungle opening dependable
Stage 1 establishes horizontal shooting, platform jumps and fixed defenses. Break the route into short stretches with a clear landing and an enemy you can remove first. Cross a bridge only after checking the gun or soldier that can threaten its exit. The original jungle crop below shows the terrain itself, and the full credited source map is available for studying the remaining screen layout.
Slow down at the base barrier
The base stages change perspective and ask the player to clear a room’s defensive targets before advancing. An active electrical barrier blocks the route forward, so defeat the required target rather than running against it. Stay aware of projectiles from the remaining defenses. Clearing the base is a sequence of controlled rooms, not a reason to abandon the aim-and-dodge habits learned in the jungle.
Coordinate the waterfall and snow routes
Stage 3 climbs upward through the waterfall, making the next landing and camera movement central to survival. A partner should be ready before the leading player forces the screen higher. Stage 5 returns to a horizontal snowy route with its own defenses and vehicles. Carry the broad survival habits between them, while changing the pace when the terrain narrows or the screen begins scrolling in a different direction.
A new perspective or scrolling direction is a signal to reassess your movement plan.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.