Introduction
NetHack is a legendary dungeon-crawling roguelike that has been around since 1987—the same year Lethal Weapon hit theaters. It's so influential that it now sits in the Museum of Modern Art alongside games like SimCity 2000 and Portal. After nearly 40 years of continuous development, the open-source project just received its 5.0.0 release, packing over 3,100 fixes and changes. This guide will walk you through getting started with this historic game's latest version, from download to your first steps into the dungeon.
What You Need
- A computer running Windows, DOS, or Amiga (the official download supports these platforms).
- An internet connection to download the game.
- A terminal emulator (like Command Prompt on Windows) if you prefer the classic ASCII graphics; otherwise, the game includes optional tiles for a more visual experience.
- Patience and curiosity—NetHack is deep and rewarding but has a steep learning curve.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download NetHack 5.0.0
Head to the official NetHack website at nethack.org. On the main menu page, you'll find a download link for the 5.0.0 release. Choose the version that matches your operating system (Windows, DOS, or Amiga). The download is compact and free, as NetHack is open-source software.
Step 2: Install the Game
Once the archive is downloaded, extract it to a folder of your choice. On Windows, you may run the executable directly. No complex installation process is required—just unzip and launch nethack.exe or the appropriate binary for your OS. For DOS or Amiga, follow any specific instructions in the included readme file.
Step 3: Understand the Interface
NetHack defaults to ASCII graphics, where letters, numbers, and symbols represent characters, monsters, and items. For example, @ is your hero, D might be a dragon, and % is food. If you prefer tiles, look for an option in the settings (often O for options during gameplay) to switch to graphical mode. The interface is keyboard-driven—no mouse required. Familiarize yourself with the basic commands: h,j,k,l for movement, . to wait, and ? for help.
Step 4: Start a New Game
After launching, you'll see a main menu. Select "Start New Game." Note: Version 5.0.0 invalidates old save files and "bones files" (dungeon floors saved after death). This means everyone starts fresh—perfect for joining the community on equal footing. You'll be prompted to choose a character class and race; each has unique strengths. For your first run, consider a simple class like a Barbarian or Valkyrie.
Step 5: Learn Basic Gameplay
You start on the first dungeon level. Use the movement keys to explore. Encounter monsters by bumping into them (automatic attack). Pick up items by walking over them and pressing g or , (comma). Open your inventory with i. Eat food (e) when hungry—don't starve. Check your status at the bottom of the screen. If you die, you'll see a tombstone and can start a new game. Death is a learning tool; each run teaches you something new.
Step 6: Dive Deeper with Strategy
NetHack rewards careful play. Read the in-game messages (they often hint at dangers). Identify items before using them—cursed items can harm you. Use the # (hash) command for extended actions like searching for secret doors. Watch out for pets (like a starting cat or dog); they can help find food but avoid eating shapeshifter corpses (unless starving or nearly feral, as the changelog states). Demon lords hate Demonbane—specific weapons have lore advantages.
Step 7: Explore Resources for Deeper Knowledge
NetHack's wiki is invaluable, but beware of spoilers. For a gentle introduction, check out PC Gamer's let's play series "NetHack from aaaa to Zruty" by Wes Fenlon and Jeremy Nissen. The series is a decade old but still relevant—only a quarter of NetHack's lifespan. You can also read the extensive changelog on GitHub, but note that it contains spoilers for new features and monsters.
Tips for Success
- Be patient: NetHack is notorious for difficulty. Expect to die many times before your first win.
- Read everything: The game provides hints through messages, item descriptions, and dungeon features.
- Use the community: Join forums like alt.games.nethack or Reddit's r/nethack for advice (without full spoilers).
- Experiment: Try different classes and strategies. Each run is procedurally generated, so no two games are alike.
- Embrace the reset: With 5.0.0, old bones files are gone. This is a rare moment to share the discovery experience with others.
- Have fun: The game's quirky depth—like pets avoiding certain corpses—makes every session memorable.
Now that you're equipped, fire up NetHack 5.0.0 and start your descent. The dungeon awaits, and with over 3,100 changes, it's never been a better time to begin your journey.