2 Players OnlinePlayable in browserNo downloadArcade

Contra (Arcade) Online

Play the original arcade Contra (1987) online free – Konami's run and gun on a vertical screen, with 2 player online co-op and no download.

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About Contra (Arcade)

The arcade Contra (1987) is where Bill and Lance first fought the alien invasion. Konami released it on a vertical monitor, which gives the side-scrolling stages a tall, narrow look and makes the vertical waterfall climb feel natural. It introduced everything the series is known for: shooting in eight directions, weapon pickups carried by flying capsules, one-hit deaths and two-player co-op.

How it compares with the NES version

Most players know Contra from the NES, but the arcade game came first. It is shorter, its stage layouts differ from the home version, and it already has the pseudo-3D base stages where you shoot into the screen. The NES port, released a year later, reworked and expanded the game and became the more famous version.

Weapons

The arcade game already has the classic power-ups: M (machine gun), S (spread), L (laser), F (fire ball) and R (rapid fire).

Tips

Grab the spread gun as soon as possible and avoid dying to keep it.
Keep an eye on the top of the screen – the vertical layout hides enemies above you.
In co-op, cover different directions: one player shoots up, the other forward.

Compare with the NES Contra, continue with Super Contra, or see all games on the Contra hub.

How to Play Contra (Arcade) Online

Press Play Now. The game opens in a new tab and starts in your browser – nothing to download or install.
On a computer, play with the keyboard or plug in a USB or Bluetooth gamepad. Open the player menu to see or remap the keys.
On a phone or tablet, use the on-screen buttons. Turn the device sideways for a bigger screen.
Use the save state option in the player menu to keep your progress between sessions.

Tip: a gamepad makes special moves and long combos much easier than the keyboard.

Play Contra (Arcade) with a Friend

Local: connect two gamepads (or share the keyboard) and press Start on the second controller to join.
Online: start the game, open the Net Play option in the player menu and create a room.
Send the room link to your friend. When they join, you play together in real time – versus or co-op.
For the smoothest match, both players should use a wired or stable Wi-Fi connection.

FAQ

Is arcade Contra different from the NES version?

Yes. The arcade original uses a vertical screen and different stage layouts. The NES version reworked and expanded the game and became the better-known release.

Can I play arcade Contra with a friend?

Yes. Arcade Contra is a two-player co-op game and supports online Net Play on this site.

Can I play Contra (Arcade) online for free?

Yes. Contra (Arcade) runs directly in your browser and is free to play. Press Play Now on this page and the Arcade game starts in a new tab.

Do I need to download Contra (Arcade)?

No. There is no download, ROM file or emulator setup. Everything runs in the browser, so you can start playing Contra (Arcade) in a few seconds.

Can I play Contra (Arcade) on my phone?

Yes. Contra (Arcade) works in modern mobile browsers with on-screen touch controls. Chrome on Android and Safari on iPhone give the most stable experience.