# Return to Castle Wolfenstein availability in Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-availability-in-germany
> Updated: 2026-08-10T07:20:47.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The 2001 first-person shooter Return to Castle Wolfenstein has become available in its uncensored form in Germany, ending decades of restrictions. For approximately 25 years, the game required significant modifications to comply with national laws regarding Nazi symbols and historical figures, such as replacing Heinrich Himmler with the fictional character “Heinrich Höller”.

Following the removal of the game from Germany’s list of youth-endangering media in February 2026, the publisher secured a USK age rating. This certification allowed the uncut version to be listed on digital storefronts including Steam, GOG, and the Microsoft Store. The availability of the original content follows a relaxation of German regulations that began in 2018.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Bethesda brings uncensored Return to Castle Wolfenstein to Germany

Bethesda has announced that the uncensored version of Return to Castle Wolfenstein will be released in Germany, 25 years after its original launch, following changes to national censorship laws.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bethesda-brings-uncensored-return-to-castle-wolfenstein-to-germany

### 2026-08-05: Return to Castle Wolfenstein becomes uncut and available in Germany

Return to Castle Wolfenstein was delisted from Germany’s youth‑endangering index, received a USK rating, and is now sold uncut on Steam, GOG and Microsoft Store at a discounted price.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-becomes-uncut-and-available-in-germany

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Cite as: Return to Castle Wolfenstein availability in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-availability-in-germany