Duke Nukem 3D is a first-person shooter in which players move through levels from the protagonist's viewpoint, fighting aliens and mutated foes with a varied arsenal. Its environments are highly interactive and destructible, and levels are designed in a non-linear way, letting players use air ducts, back routes, and hidden areas to explore or avoid enemies. Set across recognizable real-world style locations, the game is known for its satirical humor and references to action films and pop culture.