🧩 How to Activate the Level Select Cheat
Golden Axe 3 features a secret Level Select mode that allows you to start from any stage you want. It's a handy trick for testing routes, replaying favorite levels, or challenging bosses without going through the entire game.
Level Select Code
At the character select screen, highlight your chosen hero and quickly press:
L (4 times), Enter (once), Space (6 times)
If entered correctly, the Stage Select menu will appear, allowing you to choose any level. Press the buttons quickly - timing is key!
🧑🤝🧑 Playable Characters
Golden Axe 3 lets you choose from four unique heroes, each with a distinct fighting style, magic power, and special abilities. Whether you prefer raw strength, agility, or speed, every character brings something different to the battle.
🐾 Chronos "Evil" Lait
A mysterious panther warrior - half-human, half-beast - who moves with lightning speed. Chronos is weaker in raw power but excels at mobility, jumping attacks, and fast combos. His unique animations and fighting stance make him one of the most memorable characters in the series.
⚔ Kain Grinder
A balanced swordsman and the most versatile hero of the group. Kain combines good speed with strong attacks and solid magic power. His playstyle feels closest to the classic Golden Axe heroes, making him a great choice for newcomers.
🔥 Sarah Barn
A skilled warrior who blends sword combat with graceful acrobatics. Sarah's agility allows her to dodge and counter quickly, and her fire-based magic deals devastating damage to groups of enemies.
💪 Proud Cragger
A towering giant with unmatched strength. His attacks are slower but deliver massive damage, making him perfect for players who like powerful throws and crushing blows. Proud can lift most enemies with ease and clear crowds with wide swings.
✨ Did You Know?
🪓 Japan-Only Release
Golden Axe 3 was originally released exclusively in Japan for the SEGA Mega Drive in 1993. Outside Japan, it was available only later through the Sega Channel service - a short-lived cable-based download platform in North America.
🐾 Panther Warrior Origins
Chronos "Evil" Lait, the panther-like fighter, is the first non-human playable hero in the entire Golden Axe series. His design stood out at the time, combining feline agility with human-like combat moves.
⚔ Multiple Endings
Unlike the first two games, Golden Axe 3 features several possible endings. The outcome depends on whether you rescue captured allies and defeat Damud Hellstrike under certain conditions.
💥 Team Attacks
In co-op mode, players can perform unique joint attacks by standing close and pressing attack simultaneously. These moves vary depending on which two heroes are paired, adding an extra layer of depth to the combat.
🕹 Hidden Moves and Throws
Golden Axe 3 expanded the move list significantly - characters can now perform air throws, sliding attacks, and backdrops. Some of these were firsts for the series and inspired later beat 'em up titles on Genesis.
🪓 The Golden Axe Legacy
The legendary saga began with Golden Axe (1989) on the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive - a groundbreaking fantasy beat 'em up that introduced players to a world of swords, magic, and mythical beasts. Its mix of co-op action and heroic storytelling quickly made it one of SEGA's most beloved titles.
The adventure continued with Golden Axe II (1991), which refined the formula through smoother controls, sharper visuals, and new enemies. It kept the classic spirit alive while offering faster and more dynamic combat.
Then came Golden Axe 3 (1993) - a more ambitious and complex sequel. It introduced new heroes, branching paths, tag-team attacks, and multiple endings, expanding the series' lore and gameplay depth. Although it was released only in Japan (and later via the Sega Channel in North America), it pushed the Genesis/Mega Drive hardware to its limits and marked a bold evolution for the franchise.
🕹 Reception & Modern Play
When Golden Axe 3 first appeared in 1993, opinions were mixed. Some players praised its larger levels, new heroes, and refined combat, while others missed the simplicity and pace of the earlier games. Over time, though, it gained a cult following among SEGA fans who appreciated its ambition, multiple endings, and deep co-op mechanics.
Today, Golden Axe 3 is often seen as an overlooked gem - the most experimental and daring entry in the trilogy. It expanded the world, introduced bold ideas, and showed how far SEGA could push the Genesis/Mega Drive.
Now you can play Golden Axe 3 online directly in your browser and relive the classic adventure without any setup. Team up with a friend, reclaim the legendary axe, and dive back into one of SEGA's most unforgettable worlds.