Welcome to our in-depth, spoiler-light walkthrough for No Mercy, the cult classic wrestling game that still has fans chanting decades later. Whether you’re returning to the ring or stepping between the ropes for the first time, this guide will help you master every mode, earn every title, and unleash your full wrestling potential. Let’s dive in, champ.
Table of Contents
Introduction to No Mercy
WWF No Mercy, originally released for the Nintendo 64, is more than just another wrestling game—it’s the wrestling game for a generation of fans. Known for its intuitive controls, branching storylines, and deep create-a-wrestler system, No Mercy is still beloved in the retro gaming community.
The game features multiple story modes, a slew of match types, and plenty of secrets to unlock. Whether you’re chasing the WWF Championship or trying to build your perfect custom wrestler, No Mercy offers depth that still holds up today.
Getting Started – Know Your Controls
Before you dive into the action, take a few minutes to get familiar with the controls. No Mercy uses a timing-based grapple system:
- A Button: Weak Grapple (Tap), Strong Grapple (Hold)
- B Button: Strike (Tap), Strong Strike (Hold)
- D-Pad: Move your wrestler
- L Button: Run
- R Button: Block/Counter
The key to victory is mastering the grapple system. Tap for quick attacks and counters, hold to unleash powerful slams and throws. Reversals can change the match in a heartbeat—practice the timing!
Create-a-Wrestler (CAW) Tips
Want to drop an elbow off the top rope like Randy Savage? Or maybe create a custom character straight from your imagination? The CAW system in No Mercy is legendary.
Pro Tips:
- Start with a template – Use existing wrestlers to guide your creation.
- Distribute attribute points wisely – Don’t just max out strength; stamina and speed are just as vital.
- Move variety matters – Equip your wrestler with a mix of strikes, grapples, and aerial moves to stay unpredictable.
Once your wrestler is ready, it’s time to jump into the game’s heart: Championship Mode.
Championship Mode – Story Branches and Outcomes
This is where No Mercy truly shines. Each title path offers unique storylines that branch based on your match results. Let’s break down the key paths🏆 WWF Championship Path
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: Longest path
- Starts: With a Royal Rumble match
- Objective: Win the Rumble, climb the ladder to the main event at WrestleMania.
Key Tip: You’ll need to beat multiple top-tier wrestlers, including Triple H and The Rock. Focus on stamina conservation—don’t spam finishers too early.
Branching Moment: Lose a match? You might end up in a feud instead of a title chase. Win or lose, each path offers great story value.
🏆 Intercontinental Title Path
- Difficulty: Medium
- Focus: Mid-card rivalries and betrayal arcs
One of the most fun paths for story lovers. Expect plenty of backstage attacks, tag team betrayals, and rivalries that span multiple shows.
Branching Moment: If you lose a qualifying match, you may be forced to fight your way back through a gauntlet. Perseverance pays off!
🏆 European Title Path
- Difficulty: Easy/Medium
- Focus: Comedy and underdog stories
Expect to face characters like Crash Holly or Hardcore Holly in some bizarre backstage scenarios. Not as intense as other paths but absolutely hilarious.
Branching Moment: If you get DQ’d, it may lead to a hardcore rules match next. Yes, you can pin someone in the parking lot. Enjoy.
🏆 Hardcore Title Path
- Difficulty: Medium
- Focus: Weapons and wild stipulations
Welcome to pure chaos. Matches here are no-holds-barred, and you’ll be fighting in hallways, locker rooms, and parking lots.
Pro Tip: Use the environment. Throw opponents into soda machines, bash them with chairs, and always keep moving.
🏆 Tag Team Titles
- Difficulty: Medium
- Focus: Teamwork and betrayal
Choose a reliable partner (or create one!) and work your way through one of the most satisfying arcs in the game. The AI partner can be a blessing or a curse.
Pro Tip: Use quick tags to keep your health high. Also, keep an eye out—some story paths have betrayal twists depending on your actions.
Unlockables and Secret Content
As you progress, you’ll earn money (in-game currency) to spend in the SmackDown Mall. Here’s what to prioritize:
🛒 Must-Have Unlockables
- Hidden Wrestlers: Legends like Shawn Michaels or Cactus Jack.
- Arenas: Unlock backstage areas and special event venues.
- Moves & Costumes: Essential for building the perfect CAW.
Grinding for cash? Use the Royal Rumble or Exhibition Mode with a maxed-out wrestler to win quick matches and earn money faster.
Tips for Winning Every Match
- Start with Weak Grapples – Build momentum before going in for big moves.
- Use Taunts – Each taunt raises your Spirit meter. Max it out to unleash your finisher.
- Stay on the Offense – Give the AI no breathing room, especially on higher difficulties.
- Don’t Panic When Bleeding – Bleeding just means you’ve taken serious damage; fight smart, not reckless.
- Practice Finishers – Learn the exact conditions needed. Some require a strong grapple, others just a full Spirit bar.
Bonus Tip: Reversals can save you. Tap R at the right time during grapples or strikes to counter your opponent’s move.
Glitches & Fun Exploits (Because It’s No Mercy!)
- Invisible Ladder Glitch: Sometimes the ladder disappears during TLC matches. Just pretend you’re climbing for greatness.
- Infinite Money Glitch: Certain save file exploits can give you unlimited funds—use at your own risk!
- Frozen Referee Bug: Occasionally the ref just… stops. Take advantage and go hardcore.
These quirks are part of what gives No Mercy its charm. Embrace the chaos.
Final Thoughts – A Game That Still Packs a Punch
No Mercy isn’t just about wrestling—it’s about stories, memories, and those edge-of-your-seat matches that make you jump off the couch. Whether you’re reliving the Attitude Era or discovering it for the first time, the game still delivers.
There’s a reason fans still mod No Mercy, adding AEW rosters or modern WWE stars. The foundation is timeless.
So gear up, hit the ropes, and show no mercy. The ring is yours, champ.
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