The Factory

Lore & Background

The Factory is one of several installations the aliens have constructed on the moon following their invasion of Earth. It is a place of mass production, likely churning out war machines, weapons, or biological horrors. The level's design emphasizes verticality and interconnected chambers, with conveyor belts, crushers, and toxic waste pits that pose as much danger as the alien occupants. This location represents the aliens' industrial might, a cold, mechanical heart beating beneath the lunar surface.

In Their Own Story

The air reeks of ozone and burnt metal. Duke steps through the airlock, the clang of his boots echoing off grimy walls. A conveyor belt hums nearby, carrying scrap and alien refuse. Somewhere, a piston hisses. He checks his shotgun—still loaded. 'Time to shut this place down,' he mutters, and plunges into the gloom, where the whine of a Protector Drone signals the next fight.

Reader's Guide

The Factory is the second level of Episode 2 in *Duke Nukem 3D*. It is a large, nonlinear industrial facility filled with alien forces, including the first appearance of the flying Protector Drone and the armored Enforcer. The level is packed with hazards like crushers, radioactive barrels, and deep pits of slime. Players must navigate a series of interconnected rooms, catwalks, and tunnels, often backtracking to find keycards or switches. The layout encourages exploration, with secrets hidden behind breakable walls and in ventilation shafts. The Factory is a classic example of Build engine level design—claustrophobic, deadly, and rewarding to those who learn its paths. This level fits into the broader narrative as a stepping stone toward the alien mothership. It shows the invaders' capacity for industry and war, raising the stakes before Duke confronts their leaders. The Factory is a fan-favorite for its challenge and atmosphere, representing the peak of *Duke Nukem 3D*'s lunar campaign.

Did You Know?

• The Factory introduces the Protector Drone, a flying enemy that can be difficult to hit without the right weapon.
• The level's layout was designed by one of the original *Duke Nukem 3D* developers, Richard 'Levelord' Gray.
• The Factory contains a secret area that references the classic game *Doom*, with a hidden room featuring a dead marine and a shotgun.
• This level is one of the most complex in the game, with multiple paths and hidden areas that reward thorough exploration.