Wolf2 timeline

This is the FRBS timeline (aka Wolf2 timeline, not to be confused with Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus) which is the timeline for Wolfenstein (2009). FRBS stands for Fourth Reich/Black Sun.

Background

This is a timeline for Wolfenstein (2009) (aka Wolf2), and its related materials. The game is more or less a sequel to Return to Castle Wolfenstein. But it has been described as a reboot and an 'alternate universe' by its developers. The latter is primarily because the Kreisau Circle is larger organization than it was in actual history, and other historical changes like the date when Tirpitz was sunk, and also because the game may imply that the war went on longer than it did in real life. The Fourth Reich videos themselves maybe either a prequel to Wolfenstein (2009), or a sequel set after the events of the game describing potentially the start of a World War 3 scenario.

Wolfenstein 2009 does not give any dates directly, although dates do appear on posters, maps, documents etc. Most of the documents are dated to 1940 or so. There are a handful of references to 1944 such as the MP44, and September 3, 1944 on posters. That the series has to take place at least late 1944. But other blurry dates might suggest anywhere from 1945-1947 (including what looks like "Operations, 22-28 March 1947 (or is it a badly mangled 1941?), but the meaning of this on a map of Betrieb Fall Rot, 1940 is not clear). The returning characters don't even reference 'time spans' between events of the game and RTCW. Further more what few seasonal references appear in the game, it looks like it probably fall based on the golden and red leaves on the trees of the Farm level. While not specifically official there is at least one preview that believes the game is set in 1944 or reference the historical Tirpitz 1944 events, but does not quote or reference any developer commentary directly which makes things even more confusing. Not even the trailers or the promotional material seem to give a date.

The clearest date given with regards to 'past tense' is on a blue print for the weapons carried by the Atomik Soldiers: "Rocket program" first established by the Atomic Corps in 44." Which indicates it must be 1945 or later.

Normandy has not taken place in this universe (despite it being portrayed in RTCW multiplayer, and discussed in Enemy Territory). Which either have to indicate either the game has to take place before June 6, 1944, or that Operation Overlord did not take place in this 'alternate universe (the later seems clear based on the blue prints)'.

Bethesda's Wolfenstein 3D Classic which was released the same year has the date February 5, 1945 listed, but the backstory seems to suggest the game might take place after B.J's other earlier exploits (which would seem to suggest RTCW and Wolfenstein may take place before the game.) But its all rather vague.

This timeline is more of a continuation of the RTCW timeline, but assumes that at least World War 2 ended in late 1944, or early 1945 (perhaps earlier than actual history based on dates in Bethesda's Wolfenstein 3D Classic which discuss B.J. Blazkowicz marriage to an actress, and his grandson Billy Blaze after the war.) Wolfenstein 3D Classic is tied into both RTCW and Wolfenstein 2009 via artwork and references to OSA.

Play the legendary original game that launched the First Person Shooter genre. You are OSA super agent B.J. Blazkowicz and you must escape from Castle Wolfenstein and defeat the twisted Nazi regime!

According to the developers Wolfenstein didn't have Hitler, because it was a 'timeline thing' Hitler had already been defeated. They said RTCW took place after Wolfenstein 3D and their game took place after RTCW. This was later reflected in the released animated graphic novels.

The operation to recover Spear of Destiny is brought up by Anton Kreige, and appears to be chronologically before events of RTCW by his comments. However, the reference to Spear of Destiny could be both a reference to the game of the same name, or even Wolfenstein RPG which was released the year before, and takes place in RTCW universe (including OSA, and SS Paranormal division). The animated graphic novel definitely makes it a reference to the original game.

In the game Hitler is never mentioned, although there are plenty of photos/paintings of him laying around. Only "High Command"/"Central Command" and references to Himmler, and Wilhelm Strasse being part of it are ever mentioned. From the perspective of the Graphics Novel Series, Hitler is already dead in this timeline, following events of Animated Novels (which cover Wolfenstein 3D, and Return to Castle Wolfenstein from a condensed 'alternative' interpretation). This would fit the developers position tht Hitler was already defeated.

For a timeline that incorporates more of the connections between other ID games such as Wolfenstein RPG/Doom RPG trilogy/Doom 1/2/3, etc, before Bethesda took control over the entire series, see iD Universe timeline.

Wolfenstein 2/Fourth Reich/Black Sun Timeline

(Covers events of Wolfenstein 3D, Spear of Destiny, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and Wolfenstein)

804

Charlemagne's conquest of Saxony.

918

German Prince Heinrich I begins studying the Thulian Mystery Occults, and resolves to forge his own empire at the expense of the existing Frankish dynasty.

933

Heinrich I unleashes his army of undead on the invading Magyars, defeating them at the Battle of Riade.

943

Heinrich I is sealed within his tomb by Simon the Wanderer..

1632

Adlers' Gebirgshotel

1752

4 September Anne Gottieb birth

1790

Wilhelm Guhne birth.

1799

Hans Shenk birth.

1804 -

16 August Carl Eckberg birth.

1809

20 December - Anne Gottieb birth.

1824

Franz Gerhardt birth.

1840

Fran Strankel birth.

1845 - Hans Shenk death.

1861

6 October - Carl Eckberg death.

1863

Wilhelm Guhne death.

1870

Franz strankel death.

1873

Josef Bohren birth.

1879

Franze Gerhardt's death.

c.1895

Leonid Alexanderov founds the Golden Dawn.

1903

September 18 - Erik Engle is born.

1911

August 15 - William "B.J." Blazkowicz is born in Milwaukee, America

1918

Bar1918 is designed.

1922

May 10 - Caroline Becker is born.

1931

Josef Bohren death.

1933

Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany.

Research for Operation: Resurrection begins.

1934 - Commemorative plate

1937

Deathshead begins research into Super Soldiers.

1938

As early as 1938, it was concluded that Operation Resurrection would require the development of an advanced synthetic humanoid host.

1938 Latour

1939

Operation: Resurrection is put on hiatus, after some major disaster at the Holstein dig.

Nazi Convention for Peace (Reichsporteitag des Friedens).

1940

April 16 - War department records issued for Webley and Blazkowicz.

Brigitte photograph from Ariana Studios.

5 June - Operation Fall Rot begins

September 21 - On a mission for the OSA, B.J. is briefed by Jean Moulin in France. The French Resistance help B.J. infiltrate Germany. The Spear of destiny is recovered and demon is destroyed. The spear is brought back to the U.S. where it was kept under tight security.

September 30 - The Nazis discover a new source of power in the form of the Veil. The existence of the SoldatGeist from the Black Sun dimension is discovered by the Nazis and recorded in diagrams. Blueprints for Tesla Cannon upgrade., Mauser K98 upgrade, MP40 upgrade, MP43/MF43 upgrade, Stielhandgranate 24 upgrade, Flamenwerfer upgrade. Blueprint for the Heavy Trooper.

1941

The Nazis lead by Hans von Schlieffen invade the US, and take back the Spear of Destiny. Only The Axe survives and takes it back to Germany. Admiral Powell sends Blazkowicz to recover it again. He travels to Scandinavia to find a hidden research based there. He defeats Professor Quarkblitz and the Devil Incarnate.

1942

Nocturnal Missions.

Blazkowicz learns about the initial Operation Eisenfaust plans, and defeats Hitler at Castle Wolfenstein for the first time.

14 July - OSA sends BJ top secret Welcome Back letter.

1943

Blazkowicz is reassigned to Libya to help fight against Erwin Rommel.

March 9 - The last Dark Knight is discovered. Zemph begins traveling to Castle Wolfenstein.

March 11 - Zemph arrives at Castle Wolfenstein.

March 12 - Agent Blazkowicz is reassigned to OSA. He and Agent One are sent from Libya to capture Helga von Bulow in northern Egypt.

March 13 - Finished repairs and calibrations on generators at the dig site.

March 14 - Blazkowicz and Agent One reach Ras El-Hadid. After failing to capture Helga von Bulow, they steal a Ju52 transport plane and fly to Castle Wolfenstein in northern Germany.

March 15 - Blazkowicz and Agent One are shot down over Castle Wolfenstein. They are captured by Helga von Bulow. Agent One is sent to Doctor Zee for torture and interrogation.

March 16 - Disaster at the dig site. Otto missing. The Royal Air Force raids Berlin, causing large fires and dozens of civilian casualties.

March 17 - Death of Agent One. Blazkowicz escapes Castle Wolfenstein and fights his way to Wulfburg Church. Helga von Bulow kills Zemph and is in turn killed by Olaric. Blazkowicz confronts and kills Olaric, and retrieves the Dagger of Warding, a mysterious Thulian artifact.

March 20 - Blazkowicz infiltrates Deathshead's rocket base at Katamarunde near the Baltic Sea, destroys an experimental V2 rocket and a prototype Mark I radar array.

March 21 - Blazkowicz infiltrates Katamarunde Airbase, steals the Bachem Ba317 Kobra plane, and flies it to Malta. That night, he is deployed to Kugelstadt, where he assists in the defection of one of Deathshead's research scientists.

March 22 - Blazkowicz infiltrates Deathshead's Secret Weapons Facility below Kugelstadt. Later in the day he is deployed to Norway, where he infiltrates Deathshead's X-Labs and destroys his first Übersoldat. Deathshead escapes and is promoted to General.

March 23 - Blazkowicz is deployed to Paderborn in the evening. He assassinates top officers of the SS Paranormal Division in Paderborn and in Chateau Schufstaffel. Blazkowicz infiltrates the dig site and returns to Castle Wolfenstein. Marianna Blavatsky resurrects Heinrich I to become the New Reich leader. Blazkowicz defeats the dark prince and terminates Operation Resurrection.

April 15 - Maps of Isenstadt.

1944

"Rocket program" first established by the Atomic Corps.

The prototype Leichenfaust 44 is developed.

September 3 - Befolgen Sie! Hamburg, 1944 (You Follow/Obey).

1945

February, 1945 - Blazkowicz is sent into Germany to stop Operation:Eisenfaust once and for all;

Hans Grosse is defeated by B.J. at Castle Wolfenstein (his second defeat).

In an undercover mission for the OSA, Hitler suffers a 'major defeat' at the hands of Blazkowicz at the Reichstag bunker, beginning of the end of the war in Europe or at least the Third Reich.

The leaders of the Nazi forces in Berlin, regroup after the war taking over control of the Third Reich. They were poised to rise under a new power the Black Sun (which they have been studying since at least 1940). They quickly rebuild power in Germany (Some call themselves the Fourth Reich). Isenstadt is retaken by Admiral Zetta.

Blazkowicz infiltrates and sabotages the Tirpitz and finds the Veil talisman.

A register is signed by two individuals over course of two separate months.

Manhattan Project breakthroughs and successes with an Atomic bomb.

The Fourth Reich examines its files and records concerning the super spy Blazkowicz up to the destruction of the Tirpitz as a defense protocol as they restructure their leadership.

Blazkowicz enters the town of Isenstadt. Gaining support from the Kreisau Circle and Golden Dawn.

Viktor Zetta dies and is replaced with Wilhelm Strasse.

Hans Grosse is defeated as the Black Sun Dimension is forever sealed. Wilhelm Strasse survives the zeppelin crash and escapes.

October 23, 1945 - B.J. Blazkowicz's ID expires.

1947

22-28 March - Operation listed on Betrieb Fall Rot map

Notes

Dating of Wolfenstein (2009)

• Some material released around the time of Wolfenstein 2009 states that it occurs in an alternate world war II history.. This is of course supported by the Graphic Novels, the events of the Tirpitz in the game (being destroyed at a later date and in a different location than in actual history), the strength of the Kreisau circle, and a few other details.
• The exact date of Wolfenstein (2009) is not known (but information ingame and Graphic Novels suggest it must take place between late 1944 to 1947). Wolfenstein 3D Classic places it after February, 1945. The ingame trivia also ties in directly the Commander Keen is his grandson, and his backstory and marriage after the war into his history (and not just a 'development' book fact, although this has very little influence on the game or the Wolfenstein 2009 plotline).
  • The most specific reference is on a blue print which puts 1944 in the 'past tense', indicating it is 1945 or later.
  • Going by the trees and weather conditions, and pumpkins the game looks to be set in the fall so likely between September and November. Pumpkins are usually harvested between September and October.
  • Wolfenstein internal dates show references to events as far as late 1944 (see Leichenfaust 44, or the old propaganda poster, Befolgen Sie!, September 3, 1944, Hamburg posters on walls covered with newspaper clippings (seen as early as the first level)).
  • A notice/sign/poster discusses a 'A boycott will take place in september' (upcoming September, or a previous September? Does the game take place in September of the same year, and boycott has already happened/passed/happening?).
  • A delivery slip included in an intel on the first level shows what looks like 9 - 2 or 5 - 2 XXXX (the last bit is smudged,") which could be a date: likely February 2/5 (day/month) as used in many German speaking countries based on calendar dating order on other documents in the game (this also support the idea that the story takes place after February, 1945 as suggested by Wolfenstein 3D classic), it could be May 9 or September 2nd. On the other hand it may not be a date at all, but rather some other type of information. This appears to be the weapon delivery form for the train that the Kriege black market rob (incidentally the stub also lists an MP46 which could suggest 1946, although this probably intended to be MP40, one of the weapons in the game).
  • Also there is a registration document in Wolfenstein 2009 included as part of an Intel folder background graphic appears to have two dates attached to two signatures, the year listed appears to be 1945 (but the 5 could also resemble a rough 3). One of the dates looks to be 2 or 3 of Nov, March or May (only three letters appear but are hard to make out), 1945, the other is perhaps 11, 21 or 31 of "Jul" ("July?" but only three or four letter appear, Jul/Jan/Jun?). If assumed to be signed in chronological order March/May followed by June or July would make the most sense (if the second date includes 31 only July would work).
  • Going by German weapon naming conventions the Leichenfaust 44 may give the date of the weapon's first development/manufacture as 1944. However this is not reliable indication of exact date of Wolfenstein (2009) or the weapon's manufacture as the MG43/MG44/STG44 saw use as early as 1942 (STG44 had some minor differences than the earlier models when it was redesignated in 1944), and it is not known how long they have been experimenting with the veil energy in the first place (some of the intel is dated at least far back as 1940). It would at least imply that the Leichenfaust 44 was first introduced in 1944 (but this is no indication of it being mass produced or not, and may still have been a prototype then and later). It at least indicates that they have been experimenting with veil for at least since 1944.

• A blue captured and translated print states ""Rocket program" first established by the Atomic Corps in 44." based on the grammar this would actually seem to suggest that its 'after 1944" already.
• The Fourth Reich/Black Sun timeline of the video graphic novels released with Wolfenstein (2009) was produced by Raven Software. It was intended to place the series from Wolfenstein 3D (possibly the Mac family version), Spear of Destiny, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and Wolfenstein in the same timeline as told from the files of the Fourth Reich which had risen after Hitler's initial defeat (or death 'figure who killed the Fuhrer'), and what was believed to be the "end" of the war, but they had regrouped in Berlin and continued the war anew (though the files are not 'read' in chronological order). The events of the games are told in highly compressed fashion (with only a few events from each story highlighted), and a few changes in details.
  • The fourth graphic novel comic (Part 4 Unveiled Power) is required to understand the introduction of Wolfenstein (2009) as it explains how BJ infiltrated the Tirpitz, how he sabotaged the ship, how he obtained the captain's uniform, and the medallion. The intro begins where the graphic novel left off.
  • In the game, Anton Kriege looks into the B.J. past and discovers he has 'quite the resume' He discovers both the Office of Secret Actions, which he has never heard of before. B.J. attracts myths, the Spear of Destiny, Nazi Uber Soldiers, and a resurrected Prince Heinrich the First. He considers Agent B.J. Blazkowicz to be a one-man propaganda campaign. He wonders what kind of price the Spear of Destiny would fetch. This is a reference to the game Spear of Destiny and B.J.s previous actions (see Graphic Novel Episode 2). There is also a reference to Nazi's reports on B.J. describing as tall, blond. This is a reference to his appearance in Wolfenstein 3D and Spear of Destiny (indicating that B.J. is wearing a disguise, and has changed his hair color in Wolfenstein).
  • There are a number of nods to Operation Resurrection and the events of RTCW, and reoccurring characters from that game.

• "Betrieb Fall Rot" appears on some maps seen in Wolfenstein 2009. Operation Fall Rot (Case Red in English) was the second phase of the conquest of France by the German Army, begun on 5 June 1940 (an actual event in history).
  • On the Operation Fall Rot map looks like an additional date of March 22-28 1947 (or is it a badly weathered 1941, or 1942)
  • This map appears to actually originate from a modified map, the 1944 crossing of the rhine, which has on the bottom of it "Operation 22-28 1945", which may indicate they had intentionally chosen to modify the end date to a '1947', as well as change the event to "Betrieb Fall Rot".
  • Assuming that it is 1947, this would suggest that Wolfenstein itself must take place in 1947. If it is a badly smudged 1941 or 1942, it could take place before Wolfenstein.
  • Based on the context of the original map it was designed from the 'operations' would be the date towards end of Fall Rot, or in this case might be a second "code red" invasion of France to retake what was lost at the end of the 'war'.
• Some other maps found on the walls in the game show German territories of Baden, and Wurtemburg, these are based on maps showing dates from the 1800s.
• The Manhattan Project was an American project to create atomic bomb from 1942 to 1946. The first tests Trinity occured on July 16, 1945 shortly after the end of European theatre.
  • It is mentioned in Wolfenstein (2009) by the Blackmarket dealers. Suggesting they have already heard of the tests or at least the Americans are very close to success. How this relates to actual historical references is not clear, and other elements of the game suggest that the game has already deviated into an alternate timeline.
  • As Wolfenstein is set after February, 1945, it may place it between February and July, 1945.
• The SS Tirpitz seen in Wolfenstein (2009) was an actual ship. It was the second of two Bismarck-class battleships built for the German Kriegsmarine (War Navy) during World War II. It was sunk by Royal Air Force bombers on 12 November 1944 at Sørbotn off Håkøy near Tromsø, Norway.
  • Wolfenstein 3D Classic (with details from the Graphic Novels) places Wolf3D during February 1945. This would place Tirpitz destruction in 1945, and would be a deviation from the actual historical timeline. Note: this is assuming that its not portraying the Original Encounter strike at Hitler, which may very well be since it seems to place the fight with Hitler at Castle Wolfenstein as in Mac family versions of the game. This original battle took place much earlier in the war, and Hitler survived the battle.
  • If the 2009 game was set before the "end" of WW2, it would still be an alternate retelling of the ship's sinking in 1944 during the height of the war as it is sunk five miles off the coast of England in the game (though the graphic novel suggests the sabotage took place in the North Sea between the UK and Denmark, north of the Netherlands). The different location of destruction from the historical location of the Tirpitz destruction suggesting an alternate universe as well.
    • The lack of air defense against the Tirpitz and the closeness of the Tirpitz to England would suggest the Royal Airforce has already been compromised as in the New Order timeline in early 1945, and that B.J.s mission was a last ditch suicide mission to stop Britain's defeat. A suicide mission to stop Britain's ultimate defeat is at least confirmed in the game, as the Tirpitz was about to launch missiles of some kind on England. And destroy London
    • The SS Tirpitz has advanced missile silos beyond anything known to Germans in actual history (suggesting further deviations in the alternate timeline).
    • Stefan also comments that hte Allied forces are straining to win, and Manhattan Project maybe one of their last fail safes.

• The Kreisau Circle is another element taken from history that exists in the Wolfenstein timeline. Historically, it was a minor organization that dissolved on 19 January 1944, when its leader Moltke was arrested and the Kreisau Circle fell into disarray.
  • In Wolfenstein universe it has taken on a much larger role, and exists into 1945/6 or much later depending on the timelines. The Leichenfaust 44 existence as developed in 1944 or the September 3, 1944 date (old Befolgen Sie! propaganda posters, many of which are covered with layers of old newspapers) would suggest that the Kreisau Circle had already surpassed the point in time of its historical dissolution by the time of Wolfenstein 2009 (regardless if the game had been set in 1944 or 1945 to 1946).
• The Golden Dawn was an actual organization founded in October 1887, although documents which it based it founding were discovered in 1886.
  • Wolfenstein establishes a different founder for the organization, and states it was founded "over 50 years ago", although this would suggest its founding was a decade later than the actual organization (about 'sixty years ago" might be more accurate if following historical founding).
• There are old movie posters for S.A.-Mann Brand, this was a Nazi film from 1933.
• The animated Graphic Novel for Spear of Destiny looks to give the event to have taken place prior to 20/21 Sep, 1940, or 30 (the date that appears on multiple documents in Wolfenstein (2009)), which could suggest that Spear of Destiny took place much earlier than implied by other sources and history.
• Stefan Kreige wonders if the Allies would ever attempt an invasion of Europe, and he believes it would be where there was a very large stretch of beach. This indicates that the game takes place before Tuesday, 6 June 1944 (seasonally the game is in fall, so it would have to be in Fall 1943 for that to even be possible) assuming that the timeline hasn't diverged differently form history in the game. There are other indications of dates including September 3, 1944, and possibly references as late as 1947 or 1948 on documents. In reality if it took even a year later for Operation Overlord to commence, Rommel would have completed the Atlantic Wall defenses around Normandy and Europe making a sea attack nearly impossible. Another interesting comment by Stefan is that he mentions that the Allied forces are struggling to win, as well as the Tirpitz attempt on destroying London (and no British air defense to attack it for whatever reason, all seem to indicate an alternate history timeline.
• A newspaper translates out to "War in Europe almost over", although clearly propaganda, it doesn't give any specific dates.

• The addition of BJ Blaskowitz (from the Machinegames series) to Quake Champions brought more specificity to the dating of the events of Wolfenstein (2009); Lore Scrolls Part 4 mentions the Death's Head zeppelin crashing on Eisenstadt, dating back to November 1944 (Lore Scrolls Part 3 appears to date slightly earlier than Blazkowitz's dispatch to Eisenstadt - October 1944)Quake wiki; Despite the new specificity in dating, the question of the canonicity of this source still remains open.
  • If we take this dating into account, then it turns out that the events of Wolfenstein (2009) take place approximately between RtCW (march 1943) and the events of Third Encounter/SoD mission 3: Ultimate Challenge (late 1944 - January/February 1945). Based on this, it can be assumed that the assassination attempt on Hitler and the false end of the war (Original Encounter) led to the creation of the Fourth Reich since (at least) November 1944, which creates a contradiction (only if you do not include Hitler’s return in February 1945 and his new defeat; This vision of the timeline reinforces the version that the video graphic novel tells exactly about the events of Original Encounter). In this case, it is likely that Hans Grosse returns from the Black Sun and appears in February 1945, otherwise Episode 1 of the Third Encounter takes place before November 1944, despite the Wolfenstein classic newspaper clipping.

Gallery

22-28 March 1947?

September 3, 1944.

September

Dated to April 15, 1943

21 Sep. 1940

3 Nov, 1945?

Dated to April 15, 1943

Dated to April 15, 1943.

April 15, 1943

30 September 1940

"Rocket program" first established by the Atomic Corps in 44.

February 1945 (Wolf 3D Classic)

July 42 next to Date/time under New Game

November 1944 (?)