KickAss Duke

KickAss Duke (KADuke) is a large-scale gameplay modification for Duke Nukem 3D that reimagines the classic shooter without touching the levels themselves. The mod completely overhauls weapons and items, expanding the arsenal to over 30 weapons and a dozen inventory items — including updated originals and entirely new additions.

The standout feature is a random item replacement system: new guns and resources substitute the originals while preserving map balance and structure. This allows players to run both the original episodes and custom maps with a fresh experience every time.

The mod emphasizes brutal combat: an advanced hit-zone damage system is implemented, featuring dismemberment and a wide range of visual effects — blood, debris, ragdolling, and enemies being blown apart by explosions. New damage types and hazards are also introduced, including fire, radiation, electricity, and more.

Gameplay is enhanced with modern mechanics: stamina affecting sprinting and melee, an updated melee combat system with combos, alternate fire modes, recoil, reloading, and spread when firing in bursts. The interface has been reworked as well, with new sounds, effects, and settings — including a dedicated options menu for fine-tuning the mod's features.

KADuke draws inspiration from modern mods and shooters of recent years, as well as early Duke Nukem prototypes. The project is actively developed, with new enemies, weapons, and even unique maps planned for the future.