G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike Co-op
Atari 2600 · Action / Shoot 'em Up
Yars' Revenge
Certified classic
| System | Atari 2600 |
|---|---|
| Released | 1981 |
| Genre | Action, Shoot 'em Up |
| Developer | Atari |
| Publisher | Atari |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 11 |
Developed by Atari, Yars' Revenge arrived on the Atari 2600 in 1981 as an action game. It blends action and shoot 'em up elements.
It landed about 4 years into the 2600's life. Other notable 2600 releases from 1981 include Defender, Asteroids and Amidar. Among the 207 2600 action games in our database, it ranks #6 by legacy score.
Atari also made E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Combat and Asteroids for the 2600.
Yars' Revenge supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you have a friend to play against
- you want to experience one of the 2600's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
What playing Yars' Revenge is like
Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.
Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.
Yars' Revenge walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Yars' Revenge.
If you like Yars' Revenge, the Matrix also picks…
Pac-Man Classic
Kaboom! Classic
Custer's Revenge Classic
Frogger Classic
Hover Strike Deep cut
Amidar Classic
Breakout Classic
Playing 2600 games today
Most 2600 games are built for short, score-chasing sessions, which makes them perfect for a quick nostalgia hit. Original hardware is cheap and plentiful, the Atari 2600+ reissue plays original cartridges on modern TVs, and official collections such as Atari 50 bundle many first-party classics.
Yars' Revenge FAQ
When did Yars' Revenge come out on the 2600?
Yars' Revenge was released for the Atari 2600 in 1981.
Who made Yars' Revenge?
It was developed by Atari.
Is Yars' Revenge multiplayer?
Yes. Yars' Revenge supports up to 2 players.
How long does Yars' Revenge take to play?
As an action game, Yars' Revenge typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Yars' Revenge on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.