There are many different ways to control your character as you play Duke Nukem. Some are more difficult then others. I have split this up so you can find what control suites you best.
         

Single Player Controls: If you have played Nintendo and/or Sega most of your life you may find it easier to control Duke with a game pad. I suggest the Gravis Gamepad (about $14). This is the easiest way to move around yet also one of the most limiting. In single player games it will be easy going compared to multiplayer games. You will need to be able strafe, jump, duck, run, and shoot. All these can be setup on a gamepad. You may want to use the keyboard or mouse, or a combination. It is really whatever feels comfortable for you. If you have never played a 3d shooter like duke or a console system, I would suggest starting out with the keyboard mouse combination. This way, if you advance on to killing your best friends through Dukematches, fun fun fun, you will be ready to use more advanced controls with the keys/mouse. I have included a .cfg file I personally use with my gamepad while playing. Right click the link below and then save as. Just put the file into your Duke3d directory and start Duke up. It will ask you which .cfg to use. You may need to edit this cfg to re-adjust your sound card setting as yours may vary from my own.

Dukematch controls: If you play a lot of network and/or modem dukematches, you will want to control duke with a much more complex setup to allow you to do anything at any time(most of you are probably reading this to get an edge on your enemies when dukematching). It has been noted that those who use a mouse/keyboard setup usually win much more then those who use gamepads, just the mouse or just the keyboard. A good Dukematch playing will want to be able to run, jump, duck, fly up, fly down, shoot(uh..duh), strafe, circle strafe, use the mouse look, and activate all the inventory items with ease. Unfortunatly Duke doesn't default to mouse/keyboard settings that allow you to do all these actions. The good thing is I have included 2 configuration files that will allow you do all the above. One is mine and one is from Stefan's Duke Page. Right click the link below and then save as. Just put the file into your Duke3d directory and start Duke up. It will ask you which .cfg to use. You may need to edit this cfg to re-adjust your sound card setting as yours may vary from my own.