Oddjob Hat Throw
A deadly bowler hat from a tiny tyrant.
The Oddjob Hat Throw is a signature gameplay mechanic in the 1997 first-person shooter GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64. As the diminutive Korean henchman Oddjob, players can whip his black bowler hat as a lethal projectile—a silent, spinning disc of death that slices through opponents. This ability is unique to Oddjob and serves as his primary attack, replacing the standard unarmed punch or pistol fire when no weapon is equipped. The hat throw is both a functional tool for stealthy takedowns and the source of the character's infamy in multiplayer, where his tiny stature and one-hit-kill hat have sparked countless bans and bitter debates.
- Character
- Oddjob
- Role
- Henchman to Auric Goldfinger
- First appears
- Goldfinger (1964 film)
- Status
- Playable character in GoldenEye 007
Lore & Background
Oddjob, played by Harold Sakata in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, is a Korean henchman with a unique weapon: a steel-rimmed bowler hat that he throws with deadly accuracy. In the film, he uses it to kill Tilly Masterson by breaking her neck. The hat is powerful and capable of cutting through steel and decapitating a stone statue. This hat throw became one of the most memorable moments in Bond history, cementing Oddjob as a fan-favorite villain. In GoldenEye 007, the developers at Rare faithfully adapted this ability. When playing as Oddjob in multiplayer mode, pressing the fire button while unarmed causes him to toss his hat in a straight line. The hat travels at a moderate speed and can kill an enemy in one hit if it strikes the head, though it deals less damage to the body. The hat can be retrieved by walking over it, allowing for repeated use. The hat throw is a balanced mechanic: it has a slow recovery time after throwing, leaving Oddjob vulnerable. Its trajectory is flat and predictable, making it easy to dodge at range. However, in close quarters, it is devastating. This mechanic contributed to Oddjob being a controversial character in multiplayer, often banned in competitive play due to his small hitbox and lethal hat.
In Their Own Story
The Facility was dark, the air thick with the hum of unseen machinery. Oddjob crept through the shadows, his bowler hat pulled low. A guard rounded the corner, rifle raised. Oddjob didn't flinch. With a flick of his wrist, the hat spun through the air, a blur of black felt and steel. It struck the guard's temple with a sickening thud. The guard crumpled. Oddjob calmly walked over, retrieved his hat, and continued into the gloom. The hat was not just a weapon; it was a statement.
Reader's Guide
The Oddjob Hat Throw is a unique unarmed attack in GoldenEye 007's multiplayer. To use it, select Oddjob as your character and ensure you have no weapon equipped. Press the fire button (R button or A button) to throw the hat in a straight line. The hat travels at a moderate speed and can kill an enemy in one hit if it strikes the head. A body hit deals significant damage but may not kill outright. After throwing, the hat lies on the ground. You must walk over it to pick it up before you can throw it again. This retrieval period leaves you vulnerable. The hat has a flat trajectory, so aiming at head height is crucial for one-hit kills. It is most effective in close-quarters maps like the Facility or the Complex, where enemies are likely to be at short range. The hat throw is a high-risk, high-reward mechanic. It offers no ranged advantage against guns, but in tight spaces, it can be a silent, lethal surprise—especially when you duck behind a crate, then pop up and fling it at an unsuspecting foe's face. Master the timing and you'll be the terror of every LAN party.
Did You Know?
- Oddjob's hat was made by British hat makers Lock & Co. and adapted by inserting a chakram into the brim.
- The hat prop sold at auction in 1998 for £62,000 (equivalent to £120,300 in 2025).
- In the film Goldfinger, Oddjob's hat is powerful enough to cut through steel and decapitate a stone statue.
- The television show MythBusters tested the hat's ability to decapitate a stone statue and labeled it 'Busted'.
- Oddjob's lethal hat was ranked tenth in a 2008 20th Century Fox poll for the most popular movie weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Oddjob Hat Throw?
This is a unique attack mechanic where the player controls Oddjob to launch his bowler hat as a lethal projectile. It replaces standard firearms when the character is unarmed and serves as his primary method of elimination.
How does the hat kill opponents in the game?
The spinning disc travels silently across the map and instantly kills any enemy it touches with a single hit. Its unpredictable flight path makes it particularly deadly during close-quarters multiplayer combat.
Is this ability available to other characters?
No, throwing the bowler hat is exclusive to the Oddjob character within the GoldenEye 007 roster. Other agents and henchmen must rely on conventional weapons or melee punches for their attacks.
Why do players find this mechanic so iconic?
Fans remember it because it perfectly translates the villain's film signature into an interactive gameplay feature that guarantees instant kills. Combined with his small hitbox, it creates a distinct advantage in competitive matches.
Does this reflect Oddjob's original movie role?
The mechanic honors his debut in the 1964 film Goldfinger, where he used the hat as a deadly weapon against spies. The game adapts this lore into a repeatable skill rather than a one-time cinematic event.
More in Gameplay & Mechanics
Elsewhere in the GoldenEye universe
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