Chronological Order Of Doom Games: The Ultimate Playing Guide

Viktoria Ivanova

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Classic Doom Era (1993-1996): A Blast from the Past

This era established Doom as a gaming legend. These games defined the FPS genre, characterized by their innovative gameplay, memorable monsters, and atmospheric level design. Let's explore this pivotal period in gaming history:

Doom (1993): The Genesis of a Legend

Doom (1993) wasn't just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon. Its revolutionary gameplay, featuring a top-down perspective with smooth, responsive movement, was unlike anything seen before. The groundbreaking level design, filled with hidden secrets and challenging combat encounters, offered unparalleled replayability.

• Key Features: Iconic weapons like the shotgun, chaingun, and rocket launcher; terrifying monsters such as the Imp, Cacodemon, and Baron of Hell; countless hidden secrets and alternative routes.
• Impact on Gaming: Doom is credited with popularizing the FPS genre, influencing countless subsequent games and setting a benchmark for level design and atmosphere. Its shareware distribution model helped propel its widespread popularity.
• Where to Play It Now: Experience the original Doom through various avenues: the original DOS version, various source ports offering enhanced visuals and performance (like GZDoom), or modern ports like Doom Classic Complete. Furthermore, a thriving community continues to create and share amazing custom maps and mods.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): Raising the Stakes

Doom II: Hell on Earth built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, refining gameplay and introducing new terrors. The game features a wider array of enemies, more varied weaponry, and even more elaborate level designs. The action is faster, more intense, and the overall experience is significantly expanded.

• New Features: The Super Shotgun, plasma rifle, and chaingun are just a few of the power-ups that made this sequel even more intense. New monsters like the Arch-Vile and the Revenant added further challenge.
• Comparison to the Original: Doom II enhanced nearly every aspect of the original, offering larger, more complex levels, more powerful weaponry, and a more frantic pace.
• Iconic Levels: Levels like "The Factory" and "Deimos" have become legendary for their memorable design and challenge.
• Expansions: The Ultimate Doom and Doom II: Final Doom extended the gameplay even further with additional episodes and new monsters.

Doom 64 (1997): A Console Classic

Doom 64, released exclusively for the Nintendo 64, brought the Doom experience to a whole new console audience. Though graphically limited compared to PC counterparts, it offered a unique experience, with exclusive levels and a darker atmosphere.

• Differences from PC Versions: Doom 64 featured revised level designs, new monsters, and a more claustrophobic feel. Its control scheme was adapted specifically for the N64 controller.
• Unique Level Design: The levels were designed specifically to exploit the capabilities of the N64 hardware, creating a distinct gameplay experience.
• Rarity and Current Value: Given its limited release, original copies of Doom 64 are now collector's items.
• Availability on Modern Consoles: Thankfully, the game has received several re-releases across modern platforms.

The Rebooted Doom Era (2016-Present): A Modern Take on a Classic

This era saw the return of Doom with a vengeance, revitalizing the franchise for a new generation of gamers. The focus is on relentless, brutal combat and a modernized take on classic gameplay elements.

Doom (2016): A Brutal Rebirth

The 2016 Doom reboot injected adrenaline into the classic formula. This was no mere nostalgia trip—it was a fast-paced, brutally efficient slaughterfest.

• Gameplay Changes: The emphasis was placed on aggressive, close-quarters combat, rewarding players for skillful movement and tactical weapon choices. Glory Kills became a signature mechanic.
• Weapon Upgrades: Players could upgrade and customize their weapons, adding another layer to the gameplay.
• Multiplayer Aspects: The multiplayer offered a fast-paced, arena-style experience.
• Story and Lore: Although secondary to the gameplay, Doom (2016) introduced a compelling narrative and backstory, expanding the Doom universe.
• Impact on the FPS Genre: Doom (2016)'s return to fast-paced, brutal combat influenced other FPS games.

Doom Eternal (2020): The Apex of Brutality

Doom Eternal took everything that made its predecessor great and amplified it. It pushes the limits of speed, brutality, and resource management in the FPS genre.

• New Weapons and Abilities: The arsenal expands with new and powerful weapons, and abilities like the grappling hook and the dash increase player mobility.
• Improved Movement: Movement is even more fluid and responsive, encouraging aggressive, tactical maneuvers.
• The Narrative: The story expands upon the events of Doom (2016), and delves even deeper into the lore.
• Demanding Difficulty: Known for its challenging difficulty, Doom Eternal rewards mastery and precise execution.
• DLC Expansions: The Ancient Gods Part 1 & 2 expanded the story and provided additional challenges.

Doom 64 (Re-release, 2020): A Modern Classic

The 2020 re-release of Doom 64 brought this classic title to modern consoles and PCs.

• Comparison to the Original: The re-release features upgraded graphics, enhanced controls, and improved quality of life features.
• Updated Graphics and Controls: Modern visuals and controller schemes make the game more accessible.
• Availability on Modern Consoles: Available on various modern platforms, making the game accessible to a much wider audience.

Spin-offs and Related Titles: Expanding the Doom Universe

Beyond the main series, several spin-offs and related titles expanded the Doom universe. While not all follow the strict chronological order, they offer diverse gameplay experiences:

• Doom 3 (2004): A darker, more horror-focused entry, significantly different in tone from the classic games. [Link to relevant resource]
• Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): An expansion to Doom 3, continuing the story and introducing new challenges. [Link to relevant resource]
• Doom RPG (2005): A turn-based RPG set in the Doom universe. [Link to relevant resource]

Conclusion: Your Journey Through the Chronological Order of Doom Games Awaits!

From the groundbreaking original to the modern, brutally efficient Doom Eternal, this article has guided you through the chronological order of Doom games. We’ve witnessed the evolution of the franchise, the refinement of gameplay mechanics, and the expansion of its dark, demonic lore. Now, it’s time for your own Doom marathon!

Begin your Doom journey by experiencing the Doom saga chronologically, starting with the original 1993 classic and progressing through each title. Consider playing the original versions for an authentic experience or opting for the modern re-releases for enhanced graphics and controls. Remember to explore the community-created mods and expansions for even more gameplay! Explore the depths of Hell, rip and tear, and experience the Doom franchise in its entirety. Find resources and further reading on Doom lore and the community at [Link to Doom Wiki/Forum]. Prepare for the ultimate Doom experience!