How To Play Doom Games In Chronological Order: The Definitive Guide

5 min read Post on May 13, 2025

How To Play Doom Games In Chronological Order: The Definitive Guide

Understanding the Doom Timeline: A Quick Overview

The Doom timeline isn't exactly straightforward. It features a main storyline that spans multiple games, punctuated by spin-offs, and even a complete reboot. Understanding this fragmented narrative is key to enjoying the games in their intended order. Let's break down the key eras:

Original Doom Trilogy (1993-1996): This forms the foundation of the Doom universe. Doom (1993), Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994), and Doom 64 (1997) are directly connected, sharing a similar narrative thread of a lone space marine battling demonic hordes on Mars and Hell. This era defines the classic Doom experience.
Doom 3 and its expansion (2004-2005): Doom 3 represents a significant departure. It shifts the focus from fast-paced action to a more atmospheric horror experience. While set within the same universe, its story is largely separate from the original trilogy. Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil expands on this story.
Doom (2016) Reboot: This game acts as a "soft reboot," recapturing the fast-paced, visceral action of the original games while updating the visuals and gameplay for a modern audience. It largely ignores the storylines of previous games, creating a new continuity.
Doom Eternal (2020): This title serves as a direct sequel to the 2016 reboot, continuing the story and further refining its fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay.
Other spin-offs and related media: Games like Doom RPG and various comics and novels exist, but they generally aren't considered crucial to understanding the main storyline for a chronological playthrough of the core games.

The Chronological Playthrough: A Step-by-Step Guide

This section details the optimal order for playing Doom games to fully appreciate their evolution.

1. Doom (1993) & Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The Genesis of Doom

These two games are the undisputed foundation of the franchise. Their simple yet effective gameplay, groundbreaking graphics (for their time), and the sheer terror of battling hordes of demons set the standard for first-person shooters.

Key features: Innovative level design, iconic weapons (the shotgun!), a groundbreaking multiplayer mode.
Impact on gaming: Doom helped popularize the FPS genre and remains immensely influential.
Essential because: They established the core gameplay loop and the overall feel of the Doom universe. Playing them first provides crucial context for later entries.

2. Doom 64 (1997): A Forgotten Classic?

Often overlooked, Doom 64 offers a unique take on the original formula. While following the general storyline of the first two games, it features new levels, enemies, and weapons.

Gameplay improvements: Enhanced visuals and sound compared to the original games.
Differences in level design: New environments and layouts that provide a fresh experience.
Lore connections: Doom 64 bridges the gap between Doom II and the later games, offering a continuation of the narrative before the significant shift in Doom 3.

3. Doom 3 (2004) & Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): A Different Kind of Hell

Doom 3 dramatically changes the formula. It trades fast-paced action for a slower, more atmospheric horror experience. The gameplay emphasizes survival and exploration, moving away from the arena-style combat of previous entries.

Technological advancements: Doom 3 was a technological marvel for its time, boasting impressive graphics and lighting effects.
Atmosphere: The game's dark and claustrophobic setting creates a genuinely unsettling experience.
Story divergence: The narrative is largely separate from the original trilogy, although it does share some thematic elements.

4. Doom (2016) & Doom Eternal (2020): The Modern Era

The 2016 Doom reboot revitalized the franchise, bringing back the fast-paced action and brutal combat while adding modern gameplay refinements. Doom Eternal builds upon this foundation, adding even more depth and complexity.

Fast-paced action: The game emphasizes relentless combat and movement.
New mechanics: Doom Eternal introduces new abilities and weapon upgrades, enhancing the already frantic gameplay.
Evolving story: The reboot creates a new continuity, offering a fresh take on the lore while respecting the franchise’s heritage.

Where to Play: Finding Doom Games Today

Finding and playing the Doom games is easier than ever. You can access them through various platforms:

PC: Steam, GOG, and Bethesda.net are excellent sources for purchasing the games digitally.
Consoles: Many Doom games are available on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Xbox Game Pass: Subscribers can access several Doom titles through this subscription service.
Emulators: While emulators can allow you to play older Doom games, it's crucial to ensure you own a legal copy of the game before using them.

Note: Links to specific stores are omitted here for brevity, but adding them to the final article is highly recommended for improved SEO.

Conclusion

This guide has provided a definitive chronological pathway through the thrilling Doom universe. By following this order, you'll experience the evolution of gameplay and story, gaining a deeper appreciation for the franchise's impact on gaming. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this curated playthrough will immerse you in the bloody, chaotic, and gloriously fun world of Doom. So, grab your shotgun, prepare for battle, and begin your chronological Doom journey today! Start playing Doom games in chronological order and discover the ultimate gaming experience!