The Doom Franchise: A Guide To Playing Games Chronologically

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Understanding the Doom Timeline's Complexity

Playing through the Doom franchise chronologically presents a unique challenge. Unlike many game series with clear, linear narratives, the Doom timeline is fragmented, featuring retcons and inconsistencies across its various installments. Achieving a truly chronological Doom franchise playthrough requires understanding these complexities.

• The original Doom games' lack of a cohesive narrative: The initial Doom (1993) and Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994) were revolutionary for their time, but their focus was primarily on gameplay, not intricate storytelling. Their narrative was minimal, leaving much room for interpretation and later additions to the lore.

• The reboot's impact on the overall timeline: The 2016 Doom reboot significantly altered the established lore, retroactively explaining and recontextualizing events from previous games. This creates a fascinating but complicated timeline to navigate.

• Differences between the main storyline and side stories (like Doom 64): While the main storyline largely follows the Doom Slayer's epic battle against Hell, side games like Doom 64 offer compelling but separate narratives that enrich the overall universe but don't always directly impact the main timeline.

The Recommended Chronological Play Order

To experience the Doom story in its most logical sequence, we recommend the following order:

1. Doom 3 (2004): Experience the origins of the Hell on Earth invasion from a Marine's perspective on Mars. This game sets the stage for future events and introduces key elements later expanded upon in the reboot.

2. Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): A direct sequel to Doom 3, continuing the story on Mars and further developing the narrative before the arrival of the Doom Slayer.

3. Doom (2016): The reboot introduces the iconic Doom Slayer and provides a pivotal point in the timeline, retroactively explaining and shaping the events of previous games. It is crucial for understanding the modern interpretation of the Doom saga.

4. Doom Eternal (2020): A direct sequel to the 2016 Doom, concluding the main arc of the Doom Slayer's epic campaign against Hell. This title completes the modern Doom storyline.

5. Doom (1993): While chronologically placed earlier, playing the original Doom after the modern titles provides crucial context and appreciation for the series' legacy and its impact on the FPS genre. Consider this optional, but highly recommended for completionists.

6. Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): Similar to the original Doom, playing Doom II after the modern games adds context and enriches the overall experience. This title also offers valuable insight into the early days of the Hell invasion.

7. Doom 64 (1997): This is a side story that can be enjoyed at any point, enriching the overall lore with its unique narrative and challenging gameplay. It doesn't significantly impact the main storyline but adds depth to the Doom universe.

Exploring the Rich Lore of the Doom Universe

The Doom universe is rich with compelling characters, terrifying demons, and iconic locations that appear throughout the franchise's history. Understanding these elements enhances the overall experience.

• The Doom Slayer: This iconic protagonist is central to the modern Doom games, serving as the ultimate force against the demonic hordes of Hell. His story and motivations are crucial to the main storyline.

• Recurring Demons: Familiar faces such as the Imp, Cacodemon, Revenant, and the terrifying Baron of Hell reappear across multiple games, offering a sense of continuity and escalating threat.

• Significant Locations: Mars and Hell are key locations throughout the franchise. Mars serves as the initial battleground against the demonic invasion, while Hell is the ultimate source of the demonic threat.

For a deeper dive into the Doom lore, we recommend exploring resources like the Doom Wiki and various fan communities online. These sites offer detailed information on characters, weapons, enemies, and the overarching narrative.

Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Playthrough

Playing through the entire Doom franchise chronologically can be a significant undertaking. Here's some advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

• Start with the modern titles: If you're concerned about the older games' dated graphics and gameplay mechanics, starting with Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal offers a smoother entry point into the franchise. You can then explore the older games with added context and appreciation.

• Adjust the difficulty settings: The Doom games offer various difficulty settings. Don't hesitate to adjust the settings to find a balance between challenge and enjoyment.

• Technical issues with older games: Older games may require some troubleshooting. Research potential compatibility issues and solutions beforehand.

Conclusion

Conquering the Doom franchise's convoluted timeline can be challenging, but this guide provides a clear path towards a comprehensive and chronologically satisfying gaming experience. By following this recommended order for playing the Doom games, you'll fully appreciate the rich lore, compelling characters, and thrilling action that define this iconic series. Now grab your shotgun, and start your Doom slayer journey! Enjoy playing through the Doom franchise in chronological order! Find the perfect Doom franchise chronological order for you and rip and tear!