How To Play Doom Games In Chronological Order: A Complete Guide

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Classic Doom Games: A Blast from the Past

The original Doom trilogy laid the foundation for the fast-paced, demon-slaying action that defines the series. These games, while older, remain incredibly influential and rewarding experiences for fans of classic shooters.

Doom (1993): The Genesis of Hell on Earth

Doom (1993) revolutionized the first-person shooter genre. Its groundbreaking fast-paced gameplay, coupled with innovative level design and a pulse-pounding soundtrack, set a new standard. Key features that cemented its legacy include:

• Fast-Paced Action: Constant movement and relentless enemy encounters kept players on the edge of their seats.
• Iconic Weapons: The arsenal, culminating in the devastating BFG 9000, became instantly recognizable symbols of the franchise.
• Unforgettable Soundtrack: The heavy metal soundtrack perfectly complemented the game's intense atmosphere.

You can find Doom (1993) on platforms like GOG, Steam, and various ROM sites (always ensure you're legally sourcing ROMs).

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): More Demons, More Mayhem

Doom II: Hell on Earth expanded upon the original's formula, introducing new weapons, enemies, and levels, immersing players further into the nightmarish world of Hell. This sequel built on the success of the first game, providing even more intense and chaotic gameplay. Highlights include:

• Expanded Universe: New environments and enemy types broadened the scope of the Doom universe.
• New Weapons and Enemies: The arsenal was enhanced with powerful new weapons to combat even more challenging demons.
• More Levels: The increased number of levels provided hours of additional gameplay.

Doom II is available on the same platforms as its predecessor: GOG, Steam, and legal ROM sources.

Doom 64 (1997): A Darker, Grittier Experience

Doom 64, released for the Nintendo 64, offered a darker and grittier experience than its predecessors. While sticking to the core gameplay loop, it benefited from enhanced graphics and gameplay tweaks tailored for the console.

• Enhanced Graphics: Improved visuals for the time provided a more immersive experience.
• Unique Levels and Atmosphere: Doom 64 featured unique level designs and a more claustrophobic atmosphere.
• Gameplay Tweaks: The control scheme and some gameplay mechanics were slightly adjusted for the N64.

You can find Doom 64 on the Nintendo Switch Online service and through various ROM sites (legally obtained ROMs only, please).

Stepping into the Modern Era: The Reboot Trilogy

Id Software's reboot trilogy revitalized the Doom franchise, combining classic elements with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics.

Doom (2016): A Brutal, Visceral Return

The 2016 Doom reboot successfully modernized the series without losing its core identity. It returned to the fast-paced, aggressive gameplay of the originals while enhancing virtually every aspect.

• Aggressive Gameplay: The game emphasizes proactive, aggressive play, rewarding players for being offensive.
• Glory Kills: The brutal and visceral Glory Kill finishing moves add a satisfying layer to the combat.
• Improved Graphics and Weapons: Modern graphics and an enhanced arsenal modernized the iconic experience.

Doom (2016) is available on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Bethesda.net.

Doom Eternal (2020): Even More Demons, More Powerful Weapons

Doom Eternal doubled down on the aggressive gameplay of its predecessor, adding enhanced movement mechanics and even more powerful weapons.

• Enhanced Movement: Improved movement abilities made traversal and combat more fluid and dynamic.
• Weapon Upgrades: A more extensive upgrade system allows players to customize their weapons.
• Expanded Story and Lore: The narrative expanded significantly, adding depth to the Doom universe.

Doom Eternal is available on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Bethesda.net, and Nintendo Switch.

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One & Two (DLC): Expanding the Narrative

These two DLC expansions serve as direct sequels to Doom Eternal, adding new enemies, levels, and significantly expanding the storyline. They're crucial for completing the modern trilogy's narrative.

• Continued Story: Direct continuation of the Doom Eternal story.
• New Enemies and Challenges: Introduces challenging new enemies and combat encounters.
• Expanded Lore: Further explores the lore and mythology of the Doom universe.

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods – Part One & Two is included in the Year One Pass or available separately on the same platforms as Doom Eternal.

Other Doom Games: Spin-offs and Related Titles

While not strictly essential to the main chronological narrative, other Doom titles offer different experiences. Doom 3, Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil, and Doom RPG provide alternative perspectives on the universe. It’s recommended to play these after completing the main series games. They offer a different take on the series' lore and gameplay.

Finding and Playing the Games: Platforms and Resources

Legally obtaining these games is crucial. We strongly recommend using official channels like Steam, GOG, and the respective platforms' official stores for digital downloads. While emulators exist, only use them with legally obtained ROMs.

• Steam: A comprehensive digital distribution platform with a wide range of Doom games.
• GOG: Another digital distributor offering classic Doom titles.
• Bethesda.net: The official website for Bethesda games, including the modern Doom titles.

Always prioritize legal methods when accessing game content.

Conclusion

This guide has laid out the optimal chronological order for playing the Doom games, ensuring you get the most satisfying and immersive experience. From the pixelated hellscapes of the original Doom to the visceral modern combat of Doom Eternal, this epic journey through hell will test your skills and reward you with unforgettable moments. So grab your BFG 9000 and start your journey through Hell by playing the Doom games in chronological order! Don't delay, begin your Doom adventure today!