Doom Game Order: A Player's Guide To Chronological Gameplay

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Understanding the Doom Timeline

Navigating the Doom timeline can be tricky. Unlike some franchises with a strictly linear narrative, the Doom series features retcons, reboots, and multiple universes, making the ideal Doom game order a matter of some debate. Understanding these complexities is key to enjoying the series to its fullest.

• Major Eras: The Doom timeline is broadly divided into two major eras: the Classic Doom era (featuring the original games) and the reboot era (starting with the 2016 Doom game).

• Different Universes/Reboots: The original Doom games (1993-1996) exist in a separate universe from the 2016 reboot and its sequels. While some thematic elements and monster designs carry over, the overarching narratives are distinct. The reboot effectively establishes a new continuity.

• Timeline Discrepancies: The connections between the various Doom games are not always explicitly stated, leaving room for interpretation and fan theories. This guide focuses on a chronological order based on the established in-universe timelines where possible, acknowledging the inherent complexities.

The Recommended Doom Game Order (Chronological)

This recommended Doom game order prioritizes chronological storytelling within each established universe. We'll start with the classic games, then move onto Doom 3, and finally cover the reboot era.

The Classic Doom Trilogy

This section details the ideal Doom game order for experiencing the original games.

• Doom (1993): The game that started it all. This iconic first-person shooter introduced the world to the hellish hordes and the iconic Doomguy. The plot revolves around a space marine battling demonic forces on Mars.

• Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The sequel expands upon the original's formula, introducing new demons, weapons, and levels. The action shifts from Mars to Earth, where hell has literally invaded.

• Doom 64 (1997): A forgotten gem that bridges the gap between Doom II and the next phase of the franchise. It features new levels, weapons, and monsters, offering a unique experience that fans of the original games will want to embrace.

Key Features and Gameplay Differences: The classic Doom games feature a focus on fast-paced, brutal combat with a limited set of weapons and a straightforward narrative. Gameplay evolves slightly over the trilogy, with Doom II adding new features and Doom 64 offering a more polished experience with improved visuals.

Significance: This trilogy cemented Doom's place in gaming history and established many of the series' core elements, including its distinct style and iconic monsters. Playing them in order allows for full appreciation of this gaming legacy.

Doom 3 and its Expansion

• Doom 3 (2004): A significant departure in style, Doom 3 adopts a darker, more atmospheric approach compared to the fast-paced action of its predecessors. It acts as a prequel to the original Doom games, providing a different perspective on the series' lore.

• Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): This expansion enhances the Doom 3 experience with new levels, enemies, and weapons, continuing the story set in the prequel timeline.

Gameplay Shift and Atmosphere: Doom 3 emphasized horror elements and a slower pace, incorporating a more realistic (for the time) visual style. This marked a change in direction, though it later inspired elements in the reboot era.

Narrative Importance: Doom 3 offers a look into the events leading up to the original games, filling in gaps and enriching the overall Doom lore.

The Reboot Era

This section covers the Doom reboot and its sequels. It represents a separate timeline and a significant shift in gameplay.

• Doom (2016): A revitalization of the series, this game brings back the fast-paced, brutal combat of the originals but with significantly improved graphics, mechanics, and level design. This game effectively resets the timeline.

• Doom Eternal (2020): The direct sequel to the 2016 reboot, Doom Eternal refines the gameplay further, adding new abilities, enemies, and an even more challenging experience.

• The Ancient Gods – Part One & Two (2020-2021): These expansions serve as the conclusion to the storyline presented in Doom Eternal, offering additional challenges, story details, and lore within the rebooted universe.

Gameplay Improvements: The reboot era games feature modern graphics and improved mechanics while maintaining the core elements of fast-paced combat that defined the Doom series.

Narrative Connections: The 2016 reboot establishes a new storyline, diverging significantly from the classic Doom universe. It sets up a unique narrative that concludes with The Ancient Gods.

Alternative Play Orders (Considering Gameplay)

While the chronological Doom game order offers the best narrative flow, some players might prefer alternative approaches:

• Release Date Order (Oldest to Newest): This approach offers a historical perspective, showing the evolution of the series over time.

• Gameplay Complexity (Easiest to Hardest): Some players might prefer starting with the more accessible classic games before tackling the challenging gameplay of Doom Eternal.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the Doom game order enhances your overall experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the series' rich history and evolution. Whether you choose a chronological approach or one prioritizing gameplay, understanding the various timelines and iterations will enrich your journey through hell. Start your demonic conquest today by selecting your preferred Doom game order and prepare for a bloody good time! Don’t hesitate to revisit this guide as the Doom universe expands with future releases. Remember to check out other resources and fan discussions to fully immerse yourself in the Doom experience.