How To Play The Doom Games Chronological

How to Play the Doom Games Chronologically

Alright, Doom fans! You want to jump into the wild world of demons, shotguns, and heavy metal, but you’re not sure where to start? It’s okay, the Doom timeline can get a little confusing with all the reboots and expansions. We’re going to break it all down, so you can experience the Doom games in the order of the story, not just when they came out. Think of it like watching a movie series, you wouldn’t watch the last one first, right? Same here! Let’s get this demon-slaying party started, but in a very organized, chronological way!

The Original Doom Era (and a prequel!)

This is where it all began! The games from this era, while pixelated, are packed with the core Doom experience that we all know and love. It’s all about fast-paced action and lots of shooting. We will start from the beginning of this era, which was actually released after the original Doom game. We are here to play the game in chronological order.

Doom 64 (Sort of a prequel)

First on our list, and technically set before the events of Doom (1993), we have Doom 64. It first came out on the Nintendo 64. Many people might not know that the story of this game is also canon to the main series. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, and while it’s not super crucial for understanding the main storyline, it adds some exciting details about what was happening before Doomguy showed up on Mars. In this game, a powerful entity has resurrected the demons, so it becomes Doomguy’s new mission to stop these new waves of demons. Also, this game is a bit darker and scarier than the other games in the original era, which makes it quite unique. We are going in chronological order, so this game must be first on our list.

• Platform: Originally on Nintendo 64, now available on modern consoles and PC.
• Story Point: Events happen before the 1993 Doom.
• Gameplay: Slower paced than other Doom titles, but with a heavier and darker atmosphere.

Doom (1993)

Now we move on to the game that started it all, the original Doom! In this game, we get introduced to the Doomguy who, after disobeying orders, is sent to a research facility on Mars. Little did he know that scientists there had opened a portal to hell. Now, he’s battling all the demonic forces. This is a classic, the gameplay is fast, and the levels are like mazes full of monsters. If you want to see how Doom first became Doom, this is the game to play. Be prepared to navigate corridors and blast away at imps, barons, and all sorts of nasty creatures.

• Platform: PC (DOS), various consoles, and modern re-releases.
• Story Point: Introduces the main Doomguy character and the demonic invasion of Mars.
• Gameplay: Fast-paced, action-focused, with maze-like levels.

Ultimate Doom

Think of Ultimate Doom as the same game as 1993’s Doom, but with an additional episode added. It’s the same experience, just more of it! The original Doom story remains same, but the additional episode (fourth episode) adds another layer of challenge and new levels. Many people consider the fourth episode to be the hardest and the best in the series. It’s a must-play for any classic Doom fan.

• Platform: PC (DOS), various consoles, and modern re-releases.
• Story Point: Continuation of the 1993 Doom, new episode with new enemies and levels.
• Gameplay: Exactly same as the original Doom but with more content.

Doom II: Hell on Earth

Continuing right from the original, Doom II puts our hero not just on Mars, but on Earth! This time, you’re fighting demons in cities, not just space bases. It’s the same gameplay you loved in the first Doom game, but with new weapons, new enemies, and bigger levels. You’re going to need all your skills to get through this one. The game is a great evolution of the Doom formula and a must-play for any fan.

• Platform: PC (DOS), various consoles, and modern re-releases.
• Story Point: Doomguy fights the demons on Earth.
• Gameplay: Similar to Doom (1993), but with new enemies and larger levels.

Doom 3

Time for a change of pace! Doom 3 is a remake that tries to bring the Doom experience to a more horror-based environment. This one shifts from fast-paced action to more suspenseful and scary moments. The game was made with better graphics and was set on Mars in the year 2145. The demons show up again, and you need to fight your way through the dark corridors of a research base, and it’s spooky! It’s not quite as fast as the classic games, but the scary atmosphere gives you a completely different experience.

• Platform: PC, Xbox, and later ported to other platforms.
• Story Point: A horror-focused retelling of the original Doom story.
• Gameplay: Slower paced, more atmospheric, with an emphasis on horror elements.

Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil

This is an expansion pack of Doom 3 and it continues the story. It is again set on Mars, and you still have to fight the demonic forces. This expansion pack added more weapons and challenges. Although it still keeps the horror atmosphere, it is more action-focused than the main Doom 3 game.

• Platform: PC, Xbox, and later ported to other platforms.
• Story Point: Continuation of Doom 3’s story.
• Gameplay: Similar to Doom 3 but more action focused than the base game.

The Modern Doom Era (Reboots and Sequels)

This is where Doom got a super modern makeover. The games in this era bring the classic Doom action into the modern era, with great graphics and the same intense fast paced action.

Doom (2016)

This is a reboot of the whole series and is a fresh starting point for the series. In this game, Doomguy gets to Mars again, and the demons are back again and are invading. But now, everything is faster, bigger, and more brutal. The action is intense, and you’re ripping and tearing through demons like never before. This game is a complete thrill ride from start to finish with its amazing gameplay mechanics and amazing level designs. It is a perfect modern take on the classic formula.

• Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.
• Story Point: A reboot of the series, focusing on fast-paced action and brutal combat.
• Gameplay: Fast, fluid, and intense combat with a focus on close-range, glory kills.

Doom Eternal

Doom Eternal takes everything great about Doom (2016) and cranks it up to eleven. The game gets faster, the levels get bigger, and there are even more demons to destroy. This time the demons are not only invading Mars, but also invading Earth. You’re now jumping around, dashing, and using all sorts of weapons to destroy the hordes of hell. This is a wild and chaotic ride from start to finish. This game is the perfect way to continue after you finish Doom (2016).

• Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S.
• Story Point: Direct sequel to Doom (2016), with the demonic invasion of Earth.
• Gameplay: More fast paced and agile, introduces platforming and resource management mechanics.

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Part One and Part Two

These are expansion packs for Doom Eternal and add even more story, challenges, and enemies to the already intense gameplay. The Ancient Gods parts continue directly from the end of Doom Eternal and expand the story even further. You’ll be exploring new worlds and battling even more powerful demons. They really add a lot of exciting stuff for the game.

• Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S.
• Story Point: Expands on the story of Doom Eternal and introduces new lore.
• Gameplay: Same as Doom Eternal, but with new, harder challenges and enemy types.

Side Games and Spin-offs

Okay, so these games don’t fit perfectly into the main storyline. They are a bunch of side games that are more or less spin-offs, but they are still pretty fun and can be great for extra Doom action if you’re interested. They can be played whenever you want after the main series. These include.

Doom RPG

This one is a bit different and was only made for mobile phones back in the day. The game does not have a high-quality graphic, and instead, you play in an RPG turn-based style. Even though it is a spin-off, it still has the Doom feeling with all the monsters and classic weapons.

• Platform: Mobile phones (Java ME).
• Story Point: A unique take on the Doom universe.
• Gameplay: Turn-based RPG mechanics.

Doom II RPG

Sequel to the Doom RPG, it has similar style of play but with new enemies, new levels and new weapons. Both these RPG games can be played when you want to have a break from the action, or if you’re very keen on Doom.

• Platform: Mobile phones (Java ME).
• Story Point: Continuation of the Doom RPG story.
• Gameplay: Turn-based RPG mechanics, similar to Doom RPG.

Final Doom

Final Doom was released in the era of the first two Doom games and it includes two completely new 32 level campaigns, each designed by different group of people. This one is like a big expansion pack that adds even more levels to enjoy. If you’ve gone through the first two Doom games and you want more of the same gameplay, you can play this one.

• Platform: PC (DOS), PlayStation.
• Story Point: Additional campaigns using the classic Doom II engine.
• Gameplay: Same as Doom II with new levels.

Playing the Doom Games Chronologically: The Full List

So, now that we’ve gone through all the games, here is the full list in chronological order for your convenience:

1. Doom 64
2. Doom (1993)
3. Ultimate Doom
4. Doom II: Hell on Earth
5. Doom 3
6. Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil
7. Doom (2016)
8. Doom Eternal
9. Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Part One
10. Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods Part Two

Remember, games like the RPG ones and Final Doom don’t fit in the main timeline, so play them whenever you want to have a break or if you want to explore the additional experiences of the Doom universe.

That’s all there is to it! You are now equipped to play through all of the Doom games chronologically! Have fun, rip and tear, and enjoy the journey through the world of Doom!