Playing Doom Games In Order: A Chronological Walkthrough

5 min read Post on May 13, 2025

Playing Doom Games In Order: A Chronological Walkthrough

Doom (1993) - The Genesis of the Franchise

The original Doom, released in 1993, revolutionized the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. Its groundbreaking graphics (for the time!), simple yet effective gameplay, and terrifying monsters set the stage for decades of sequels and imitators. This game established the core elements that would define the series.

Setting the stage: The game throws you into the role of a lone space marine battling hordes of demons unleashed from Hell upon the Union Aerospace Corporation's (UAC) research facility on Mars. This desolate, hellish setting immediately immerses the player in the terrifying atmosphere.
Weaponry: Doom introduced iconic weapons that remain instantly recognizable today. The trusty shotgun, the versatile chaingun, and the devastating BFG 9000 became synonymous with the franchise and influenced countless other games.
Key enemies: From the pesky Imps and grunting Demons to the imposing Hell Knights and the terrifying Cyberdemon, Doom's monster roster is both varied and memorable, each presenting a unique challenge. Learning enemy attack patterns was crucial for survival.
Finding secrets and hidden areas: Exploration was rewarded in the original Doom. Hidden areas contained valuable resources, power-ups, and secret levels, encouraging players to thoroughly explore each map. This aspect significantly enhanced replayability.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994) - Escalating the Hellish Conflict

Doom II: Hell on Earth, the 1994 sequel, expanded upon the original's formula, increasing the difficulty and introducing new, even more terrifying creatures. The action moved beyond the confines of the Martian base, taking the fight directly to Hell itself.

New locations: Doom II introduced diverse hellish landscapes, ranging from industrial hellscapes to twisted demonic castles. These varied environments kept the gameplay fresh and exciting.
New weapons: The arsenal was boosted with the powerful super shotgun and the area-of-effect rocket launcher, giving players more strategic options in combat.
Challenging new enemies: New monsters like the Arch-Vile (capable of resurrecting fallen demons), the explosive Pain Elemental, and the gigantic Spider Mastermind added new layers of complexity to the combat.
Multiplayer mayhem: The introduction of robust multiplayer functionality significantly extended Doom II's lifespan. Deathmatches and cooperative modes allowed players to compete against each other, adding a social dimension to the experience and cementing the game’s legacy as a multiplayer classic.

Doom 3 (2004) - A Darker, More Atmospheric Experience

Doom 3, released in 2004, marked a significant departure from its predecessors. While retaining the first-person perspective, it shifted towards a more atmospheric and horror-focused experience. The fast-paced action was replaced with a slower, more deliberate style of gameplay.

First-person horror elements: Doom 3 embraced a darker, more suspenseful atmosphere, emphasizing psychological horror alongside action. Limited visibility, jump scares, and unsettling sound design contributed to a genuinely creepy experience.
New gameplay mechanics: The flashlight became a crucial tool for navigating dark corridors and spotting enemies, adding a layer of vulnerability. Ammo was also more scarce, forcing players to be more tactical in their approach.
Story and plot: Doom 3 offered a more fleshed-out narrative, exploring the UAC's unethical experiments and the consequences of their actions in greater detail. The backstory surrounding the demonic invasion added depth and context.
Weapon upgrades and power-ups: While not as overtly power-based as the classic Doom games, Doom 3 still featured a progression system, with players finding and upgrading weapons and acquiring powerful artifacts throughout their journey.

Doom (2016) - A Brutal Reboot

The 2016 Doom reboot revitalized the franchise, returning to the fast-paced, visceral combat of the originals while incorporating modern graphics and gameplay mechanics. This game successfully blended classic elements with innovative features.

Fast-paced, visceral combat: Doom (2016) emphasized aggressive, relentless combat, rewarding players for aggressive play. The fluid movement and powerful weaponry encouraged a chaotic, exhilarating experience.
Weapon variety and glory kills: The game boasted a diverse array of weapons, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The addition of "glory kills," brutal and visually stunning finishing moves, added a satisfying layer of interaction and rewarded aggressive play.
Upgrade system and rune abilities: Players could upgrade their weapons and unlock powerful rune abilities, adding strategic depth and allowing for personalized playstyles.
The story's focus on the Doom Slayer: The 2016 reboot re-established the Doom Slayer as a powerful, unstoppable force, focusing the narrative on his relentless quest for vengeance against Hell's demonic hordes.

Doom Eternal (2020) - The Ultimate Doom Slayer Experience

Doom Eternal, the 2020 sequel, refined and expanded upon the 2016 reboot's formula, delivering an even faster, more intense, and lore-rich experience. This game pushes the boundaries of the fast-paced action established in its predecessor.

Increased speed and intensity: Doom Eternal ramps up the pace and intensity significantly. The demanding combat requires quick reflexes, precise aiming, and strategic resource management.
New weapons and abilities: The arsenal expands considerably, with new weapons and abilities providing greater tactical flexibility and a wider range of combat options.
Resource management and platforming: The game introduces more complex resource management mechanics and light platforming elements, adding layers of challenge and strategic depth.
Detailed lore and expansion of the Doom universe: Doom Eternal delves deeper into the Doom universe's rich lore, fleshing out the backstory and expanding upon the mythology of the Doom Slayer and his eternal war against Hell.

Conclusion

Conquering Hell is a journey, and this chronological walkthrough of the Doom games provides the ultimate map. From the groundbreaking original to the latest fast-paced adventures, each entry offers a unique and thrilling experience. So grab your shotgun, prepare for some glory kills, and embark on your own personal Doom playthrough! Start your journey today and experience the ultimate Doom saga in its proper order. Don't delay – your Doom awaits!