Chronological Doom: The Ultimate Guide To Playing The Games

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.7

Share

Understanding the Doom Timeline

The Doom franchise spans decades, evolving from its pixelated origins to its modern, hyper-violent glory. Understanding the different eras helps appreciate the Chronological Doom experience.

• Classic Doom (Doom 1 & 2, Doom 64): This era defined the first-person shooter genre. Doom (1993) introduced the world to the iconic Doomguy, his trusty shotgun, and hordes of hellish creatures. Its groundbreaking graphics and fast-paced gameplay were revolutionary. Doom II (1994) built upon this foundation with new weapons, enemies, and levels, expanding the demonic threat. Doom 64 (1997), a Nintendo 64 exclusive, offered enhanced visuals and a new, challenging campaign, further cementing the classic Doom experience.

• Doom 3 & Resurrection of Evil: Doom 3 (2004) marked a significant shift. The game adopted a darker, more atmospheric approach, trading the classic run-and-gun for a more survival horror feel. The environments were more detailed, and the gameplay was slower and more methodical. Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005) provided an expansion pack with a new story and new enemies, further exploring this darker side of the Doom universe.

• Doom (2016) & Doom Eternal: This reboot revitalized the franchise. Doom (2016) returned to the fast-paced, aggressive gameplay of the classics, but with modernized graphics and mechanics. It was a critical and commercial success, reigniting the Doom franchise. Doom Eternal (2020) doubled down on this formula, introducing even more frantic combat and intricate movement mechanics.

• Other spin-offs and related media: While not directly impacting the main Chronological Doom storyline, novels, comics, and other media enrich the overall lore and understanding of the Doom universe. These add context and depth to the games, providing a richer experience for dedicated fans.

The Optimal Playing Order for Chronological Doom

To fully appreciate the evolution of the Doom franchise, we recommend this playing order:

• Start with Doom (1993): This is the essential starting point. It establishes the core gameplay loop and introduces the universe’s fundamental elements. Understanding the original's mechanics prepares you for the subsequent iterations.

• Follow with Doom II (1994): Doom II directly builds on the first game’s narrative, introducing new challenges and expanding upon established lore.

• Proceed to Doom 64 (1997): Although a bit of a side story, Doom 64 adds another layer to the classic era before moving on to the modern era.

• Then Doom 3 (2004): This marks a dramatic change in tone and gameplay style. Experiencing Doom 3 after the classics highlights the shift in the series' direction.

• Continue with Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): This expansion continues the storyline of Doom 3.

• Finally, play Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020): This concludes the Chronological Doom journey, showcasing the modern evolution of the series and showcasing the full impact of the reboot.

Enhancing Your Chronological Doom Experience

To maximize your Chronological Doom journey, consider these tips:

• Mods and WADs for Classic Doom: The classic Doom games have a thriving modding community. Explore WADs (Where's All the Data) for new levels, weapons, and enemies, enriching the experience.

• Graphics settings and upgrades: Enhance the visuals of older games with modern enhancements and graphic packs.

• Difficulty settings: Choose a difficulty that challenges you without frustrating you. You can always adjust it.

• Exploring the lore: Dive deeper into the Doom universe through online resources and fan-made content.

• Community engagement: Connect with other fans in online forums and communities to share your experience and get help.

Mastering the Gameplay Across Eras

The gameplay significantly changes across the Doom series:

• Classic Doom: Focuses on fast-paced, chaotic combat with limited resources. Movement is crucial, using strafing and quick thinking to survive.

• Doom 3: Emphasizes a slower, more atmospheric experience. Combat is more deliberate, and resource management is vital.

• Modern Doom (2016 & Eternal): Combines the aggressive gameplay of the classics with complex movement options, creating a frenetic, fast-paced experience. Glory kills reward aggressive play.

Conclusion

Playing Doom games chronologically offers a unique perspective on the franchise’s evolution. You'll appreciate the narrative development, witness the gameplay shifts, and gain a deeper understanding of the iconic Doom Slayer's journey. This Chronological Doom playthrough offers a complete experience. Ready to rip and tear through Hell in the correct order? Start your ultimate Chronological Doom journey today! Dive into the demonic depths and experience the franchise like never before. Don't forget to share your Chronological Doom playthrough experiences with fellow gamers!