Doom Games Chronological Order: A Complete Guide

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Classic Doom Era (1993-1996): Laying the Foundation

This era established the core gameplay loop that would define the franchise for decades to come. The brutal combat, terrifying monsters, and innovative level design set a new standard for FPS games.

Doom (1993): The Genesis of a Legend

Doom (1993) revolutionized gaming. Its fast-paced action, innovative level design, and terrifying monsters redefined what was possible in the FPS genre. Key features that cemented its legacy include:

• Groundbreaking Level Design: Complex, interconnected levels offered unparalleled exploration and replayability. Secret areas and hidden pathways rewarded dedicated players.
• Iconic Weapons Arsenal: From the humble pistol to the devastating BFG 9000, the weapons were both powerful and satisfying to use.
• Memorable Monsters: Imps, demons, and the terrifying Hell Knights became instantly recognizable and spawned countless imitations.

The original Doom saw release on DOS, quickly followed by ports to Windows and various other platforms, ensuring its widespread popularity. These early versions, while simple graphically, remain potent examples of effective game design.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): Expanding the Universe

Doom II: Hell on Earth built upon the success of its predecessor, offering more of the same frantic, demonic action but with significant improvements. Key differences included:

• New Weapons and Monsters: The arsenal was expanded with new weapons like the Super Shotgun and the devastating plasma gun. New monstrous foes provided fresh challenges and terrifying encounters.
• Enhanced Level Design: The levels were larger, more intricate, and more varied than in the original Doom.
• The Ultimate Doom Expansion Pack: This added a new episode to the game, extending the campaign and adding even more content for players to enjoy.

Doom 64 (1997): A Console Classic

Doom 64, released for the Nintendo 64, offered a unique take on the formula. While sharing the core gameplay, it boasted:

• Enhanced Graphics: For its time, Doom 64's graphics were impressive, showcasing improved visuals and atmosphere.
• Exclusive Levels and Content: The game featured levels and monsters not found in the PC versions, providing a fresh experience for veterans of the series.
• Console Adaptation: Successfully translating the fast-paced action of Doom to a console controller showcased the game's adaptability.

Doom 64 holds a special place in many players' hearts, representing the series' successful foray into the console market.

The Reboot and Beyond (2016-Present): A Modern Revival

id Software's reboot revitalized the Doom franchise, delivering brutal, fast-paced action to a new generation while respecting the legacy of the originals.

Doom (2016): A Brutal Return to Form

The 2016 Doom reboot wasn't just a remake; it was a reimagining. It focused on:

• Glory Kills and Fast-Paced Combat: The signature Glory Kills, brutal melee executions, encouraged aggressive play and rewarded skillful combat.
• Improved Graphics and Sound Design: The game was visually stunning, with visceral sound effects enhancing the overall experience.
• Expansions: Unto the Evil and Hell Followed: These DLC packs added new levels, weapons, and challenges, further expanding the already substantial campaign.

Doom Eternal (2020): Even More Intense

Doom Eternal took the formula of the 2016 reboot and cranked it up to eleven. It introduced:

• Enhanced Movement and Abilities: New movement options and abilities increased the pace and fluidity of combat.
• New Weapons and Upgrades: The arsenal was significantly expanded, offering even more options for devastating demonic encounters.
• Battlemode: This innovative multiplayer mode provided a unique competitive experience.

Doom Eternal is arguably the most intense and challenging Doom game to date.

Future installments and potential spin-offs

While no official announcements have been made regarding future main Doom games, the franchise's enduring popularity makes further installments highly likely. The possibility of new spin-offs or expansions remains open, suggesting that the Doom universe will continue to evolve.

Navigating the Spin-offs and Related Titles: A Word of Caution

While games like Doom 3, Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil, and other related titles exist, they diverge significantly from the core gameplay and tone of the main Doom series. Therefore, they are not included in this main Doom games chronological order. For fans seeking a comprehensive understanding of Doom's history, focusing on the titles outlined above will provide the most cohesive experience.

Conclusion

This guide provided a definitive Doom games chronological order, highlighting the key entries in this legendary franchise. From the groundbreaking original to the intense modern reboots, understanding this order allows for a richer appreciation of the series' evolution. We strongly encourage you to experience the Doom games in chronological order, starting with the original Doom (1993) and working your way through to Doom Eternal (2020) to fully grasp the impact and evolution of this iconic FPS franchise. Don't forget to explore the expansions for an even more complete Doom experience!