The Doom Franchise: Playing Through The Games In Chronological Order

Kenji Nakamura

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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

The original Doom trilogy established the franchise's core gameplay and lore, introducing us to the iconic Doomguy and the terrifying demons of Hell. Playing these games in order allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of the series' mechanics and storytelling.

Doom (1993): The Genesis of the Doom Slayer

Doom (1993) is the game that started it all. This groundbreaking title introduced the world to the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled combat that would define the franchise. You play as an unnamed space marine battling hordes of demons on a remote Martian research facility.

• Iconic weapon design: The chainsaw and the BFG 9000 became instant classics, symbols of the Doom franchise itself.
• Groundbreaking level design and atmosphere: The claustrophobic corridors and atmospheric environments created a sense of dread and urgency.
• Setting the stage for the franchise’s demonic lore: While the narrative is minimal, Doom (1993) successfully planted the seeds for the rich demonic mythology that would be explored in later games.
• Focus on pure, unadulterated action: This first installment prioritized relentless action, setting the standard for future Doom titles.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The Invasion Intensifies

Doom II: Hell on Earth escalates the conflict. Hell invades Earth, bringing the demonic hordes to our planet. The stakes are higher, the action is more intense, and the battle for humanity's survival is on.

• Introduction of new demons and weapons: New and terrifying enemies like the Arch-vile and the Mancubus were introduced, alongside additional weapons to combat them.
• More varied and expansive level design: The levels in Doom II are larger and more diverse than in its predecessor, offering a greater sense of exploration.
• Increased difficulty and intensity: The challenge is significantly ramped up, demanding more strategic thinking and skillful play.
• Strengthening the narrative connection to the demonic realm: The invasion of Earth further solidified the connection between our world and the demonic forces.

Doom 64 (1997): A Darker, Enhanced Experience

Doom 64, originally released for the Nintendo 64, offers a unique take on the original Doom. While not strictly a sequel in terms of narrative, its enhanced graphics, new levels, and atmospheric design solidify its place within the franchise's timeline.

• Reimagined levels and improved graphics for the time: The N64 allowed for graphically richer environments and enhanced level design compared to the original.
• New enemies and secrets: Doom 64 introduces new enemies and secrets, providing a fresh experience for veterans of the series.
• A darker and more atmospheric experience: The game’s darker aesthetic and sound design create a more intense and unsettling atmosphere.
• Enhanced soundtrack: The soundtrack significantly contributes to the game's overall atmosphere.

The Reboot Era (2016-Present): A Modern Take on Classic Doom

The reboot era revitalized the Doom franchise, refining the gameplay while retaining its core identity. This section focuses on the modern games that continue the Doom Slayer’s relentless campaign against Hell.

Doom (2016): A Brutal and Exhilarating Reboot

The 2016 Doom reboot brought the franchise back with a vengeance. This game redefined fast-paced, aggressive gameplay, emphasizing speed, resource management, and the satisfyingly brutal “Glory Kills.”

• Fast-paced, aggressive gameplay: The emphasis is on constant movement and aggressive combat, rewarding players for their proactive approach.
• Focus on Glory Kills and resource management: Glory Kills provide health and ammo, encouraging strategic play and rewarding skillful combat.
• Improved graphics and sound design: The game boasts stunning graphics and an immersive soundscape, enhancing the visceral experience.
• A darker and more mysterious narrative: While still focused on action, the reboot introduced a richer and more mysterious narrative, hinting at the Doom Slayer’s past.

Doom Eternal (2020): The Ultimate Evolution

Doom Eternal takes everything the 2016 reboot did and amplifies it. This is the pinnacle of modern Doom gameplay, adding even more weapons, enemies, and a significantly more expansive story.

• Expanded arsenal of weapons and upgrades: The weapon variety increases drastically, with unique upgrades and mod options for each.
• New enemy types and challenging encounters: Doom Eternal introduces challenging new enemy types that require strategic thinking and precise aiming.
• A larger, more interconnected world: The game world is significantly larger than its predecessor, with more exploration and varied environments.
• A deeper exploration of the Doom Slayer's lore and origins: Doom Eternal significantly expands on the lore of the Doom Slayer, providing more context for his relentless crusade.

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One and Two (DLC): Expanding the Saga

The Ancient Gods DLC expands on Doom Eternal's story, adding new challenges, enemies, and lore. These expansions provide even more action and deep dives into the franchise's mythology.

• New challenging levels and gameplay mechanics: These DLCs introduce new mechanics and levels that test your skills to their limits.
• Further development of the story and lore: The narrative expands upon events from Doom Eternal, adding depth and context.
• Introduction of new enemies and weapons: New enemies and weapons provide a fresh challenge and keep the gameplay exciting.
• Continuation of the Doom Slayer's relentless campaign: The fight against Hell continues, with even more intensity and a climactic conclusion.

Other Doom Games and Spin-offs: Exploring the Expanded Universe

While this guide focuses on the core chronological experience, it’s worth briefly mentioning other Doom games like Doom 3, Doom 3: BFG Edition, and Doom RPG. These offer alternative perspectives within the Doom universe, but their narrative integration into the main timeline varies. Focusing on the games listed above will provide the most cohesive chronological Doom experience.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive path through the Doom franchise, allowing players to experience the series' rich history and evolution in chronological order. Starting with the original Doom and culminating in Doom Eternal and its DLC, this journey will take you through the hellish battles, iconic weapons, and the relentless fight of the Doom Slayer. Embark on your own Doom adventure and conquer Hell by playing through the games in chronological order today! Don't forget to share your Doom experiences and favorite moments!