Playing The Doom Games Chronologically: The Ultimate Guide

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Understanding the Doom Timeline

The Doom timeline isn't exactly straightforward. Different games exist in separate continuities, resulting in a somewhat fractured narrative across the series. Understanding this complexity is key to enjoying a truly chronological Doom game order. Let's break down the key entries and their place in the overall Doom universe:

• The Original Doom Universe:

  • Doom (1993): The seminal title that launched a genre. This game establishes the basic premise: a lone space marine battles hordes of demons on Mars.
  • Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The sequel takes the action to Earth, escalating the demonic invasion and introducing new enemies and weapons. This continues the direct narrative from the first game.

• The Doom 3 Universe:

  • Doom 3 (2004): A significant departure in style, shifting to a more survival horror-focused experience. This game offers a darker, more atmospheric take on the Doom universe, operating in a separate continuity.
  • Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): The expansion to Doom 3, continuing the story and adding new content.

• The Reboot Universe:

  • Doom (2016): A bold reboot that returned to the fast-paced, brutal gameplay of the originals while offering a modernized experience. It features a significantly different story and continuity.
  • Doom Eternal (2020): The direct sequel to the 2016 reboot, expanding on its gameplay and lore, building a fresh canon within the Doom franchise.

• Other Entries:

  • Doom 64 (1997): This Nintendo 64 title fits somewhat awkwardly into the timeline. While generally considered part of the original Doom universe, its narrative connections are loose and more focused on standalone gameplay. Its placement within a chronological Doom playthrough is flexible.

The Chronological Playthrough: A Step-by-Step Guide

For the most cohesive experience, considering the game's narrative and gameplay evolution, we recommend this Doom game order:

1. Doom (1993): Experience the birth of a legend. The original Doom introduced the world to its iconic fast-paced action, simple yet effective story, and groundbreaking level design. Its legacy is undeniable, establishing the template for countless future first-person shooters.

2. Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The demonic invasion intensifies! Doom II expanded on its predecessor with new weapons, enemies, and levels, making the experience even more visceral and satisfying. This continues the direct narrative thread of the first game.

3. Doom 64 (1997): While somewhat standalone, its inclusion here provides a bridge between the classic games and the later entries. Its unique levels and atmosphere offer a refreshing interlude in the Doom chronological order.

4. Doom 3 (2004): Prepare for a change of pace. Doom 3 introduces a survival horror element, emphasizing atmosphere and a slower, more deliberate approach. This shift in gameplay makes it a noteworthy experience within the overall Doom saga. Play Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil immediately after.

5. Doom (2016): Return to the glory days of brutal, fast-paced action with the 2016 reboot. This game marks a return to the core gameplay of the original Doom games while featuring significant advancements in graphics, sound design, and level design.

6. Doom Eternal (2020): The ultimate Doom experience. Doom Eternal pushes the boundaries further, with refined gameplay mechanics, a more expansive story, and relentless action. This concludes the most recent arc in the Doom storyline.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Chronological Playthrough

Playing through the Doom games chronologically offers a unique perspective on the franchise's evolution. To ensure a smooth experience, keep these tips in mind:

• Embrace the Differences: Be prepared for substantial shifts in gameplay between titles. Doom (1993) and Doom II are fast-paced and brutal, while Doom 3 offers a more survival horror experience. The 2016 reboot and Doom Eternal refine the classic formula for a modern audience.

• Modernize Your Experience: Consider using modern source ports (like GZDoom or Chocolate Doom) for the older games to enhance visuals and performance. Emulators can also improve your experience.

• Explore Mods and WADs: For added replayability, explore the vast collection of community-created mods and WADs available for the original Doom games. This can significantly extend your Doom gaming experience.

• Find the Games: You can find the Doom games through official releases, Steam, GOG, and other digital distribution platforms.

Beyond the Games: Exploring Doom's Lore and Impact

The Doom franchise's impact goes beyond its gameplay. The universe's lore, though fragmented across different timelines, is rich and compelling. Doom's influence on the FPS genre is undeniable, setting the standard for countless games to come.

• A Genre-Defining Legacy: Doom is considered a landmark title in gaming history, essentially defining the first-person shooter genre. Its impact on game design and popular culture remains profound.

• Cultural Influence: From its iconic soundtrack to its memorable monsters and weapons, Doom has become ingrained in pop culture, inspiring countless homages, parodies, and references in other games, movies, and music.

Conclusion:

Now you're equipped with the ultimate guide to playing the Doom games chronologically! By following this order, you'll not only enjoy a satisfying progression of gameplay but also gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of this iconic franchise. So, grab your shotgun, prepare for hellish encounters, and embark on this epic Doom chronological playthrough. Don't delay – start your Doom journey the right way today!