How To Play Doom Games In Chronological Order: A Complete Guide

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.3

Share

Understanding the Doom Timeline

The Doom franchise boasts a rich history, spanning decades and various iterations. While there are spin-offs and other related titles, focusing on the main storyline in chronological order significantly enhances the experience and allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of the Doom Slayer and his unending war against Hell. Playing through the games chronologically unlocks a deeper understanding of the lore, character development, and the escalating conflict between Heaven and Hell.

Here's the crucial chronological order for the main Doom games:

• Original Doom (1993): This seminal first-person shooter laid the foundation for the entire franchise, introducing the iconic Doom Slayer and the terrifying hordes of Hell. It's a brutal, fast-paced experience that defined a generation of gaming.
• Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The direct sequel expands upon the original Doom, introducing new demons, weapons, and levels. The story continues the relentless fight against Hell's invasion of Earth.
• Doom 3 (2004): A darker, more atmospheric reboot, Doom 3 shifted the focus to a more survival-horror style while retaining the core elements of demon-slaying action. It introduced a more detailed storyline and a different perspective on the Doom universe.
• Doom (2016): A modern reimagining of the classic gameplay, this game revitalized the franchise with brutal, fast-paced combat and a satisfyingly gory experience. This title re-introduced the iconic Doom Slayer in a powerful and visceral way.
• Doom Eternal (2020): The direct sequel to the 2016 reboot, Doom Eternal builds upon the success of its predecessor with even more intense combat, expanded lore, and a wider array of demonic foes. This continues the saga of the Doom Slayer against an ever-growing threat.

Where to Play Each Doom Game

Accessing the Doom games across their various iterations is surprisingly straightforward, with many options catering to different preferences and technological capabilities.

Original Doom & Doom II

Playing the original Doom and Doom II requires a little more effort than the newer titles. You have several options:

• DOSBox: This DOS emulator allows you to run the original games directly, providing an authentic retro experience.
• Modern Ports: Several modern ports are available on platforms like GOG and Steam, offering improved compatibility and often enhanced visuals.
• Source Ports (GZDoom, PrBoom): Enthusiast-developed source ports like GZDoom and PrBoom offer significantly improved graphics, performance, and often additional features, greatly enhancing the original gameplay experience. These are recommended for the best possible retro Doom experience.

Ensure you obtain these games through legitimate channels, such as GOG or Steam, to support the developers and play ethically.

Doom 3

Doom 3 is readily available on Steam, GOG, and other digital distribution platforms. While older versions might encounter compatibility issues or have outdated graphics, updated versions and patches are usually available to address these concerns.

Doom (2016) & Doom Eternal

The modern Doom games (2016 and Eternal) are widely accessible on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms. Different editions are available, sometimes including DLC, so check which version best suits your needs. Keep an eye out for sales and bundles to save money!

Mastering the Gameplay Across Eras

The Doom games, while sharing core DNA, have undergone significant changes in gameplay mechanics over the years. Understanding these differences is vital for enjoying each game to its fullest.

Differences in Gameplay Mechanics

The evolution from the original Doom's relatively simple movement and weapon mechanics to the frenetic, skill-based combat of Doom Eternal is stark. Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal introduced much more fluid movement, including double jumping and dashing, which dramatically change the pace and strategy of combat. Weapon variety and upgrade systems also significantly impact gameplay.

• Original Doom: Simple, strategic movement and weapon choices.
• Doom (2016): Fast-paced, aggressive combat with emphasis on glory kills.
• Doom Eternal: Highly skilled, fast-paced combat requiring mastery of movement, weapon switching, and resource management.

Adapting to these differing styles is key to enjoying each game's unique strengths.

Understanding the Story Arc

The overarching narrative of the Doom Slayer and his relentless war against Hell unfolds across the games. Each installment contributes to the larger storyline, revealing more about the Doom Slayer's origins, powers, and his eternal conflict with the demonic forces.

To truly appreciate the narrative depth, consider researching the rich lore of the Doom universe through wikis, fan communities, and official sources. These resources can greatly enrich your understanding of the context and motivations of each game.

Conclusion

Playing the Doom games chronologically – Original Doom, Doom II, Doom 3, Doom (2016), and Doom Eternal – allows you to fully experience the evolution of both the gameplay and the story. Remember to consider the different platforms and versions available for each game to find the ideal experience for you.

Ready to embark on a demonic journey? Start playing the Doom games in chronological order today and experience the complete saga of the Doom Slayer! Dive into the world of Doom and discover the ultimate first-person shooter experience. Find your perfect Doom experience and begin your adventure!