How To Play The Doom Games Chronologically

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Understanding the Doom Timeline: A Complex History

The Doom timeline isn't exactly straightforward. With numerous games spanning decades, including spin-offs, reboots, and even novels, figuring out the best playing order can be challenging. The original Doom games (1993-1997) established the core lore, while the newer titles (Doom 2016, Doom Eternal) offer a reimagined continuity. This makes determining the perfect Doom games chronological order a matter of some debate amongst fans.

• Differences between Classic and Modern Doom: The original Doom games focused on fast-paced, frantic action with relatively simple storylines. Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, however, offer a more fleshed-out narrative, enhanced graphics, and refined gameplay mechanics. Understanding these differences is crucial for appreciating the evolution of the franchise.

• Non-Canonical Games: Several Doom games exist outside the main storyline. These, like Doom RPG and Doom II RPG, are often excluded from chronological playthroughs because they don't directly contribute to the overarching narrative.

• Expanded Universe Media: Books and comics offer additional lore and context to the Doom universe. However, integrating these into a strict chronological playthrough is difficult, making them optional additions for dedicated fans seeking a truly complete experience.

The Recommended Chronological Order of the Main Doom Games

This section outlines the ideal Doom games chronological order, concentrating on the main storyline entries to provide the most cohesive narrative experience. Remember, this prioritizes story coherence, not necessarily release date.

• 1. Doom (1993): The original, the legend. This game introduced the world to the iconic Doom Marine and the hellish invasion. Its impact on the first-person shooter genre is undeniable, making it the crucial starting point for any chronological playthrough.

• 2. Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The direct sequel continues the relentless fight against demonic forces, introducing new weapons, enemies, and environments, further developing the overarching story.

• 3. Doom 64 (1997): While technically released later, Doom 64 fits chronologically between Doom and Doom II. It offers a unique perspective on events, refining the gameplay and deepening the mystery surrounding the invasion.

• 4. Doom 3 (2004): A significant shift in gameplay and tone, Doom 3 adopts a more atmospheric and horror-focused approach. While the story is distinct, it's placed here to represent a chronological point in the broader timeline, before the reboot.

• 5. Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): This expansion to Doom 3 expands upon the story introduced in its predecessor, providing further context and deepening the overall narrative.

• 6. Doom (2016): A reboot, this game doesn't directly follow the previous entries, but it stands as a modern reimagining that acts as a foundational piece for the new continuity.

• 7. Doom Eternal (2020): The direct sequel to the 2016 reboot, Doom Eternal delivers a powerful conclusion to the reimagined Doom storyline.

Essential Tips for a Chronologically Satisfying Doom Experience

Playing through the Doom games chronologically offers a unique appreciation of the series' evolution. However, maximizing enjoyment requires careful consideration.

• Start with the Original: Embarking on this journey with the original Doom provides an understanding of the franchise’s humble beginnings and allows you to fully appreciate its technological and narrative advancements.

• Gameplay Differences: Be prepared for significant differences in gameplay mechanics between the classic and modern Doom games. Older games are more simplistic, while newer ones feature more complex systems.

• Adjust Difficulty: Don't be afraid to adjust the difficulty settings to suit your skill level. The focus should be on enjoying the story and gameplay, not struggling through frustratingly hard levels.

• Explore and Discover: Take your time to explore environments, uncover hidden secrets, and collect lore entries. These details significantly enhance the overall narrative experience.

• Pay Attention to the Story: Watch cutscenes and carefully read in-game text to absorb the nuances of the rich Doom lore.

Exploring the Expanded Doom Universe (Optional)

For a truly complete experience, consider exploring other Doom games and related media. However, integrating them chronologically is tricky.

• Spin-offs and RPGs: Doom RPG and Doom II RPG offer unique gameplay experiences but are often considered outside the main storyline's continuity, challenging their placement in a strict chronological playthrough.

• Novels and Comics: Official novels and comics add depth to the Doom lore but often don't directly impact the core games' narrative sequences.

Conclusion

This guide has provided a comprehensive path for playing the Doom games in chronological order, allowing you to experience the franchise's evolution in the most impactful way. By following this suggested order, you’ll appreciate the nuances of the storytelling and gameplay advancements across the series. So grab your shotgun, prepare for some serious demon-slaying, and embark on this chronological journey through the hellish landscapes of the Doom universe! Now, get out there and conquer Hell in the right order—the Doom games chronological order awaits!