Understanding The Doom Timeline: A Guide To Playing In Order

Omar Yusuf

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Original Doom (1993) & Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): Where it all began.

These two seminal titles launched the Doom franchise and established the core gameplay loop that defines the series. While not explicitly connected narratively to later entries at the time of their release, they form the foundation of the Doom timeline's initial conflict.

• Focus on the initial incursion of hell on Earth: The original Doom throws you into the midst of a demonic invasion on a remote research facility, UAC Mars. Doom II: Hell on Earth expands the conflict, bringing the hellish invasion to Earth itself. This establishes the initial conflict and the sheer scale of the demonic threat.
• Highlight the introduction of key characters and enemies: The iconic Doomguy (later revealed as the Doom Slayer) is introduced here, along with classic enemies like Imps, Demons, and the Baron of Hell. These early encounters set the stage for the future battles to come. Understanding these early encounters provides context for their later evolution.
• Mention the relatively self-contained nature of these games within the larger narrative: While lacking the extensive backstory of later entries, these games perfectly capture the frantic, brutal action that makes the Doom series so iconic. Their raw power and impact remain even within the expanded lore.
• Note the lack of overarching story connecting directly to later titles at the time of release: It's important to understand that the narrative connections between these games and the later Doom titles were established later, through retcons and expanded lore. This is key to understanding the timeline's evolution.

Doom 3 (2004): A different perspective on the invasion.

Doom 3 takes a markedly different approach to the Doom formula. Instead of the fast-paced, run-and-gun action of its predecessors, it emphasizes a more atmospheric, survival horror style. While its release date places it chronologically after the original two games, its narrative actually precedes them.

• Focus on the backstory and the events leading up to the demonic invasion shown in Doom 1 and 2: Doom 3 provides a much deeper look into the Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC)'s reckless experiments that inadvertently opened a gateway to Hell. This backstory enriches the understanding of the events in the original games.
• Explain its chronological placement within the wider Doom timeline: Consider Doom 3 as a prequel, showcasing the events that ultimately led to the demonic incursions depicted in the original Doom games. This prequel nature makes playing it before the original games in the context of the timeline more insightful.
• Highlight the difference in gameplay and atmosphere: The shift in gameplay and atmosphere should be noted to manage player expectations. While vastly different, it provides an important context for the events that unfold in the main Doom timeline.

Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020): The Modern Reboot and its Sequel.

The 2016 Doom reboot revitalized the franchise, returning to the fast-paced, glory-killing action of the originals while incorporating updated lore. Doom Eternal continues this legacy, building upon the established story.

• Emphasize the updated lore and its reconciliation with older games: The reboot cleverly integrates elements from previous Doom games, offering a cohesive narrative that respects the legacy while forging new ground. This integration makes sense of the fragmented narrative present in the original games.
• Discuss the introduction of new elements to the Doom Slayer's story: The reboot significantly expands upon the Doom Slayer's history, revealing a powerful warrior with a centuries-long vendetta against Hell. This backstory adds emotional weight to his relentless crusade.
• Explain the events of Doom Eternal and how it directly follows Doom (2016): Doom Eternal directly follows the events of the 2016 reboot, escalating the conflict on a galactic scale. Understanding this direct continuation enhances the narrative impact.
• Mention the implications for the future of the Doom timeline: The ending of Doom Eternal leaves the door open for further adventures, creating anticipation for future entries within the established Doom timeline.

Understanding the In-Universe Chronology vs. Release Order:

A key aspect of understanding the Doom timeline is recognizing the discrepancy between release dates and the in-universe chronology. Playing in release order provides a historical journey through the evolution of the Doom games, but the chronological order provides a more coherent narrative experience.

• Clarify why playing in chronological order enhances the narrative experience: The chronological order, detailed above, provides a much clearer picture of the events leading up to the ultimate conflict. This is especially true with Doom 3's role as a critical prequel.
• Highlight specific examples of how the storyline benefits from this approach: Understanding the UAC's actions in Doom 3 before experiencing the consequences in the original Doom games provides a much richer understanding of the causes of the conflict. The Doom Slayer's backstory, revealed in later games, also gains more context.

Exploring Additional Doom Games and Media:

Beyond the main titles, several spin-offs and related media expand the Doom universe. While not all fit perfectly into the main timeline, they offer additional insights and perspectives.

• Mention how these expand the universe but might not always fit neatly into the main timeline: Games like Doom 64 and other related media provide alternate stories and perspectives, but often have a less direct impact on the central Doom timeline.
• Suggest resources for those interested in exploring these additional materials: Fans looking for a deeper dive can find information on Doom wikis, fan sites, and official publications that cover the extensive lore of the franchise.

Conclusion:

Understanding the Doom timeline adds a significant layer of depth and appreciation to the franchise. By playing the games in the suggested chronological order – Doom 3, Doom (1993), Doom II (1994), Doom (2016), and Doom Eternal (2020) – you'll not only enjoy superior gameplay but also gain a richer understanding of the lore and the epic struggle between the Doom Slayer and the forces of Hell. So, grab your super shotgun, prepare for a brutal encounter with demons, and embark on your journey through the complete Doom timeline. Start your Doom adventure today and conquer Hell!