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

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Brief History: From its groundbreaking 1993 debut, Doom redefined gaming, introducing a visceral, fast-paced experience that spawned countless imitators. Its influence continues to resonate today, shaping the FPS landscape we know and love.

Purpose: This article aims to provide a definitive guide on experiencing the Doom games chronologically, outlining the main storyline while also addressing the various spin-offs and their place (or lack thereof) within the larger narrative.

Understanding the Doom Timeline

The Doom timeline isn't exactly straightforward. Numerous games, spin-offs, and even a reboot complicate matters. However, understanding the core narrative arc simplifies the process significantly.

The Main Saga: A Chronological Journey Through Hell

This section focuses on the games that form the backbone of the Doom story, offering the most cohesive narrative experience.

• Doom (1993): Classic Doom's Foundation: This seminal title, often referred to as "classic Doom" or the "original Doom," set the stage for everything that followed. Its simple yet effective gameplay, groundbreaking graphics (for its time), and the chilling atmosphere established the universe’s iconic demons and the basic premise of a lone space marine fighting against hellish hordes. Keywords: classic Doom, original Doom, first Doom game, Doom 1 gameplay.

• Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): Expanding the Nightmare: Doom 2, or "Doom 2 gameplay," significantly expands upon the original. New weapons, enemies, and levels broaden the scope of the conflict. Hell invades Earth, escalating the stakes and providing a more intense and varied experience. Keywords: Doom 2, Doom 2 gameplay, Hell on Earth.

• Doom 64 (1997): A Nintendo 64 Descent into Hell: Released exclusively for the Nintendo 64, Doom 64 offers a unique take on the established formula. While sharing similarities with Doom II, it features new levels, enemies, and a darker atmosphere. Its position in the timeline remains debated, but many place it chronologically between Doom II and Doom 3. Keywords: Doom 64, Nintendo 64 Doom, Doom 64 gameplay.

• Doom 3 (2004): A Darker, More Atmospheric Shift: Doom 3 represents a significant shift in tone and gameplay. The action is slower, more atmospheric, and emphasizes horror elements alongside the familiar action. The Doom 3 BFG Edition includes the expansion and enhances the graphics and experience. Keywords: Doom 3, Doom 3 BFG Edition, Doom 3 gameplay.

• Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): Expanding the Doom 3 Universe: This expansion pack, Doom 3 Resurrection of Evil, builds upon the story and gameplay of Doom 3, adding new weapons, enemies, and levels to further explore the narrative. Keywords: Doom 3 Resurrection of Evil, Doom 3 expansion pack.

• Doom (2016): The Reboot That Revitalized the Franchise: This reboot revitalized the series, returning to the fast-paced, visceral gameplay of the originals while incorporating modern graphics and mechanics. It re-establishes the Doom Slayer as the protagonist and sets up the events of Doom Eternal. Keywords: Doom 2016, Doom reboot, modern Doom.

• Doom Eternal (2020): The Epic Continuation: Doom Eternal continues the story from 2016's Doom, expanding on the lore and gameplay, adding new abilities, and pushing the narrative forward in spectacular fashion. Its multiple DLCs further enrich the storyline. Keywords: Doom Eternal, Doom Eternal gameplay, Doom Eternal DLC.

Exploring the Spin-offs and Related Titles

The Doom universe has spawned many side projects. However, many aren’t directly relevant to the main timeline.

Non-Canonical Games

Several games, such as Doom RPG, are considered non-canonical and don’t significantly impact the main narrative. Therefore, they are omitted from this chronological playthrough.

The Importance of Order

While the spin-offs offer additional experiences, following the main saga in the order outlined above provides the most cohesive and impactful storytelling experience.

Where to Play the Games

The availability of Doom games varies across platforms. Older titles might require some effort to acquire.

• PC: GOG.com and Steam are excellent resources for purchasing digital copies of most Doom games.
• Consoles: Check your respective console's digital stores for availability. Physical copies of older titles can be found on sites like eBay, but buyer beware!
• Emulators: Using emulators for older games is only advisable if you own a legitimate copy and adhere to all legal and ethical considerations.

Conclusion

This guide has outlined the ideal chronological order for playing the core Doom games, emphasizing the narrative journey from the original's groundbreaking release to the modern, action-packed adventures of Doom Eternal. Understanding the timeline and selecting the appropriate platform for each game are key to experiencing the full impact of the Doom saga. So, gear up, Doom Slayer, and embark on your chronological playthrough! Play Doom games chronologically, experience Doom in order, and master the Doom timeline. Rip and tear until it is done!