Chronological Doom Game Order: Which Game To Play First?

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Understanding the Doom Timeline

The Doom franchise boasts a rich and complex storyline, spanning millennia and multiple interpretations. While each game offers a unique experience, understanding their interconnectedness enhances the overall narrative. The overarching theme centers on the Doom Slayer, an ancient warrior locked in an eternal conflict against Hell and its demonic legions. This epic battle plays out across different eras, from ancient times to a technologically advanced future, significantly impacting the gameplay and lore.

• The Eternal War: The Doom Slayer's relentless war against Hell forms the backbone of the narrative. He's a powerful figure, repeatedly banished and resurrected, always returning to fight the demonic forces.
• Across Time and Dimensions: The games showcase various eras, each presenting unique challenges and settings. This temporal journey adds depth and complexity to the overarching story. The ancient settings of Doom 3, the modern setting of the 2016 reboot, and the futuristic elements in Doom Eternal all contribute to this overarching timeline.
• Evolving Lore: The Doom franchise has evolved its lore throughout its history. While some elements remain consistent, others have been reinterpreted or expanded upon to fit the narrative of each game. Understanding these evolutions provides context and depth to the overall story.

The Chronological Doom Game Order

To fully appreciate the Doom Slayer's journey and the evolving narrative, playing the games in chronological order is highly recommended. Here's the sequence, including release dates for context:

• 1. Doom 3 (2004): This prequel takes you back to the origins of the story, focusing on a more survival horror experience. You'll experience a different pace and a more atmospheric approach to the demonic threat, setting the stage for the later, more action-oriented entries.
• 2. Doom 3: BFG Edition (2012): This enhanced version of Doom 3 includes the Resurrection of Evil expansion, further fleshing out the prequel's narrative and adding extra gameplay. It's recommended to play this version instead of the original Doom 3.
• 3. Doom (2016): This critically acclaimed reboot reimagines the Doom Slayer's origins while recapturing the classic fast-paced, action-packed gameplay. This game serves as a pivotal point, setting the stage for the events of Doom Eternal.
• 4. Doom Eternal (2020): Directly continuing the story from Doom (2016), Doom Eternal expands upon the lore, introduces new enemies, and pushes the action to a new level. It offers a conclusive chapter (for now!) in the Doom Slayer's ongoing war.

Why Play in Chronological Order?

Playing the Doom games chronologically offers several significant advantages:

• A Cohesive Narrative: Experiencing the story in its intended order allows for a deeper understanding of the Doom Slayer's motivations and the evolution of the conflict with Hell.
• Character Development: Following the Doom Slayer's journey chronologically allows you to witness his growth and development, adding emotional weight to his relentless fight.
• Gameplay Progression: The chronological order provides a smoother transition between the different gameplay mechanics and styles, allowing you to appreciate the evolution of the franchise's gameplay.

Alternative Play Orders (Optional)

While chronological order offers the most satisfying narrative experience, other play orders can also be enjoyable, depending on your preferences:

• Release Order: Playing the games in their order of release offers a fascinating look at how the franchise evolved over time, both in terms of gameplay and narrative.
• Gameplay Preference: For players prioritizing fast-paced action above all else, starting with Doom (2016) or Doom Eternal might be more appealing. These games offer the most modern and intense gameplay.

Ultimately, the best order depends on your priorities. If you value narrative coherence and a complete understanding of the Doom Slayer's epic saga, playing chronologically is the way to go.

Conclusion

While multiple approaches exist for tackling the Doom franchise, understanding the chronological order – Doom 3, Doom 3: BFG Edition, Doom (2016), and Doom Eternal – provides the most cohesive and narratively satisfying experience. By following this guide, you'll embark on a thrilling journey through Hell, uncovering the complete story of the Doom Slayer's relentless war against the demonic hordes. So grab your shotgun, prepare for intense combat, and begin your epic Chronological Doom Game adventure today!