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

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The original Doom (1993) revolutionized the gaming world with its groundbreaking 3D graphics and fast-paced gameplay. It introduced us to the iconic Doom Slayer and the horrors of Hell, laying the foundation for a franchise that continues to captivate gamers today. This guide will cover the main storyline, spin-offs, and expansions, guiding you on the best way to experience the entire saga.

Understanding the Doom Timeline

Navigating the Doom timeline can be tricky; inconsistencies exist across different games. However, a general chronological order can be established, focusing on the main storyline featuring the Doom Slayer. Key characters like the Doom Slayer himself, along with various demonic entities, reappear throughout the series, linking the narratives. It’s important to differentiate between the main storyline and side stories, like the events in Doom 64.

Here’s a suggested chronological order, acknowledging some interpretative flexibility:

• Doom 3 (and Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil)
• Doom (2016)
• Doom Eternal
• Doom II: Hell on Earth (and expansions: The Ultimate Doom, Master Levels)
• Doom (1993)
• Doom 64 (Its placement is debatable due to timeline inconsistencies, but its story elements fit best after the original Doom)

We’ll explore each game's placement within this timeline as we proceed.

Playing Doom 3 and its Expansion

Doom 3, released in 2004, offers a different perspective on the Doom universe. Its slower pace and emphasis on horror, rather than the frenetic action of later games, sets it apart. The game takes place on Mars, where a research facility is overrun by demonic forces. The atmosphere is dark and claustrophobic, creating a truly terrifying experience.

Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil, the expansion pack, directly continues the story, furthering the narrative and introducing new weapons and enemies. It provides a crucial bridge to the rebooted Doom games.

Tips for playing Doom 3:

• Start on a lower difficulty setting if you’re new to the franchise.
• Experiment with weapon upgrades to enhance your survival chances.
• Pay attention to the environmental storytelling; it significantly adds to the atmosphere.

The Reboot Era: Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal

The 2016 Doom reboot revitalized the franchise, bringing back the fast-paced, brutal combat that defined the original games but with a modern twist. This is where the main storyline featuring the Doom Slayer really takes off. Doom (2016) sets the stage for the even more ambitious Doom Eternal.

Doom Eternal directly follows Doom (2016), continuing the story and expanding on the fast-paced gameplay. Glory kills, chainsaw executions, and a wide array of weapons and abilities make for an intense and exhilarating experience.

Transitioning from Doom 3 to Doom (2016): Be prepared for a significant shift in gameplay speed and style. Doom (2016) is far more aggressive and action-oriented.

Strategies for playing Doom Eternal:

• Master the movement mechanics for maximum efficiency in combat.
• Utilize all available resources, including weapon upgrades and power-ups.
• Experiment with different playstyles to find what works best for you.

The Original Doom Games: A Blast from the Past

The original Doom (1993) and Doom II: Hell on Earth are historical milestones in gaming. Their impact on the FPS genre is undeniable. While their graphics may seem dated by today’s standards, their gameplay remains incredibly fun and addictive. They offer a slower, more methodical style compared to the later games.

To play these classics, you can use emulators like DOSBox or explore modern ports, preserving the original experience while benefiting from modern conveniences. Doom II’s expansions, The Ultimate Doom and Master Levels, extend the gameplay and add more levels to the demonic invasion. These expansions fit chronologically after the main Doom II storyline. Doom 64, released for the Nintendo 64, offers a unique take on the Doom formula with its enhanced visuals and gameplay elements for the time. Its placement is a matter of interpretation within the overall timeline.

Beyond the Games: Exploring the Doom Universe

The Doom universe extends beyond the games themselves. Novels, comics, and other media provide further insights into the lore and backstories of various characters and events. Fans have also created extensive timelines, trying to reconcile inconsistencies across the various iterations. Exploring these supplemental materials enhances your understanding and appreciation of the entire Doom saga.

There are also other related games, though not directly part of the main timeline, that might be of interest to fans. Researching these can further deepen your understanding of the lore.

Conclusion

This guide has outlined a suggested chronological order for playing the Doom games: Doom 3, Doom (2016), Doom Eternal, Doom II, Doom, and finally Doom 64. Each game offers a unique experience, showcasing the evolution of the franchise's gameplay and narrative. From the atmospheric horror of Doom 3 to the frenetic action of Doom Eternal, the journey through Hell provides a richly rewarding experience.

Now that you have this complete guide on how to play Doom games in chronological order, it's time to unleash the fury and experience the saga for yourself! Start your epic Doom playthrough today and conquer Hell in the right order! [Links to purchase/play Doom games]