Chronological Doom Game Order: The Ultimate Playing Guide

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Establishing the Core Timeline: The Original Doom Trilogy

The original Doom games laid the foundation for the franchise's iconic gameplay and lore. Understanding their chronological order is key to appreciating the escalating demonic invasion and the evolution of the Doom Marine. This section covers the Doom series order from its inception.

Doom (1993):

The game that started it all. Experience the raw, visceral gameplay that defined a generation of first-person shooters (FPS). This is where the Doom timeline truly begins.

• Key features: Fast-paced action, groundbreaking level design, iconic weapons (chainsaw, BFG 9000), and the introduction of the iconic Doom Marine.
• Context: This game sets the stage for the demonic invasion, introducing the player to the horrifying environments and terrifying creatures of Hell. The Doom Marine's initial fight against the demonic hordes is established here, laying the groundwork for future installments. It's the essential starting point for any serious Doom fan looking to play through the Doom games chronologically.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994):

The demonic invasion intensifies. Prepare for even more challenging levels, gruesome monsters, and a relentless onslaught of Hell's forces.

• Key features: New weapons, enemies, and levels; expands on the original's frantic gameplay, offering more variety and challenges. The introduction of new demons significantly ups the ante.
• Context: This game continues the story directly from the first game, escalating the conflict and showing the ever-growing threat of Hell's invasion. It’s a direct sequel that builds upon the foundation established in the first game.

Doom 64 (1997):

A darker, more atmospheric take on the original Doom. Discover new levels, secrets, and a more intense experience than its predecessors. Often overlooked, this title provides significant additional lore to the early Doom timeline.

• Key features: Enhanced graphics (for its time), new monsters and weapons, and a chilling atmosphere that intensifies the horror elements. It adds depth and complexity to the original Doom experience.
• Context: Often considered a canon expansion to Doom II, Doom 64 adds depth to the original story, offering additional context and challenges within the established timeline. It fills in gaps and enhances the overall narrative.

Rebooting the Franchise: The Modern Doom Era

The modern Doom games offer a reimagining of the franchise, retaining the core gameplay while introducing modern mechanics and a more expansive narrative. This section focuses on the best Doom playing order for the reboot era.

Doom (2016):

A visceral and brutal reboot. Experience a faster, more intense Doom experience with significantly improved mechanics and visuals.

• Key features: Fluid movement, brutal combat, a darker and more intense story, and a focus on relentless action. The improved gameplay is a cornerstone of the modern Doom games.
• Context: A soft reboot of the franchise, reimagining the Doom Marine's origins and motivations. It establishes the foundation for the modern Doom Slayer, providing a new take on the classic character and his fight against Hell.

Doom Eternal (2020):

The ultimate evolution of the Doom Slayer. Prepare for an epic, globe-trotting campaign and an even more intense fight against Hell.

• Key features: Expanded movement mechanics, more diverse weapons and enemies, and a larger overarching narrative that expands upon the 2016 reboot.
• Context: A direct sequel to the 2016 reboot, continuing the Slayer's relentless war against Hell. It expands on the lore and establishes a broader narrative context within the Doom universe.

Exploring the Side Stories: Doom Spin-offs & Related Titles

While the main Doom timeline is relatively straightforward, several spin-offs complicate the chronological Doom game order. These games offer varied levels of canonicity within the Doom universe.

• Doom 3 (2004) and its expansions: These games offer a significantly different atmosphere and narrative focus, deviating from the fast-paced action of the main series. Their placement within the overall timeline is debatable and can be enjoyed after completing the main series to avoid disrupting the primary storyline flow. Consider them supplemental to the main Doom games chronological list.
• Other spin-offs and related titles vary widely in their connection to the main storyline. It’s best to consider these as standalone experiences or supplemental material that enhances the overall Doom lore but isn’t essential to understanding the core narrative presented in the main series of games.

Conclusion

This guide provides a clear path for experiencing the thrilling Doom saga. By following this chronological Doom game order, you'll fully appreciate the evolution of the gameplay and story, maximizing your immersion in this iconic franchise. So, grab your shotgun, chainsaw, and BFG 9000 – and prepare to embark on the ultimate Doom adventure! Start your rip-and-tear journey today by playing the games in the suggested order and experience the full power of the Doom universe! Remember to consider the placement of spin-offs within your own Doom experience based on your preferences and interest in exploring the wider lore of the franchise.