Doom Games Chronological Order: A Complete Guide

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.9

Share

The Classic Era: Setting the Stage for Doom's Legacy

This era established the foundation for the Doom franchise, introducing the core gameplay mechanics and the initial conflict between humanity and the forces of Hell.

Doom (1993): The Genesis of the Franchise

Doom (1993) launched the first-person shooter (FPS) genre into the stratosphere. Its groundbreaking gameplay, innovative level design, and memorable soundtrack set a new standard for the industry. The game's plot centers around a lone space marine battling hordes of demons unleashed from Hell on a remote Martian research facility run by the Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC).

• Key Features:

  • Fast-paced, frenetic gameplay.
  • Innovative level design with secret areas and hidden pathways.
  • Memorable heavy metal soundtrack by Bobby Prince.
  • Introduction of iconic weapons like the shotgun and the chainsaw.

• Establishing Core Lore:

  • The UAC's reckless experiments open a portal to Hell.
  • The Doom Marine, a silent protagonist, becomes the last line of defense against the demonic invasion.
  • The initial conflict is established, setting the stage for future installments.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): Expanding the Inferno

Doom II: Hell on Earth directly continues the story, escalating the demonic invasion. Hell's forces breach the boundaries of Mars and launch a full-scale assault on Earth. The gameplay builds upon the foundation of the original, introducing new weapons, enemies, and more challenging levels.

• Key Additions:

  • New weapons, including the powerful Super Shotgun and the devastating rocket launcher.
  • A wider variety of demonic enemies, increasing the challenge and strategic depth.
  • Larger, more complex levels, expanding the scope of the gameplay experience.

• Furthering the Narrative:

  • The conflict between humanity and Hell expands beyond Mars, posing a global threat.
  • The Doom Marine continues his relentless fight against overwhelming odds.
  • The game ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the fate of Earth and the Doom Marine ambiguous.

The Ultimate Doom (1995): Enhanced Classic Experience

The Ultimate Doom isn't a new game in the Doom games chronological order but an enhanced version of the original Doom. It includes the original game's episodes and adds a new fourth episode, "Thy Flesh Consumed," featuring new levels, enemies, and weapons. This expansion provided more content to enhance and extend the gameplay experience of the original. Its importance lies in solidifying the legacy of the original Doom and providing more to fans of the first title.

The Modern Era: Reimagining the Doom Slayer

This era explores a darker, more atmospheric interpretation of the Doom universe, introducing a shift in gameplay and storytelling.

Doom 3 (2004): A Darker, More Atmospheric Approach

Doom 3 takes a different approach, shifting from the classic run-and-gun gameplay to a slower, more atmospheric experience. It's a prequel, set before the events of the original Doom, focusing on a more horror-oriented storyline and a more vulnerable protagonist.

• Changes in Perspective:

  • Slower pace and more emphasis on survival horror elements.
  • First-person perspective with improved graphics and environmental storytelling.
  • A more story-driven campaign with a greater emphasis on narrative.

• Timeline Placement:

  • Doom 3 serves as a prequel, revealing the events leading up to the invasion of Mars depicted in the original Doom.

Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): Expanding the Doom 3 Universe

Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil is an expansion pack that continues the story of Doom 3. It introduces new weapons, enemies, and gameplay mechanics while deepening the lore of the Doom 3 universe. This expansion builds upon the story established in Doom 3, continuing the fight against the demonic forces on the Martian base.

The Reboot Era: A Brutal Rebirth

This era revitalizes the Doom franchise, returning to the fast-paced, brutal combat that defined the original games while incorporating modern advancements in gaming technology.

Doom (2016): A Glorious Return to Form

The 2016 Doom reboot marks a triumphant return to the series' roots. It retains the iconic fast-paced, visceral combat while significantly upgrading the visuals and mechanics. The game's storyline offers a potential reimagining or a separate continuity within the Doom universe.

• Key Features of the Reboot:
  • A return to the classic fast-paced, brutal gameplay.
  • Modernized graphics and sound design significantly enhance the experience.
  • A more streamlined and focused approach to the overall narrative.

Doom Eternal (2020): The Epic Continues

Doom Eternal, a direct sequel to the 2016 reboot, builds upon its predecessor's success. The game expands on the gameplay, introducing new abilities, weapons, and enemies, all while furthering the story of the Doom Slayer. It continues the story directly where the 2016 game left off.

• Expansion on the Reboot:
  • New abilities and movement mechanics add a layer of strategic depth.
  • More diverse and challenging demonic enemies test your combat skills.
  • The narrative continues to develop the Doom Slayer's role in the conflict against Hell.

Conclusion

This guide has explored the chronological order of the Doom games, highlighting the evolution of the franchise from its pixelated origins to its modern, brutally efficient glory. Whether you prefer the classic run-and-gun action or the atmospheric horror of Doom 3, understanding the timeline adds another layer of depth to your experience. So, grab your super shotgun, rip and tear, and delve deeper into the world of Doom—explore each title in its rightful place within the Doom games chronological order to unlock the full experience!