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

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Understanding the Doom Timeline & Release Order

The Doom franchise, a cornerstone of first-person shooter (FPS) history, began with id Software's groundbreaking 1993 release. This original Doom revolutionized gaming with its fast-paced action, terrifying monsters, and innovative 3D graphics (for the time). The impact was immense, setting the stage for the entire modern FPS genre. The Doom games have since evolved through distinct eras: the classic era (characterized by its shareware distribution and simple yet effective gameplay), and the modern reboot era (featuring enhanced graphics, complex narratives, and refined mechanics).

Below is a table detailing the Doom games in chronological release order, including expansions and spin-offs, to help you plan your playthrough:

Playing the Classic Doom Games (1993-1997)

Playing the original Doom games on modern systems might require a little extra setup. Fortunately, tools like DOSBox (an emulator for DOS applications) allow seamless execution. However, for an enhanced experience, consider using source ports like GZDoom or Chocolate Doom. These provide improved visuals, widescreen support, and modern features while preserving the classic gameplay.

• Doom (1993): The game that started it all. Expect straightforward yet challenging levels and iconic weapons like the shotgun and chainsaw.
• Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): A worthy sequel, introducing new monsters, weapons, and environments. The gameplay is faster and more intense.
• Doom 64 (1997): While a port, Doom 64 offers unique level design and enhanced visuals not seen in the original PC releases, making it a worthwhile addition to the chronological playthrough.

Essential Mods and WADs for Enhanced Gameplay

Many talented modders have created fantastic content for the classic Doom games. These add new levels, weapons, monsters, and even completely overhaul the visuals. Here are a few notable examples:

• Brutal Doom: A highly popular mod that significantly increases the difficulty and gore.
• Community Chest: A collection of fan-made levels offering hours of additional gameplay.
• High-resolution texture packs: These greatly improve the visuals of the original games.

Embracing the Modern Doom Era (2016-Present)

The modern Doom games, starting with the 2016 reboot, represent a significant shift in gameplay and presentation. While maintaining the core elements of fast-paced combat and demonic slaying, the experience is vastly improved by modern graphics, refined mechanics and a more fleshed-out narrative.

• Doom (2016): This reboot revitalized the franchise, emphasizing relentless action, brutal combat, and a satisfying power fantasy.
• Doom Eternal (2020): A direct sequel that builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, adding new movement options, weapons, and an even more challenging and rewarding combat system. It also dives deeper into the lore of the Doom universe.

Choosing the Right Platform and Settings

Whether you're playing on PC, console, or a handheld device, optimizing your settings is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

• PC: Utilize the maximum graphics settings your hardware can handle for the best visual fidelity.
• Consoles: Adjust settings to prioritize a consistent framerate for optimal gameplay.
• Handhelds: Lowering graphical settings will enhance performance.

Exploring the Doom Universe Beyond the Main Games

The Doom universe extends beyond the main games. Various novels, comics, and other spin-offs offer deeper dives into the lore and characters. The dedicated community also contributes significantly through modding, creating expansive and innovative content for all eras of the franchise. While there's no official timeline for future installments yet, the potential for further expansions into the Doom universe remains high.

Conclusion:

This comprehensive guide has shown you the most effective way to experience the Doom franchise chronologically, from its humble beginnings to its modern, brutal glory. By following this order, you'll not only grasp the evolution of gameplay but also fully appreciate the rich lore and narrative that spans decades. So grab your shotgun, rip and tear, and embark on your chronological journey through the Doom games! Start your Doom adventure today and experience the series in its intended chronological order.