Doom Games Chronological Order Guide

6 min read Post on May 13, 2025

The Classic Doom Trilogy (1993-1996): The Foundation of Fear

This era established the Doom franchise as a cornerstone of the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. The games, while simple by modern standards, were revolutionary for their time and set the stage for decades of demonic mayhem.

Doom (1993): The Genesis of Fear

Doom (1993), or Doom 1, is where it all began. This groundbreaking game introduced players to the iconic Doomguy (later known as the Slayer) and his battle against hordes of hellish creatures on a remote Martian research facility.

Plot: A demonic invasion rips through the facility, unleashing unspeakable horrors upon the unprepared marines. The Doomguy, the sole survivor, must fight his way through the facility and into Hell itself to stop the invasion.
Setting: A futuristic Mars research facility and the various levels of Hell.
Gameplay: Fast-paced, run-and-gun action with a focus on exploration and combat. This established the core gameplay loop that would define the series.
Impact: Doom 1 revolutionized the FPS genre, popularizing the use of 3D graphics and fast-paced action. Its innovative level design and multiplayer capabilities were also highly influential.
Key Enemies & Weapons: Imps, Demons, Cacodemons, Hell Knights, the iconic shotgun, chaingun, and rocket launcher. Keywords: Doom 1, original Doom, first Doom game, classic Doom, FPS origins.

Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): The Invasion Continues

Doom II: Hell on Earth expands on the original's formula, bringing the demonic invasion to Earth. The gameplay remains fast-paced, but with new challenges and expanded weaponry.

Story Expansion: The demons have breached the gates of Hell and now unleash their fury upon Earth, bringing new locations and a broader scope to the conflict.
New Enemies & Weapons: The game introduces iconic enemies like the Arachnotron and the Baron of Hell, along with new weapons like the super shotgun and plasma rifle.
Multiplayer: Doom II solidified the multiplayer aspect of the franchise, enhancing its replayability and community engagement.
Keywords: Doom 2, Doom II, Hell on Earth, sequel to Doom, classic Doom games.

Doom 64 (1997): A Darker Descent into Hell

Generally considered a direct sequel to Doom II, Doom 64 offers a darker, more atmospheric experience. Released for the Nintendo 64, it featured enhanced graphics and gameplay for the time.

Timeline Placement: Following the events of Doom II, the Doomguy confronts a new demonic threat.
Improved Graphics & Gameplay: Doom 64 boasted enhanced visuals and new level design, making it a unique experience within the classic trilogy. The game's darker atmosphere set a different tone than its predecessors.
Unique Level Design: The levels were intricately designed and offered a new level of challenge compared to its predecessors. Keywords: Doom 64, N64 Doom, Doom 64 levels, enhanced Doom experience.

The 2000s Reboot and its Expansion (2004-2011): A Modern Hell

This era marked a significant shift in the series' tone and gameplay, incorporating elements of survival horror.

Doom 3 (2004): A Slower Burn

Doom 3 (2004) diverges from the classic fast-paced gameplay, opting for a more atmospheric and survival horror-focused approach. The setting shifts to a Martian research facility, but this time, the horror is more palpable and psychological.

Shift in Tone & Gameplay: Doom 3 emphasizes atmosphere and survival, introducing more resource management and slower-paced combat.
Story Focus & Characters: The narrative focuses on a marine's struggle for survival amidst the demonic invasion.
Survival Horror Elements: The game heavily incorporates elements of survival horror, creating a more intense and terrifying experience. Keywords: Doom 3, Doom 2004, atmospheric Doom, survival horror Doom.

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

Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil is an expansion pack that continues the story of Doom 3, adding new levels, weapons, enemies, and a new character, the scientist Dr. Malcolm Betruger.

Story Continuation: Resurrection of Evil builds upon the events of Doom 3, offering further insight into the demonic invasion and the forces at play.
New Additions: The expansion introduces new weapons like the BFG 10K and new enemies, further enhancing the gameplay experience. Keywords: Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil, Doom 3 expansion, additional Doom levels.

The Modern Era (2016-Present): The Slayer Returns

This era marks a triumphant return to the classic Doom formula, blending modern graphics and technology with the franchise's signature fast-paced, brutal gameplay.

Doom (2016): A Brutal Rebirth

Doom (2016) revitalized the franchise, returning to the classic fast-paced, violent gameplay that made the series famous. It ditched the survival horror elements of Doom 3 in favor of pure, visceral action.

Return to Classic Gameplay: This game returned to the core gameplay of the original Doom games, focusing on speed, power, and relentless combat.
Updated Graphics & Visuals: The game featured impressive modern graphics, breathing new life into the iconic demons and environments.
Storyline Connection: While connected thematically, Doom (2016) largely disregarded the continuity of previous games, creating a fresh start for the Slayer's story. Keywords: Doom 2016, new Doom game, fast-paced Doom, reboot Doom.

Doom Eternal (2020): The Ultimate Showdown

Doom Eternal (2020) builds upon the success of its predecessor, adding new gameplay mechanics, weapons, and a more expansive storyline that continues the Slayer's epic battle against Hell.

Story Continuation: Doom Eternal directly follows the events of Doom (2016), continuing the Slayer's war against the demonic hordes.
New Gameplay Mechanics & Features: The game introduced new traversal abilities, weapon upgrades, and a more refined combat system.
Enhanced Arsenal & Level Design: The game offers an expanded arsenal of demonic weaponry and challenging, intricately designed levels. Keywords: Doom Eternal, Doom 2020, latest Doom game, ultimate Doom experience.

Conclusion: Conquer the Doom Timeline

This chronological guide to Doom Games provides a comprehensive overview of the franchise's rich history, from its humble beginnings to its modern glory. By understanding the order of the games, you can fully appreciate the evolution of the Slayer's fight against Hell and its terrifying inhabitants. Whether you're a seasoned Doom veteran or a newcomer eager to experience the franchise, this guide helps you conquer the timeline and understand the complete story. So, grab your shotgun, and start your Doom Games journey in chronological order today! Master the Doom games chronological order and experience the ultimate demonic saga.