How To Play Doom Games Chronologically

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Understanding the Doom Timeline: A Quick Overview

The Doom timeline isn't straightforward. Reboots, spin-offs, and alternative interpretations make it challenging to determine the perfect playing order for a Doom chronological playthrough. To simplify, we can broadly categorize the games into distinct eras:

• Classic Doom Era (1993-1996): This foundational era established the core gameplay and lore. It's where the Doom games chronological order truly begins for many.
• Doom 3 Era (2004-2005): This era introduced a darker, more atmospheric experience, diverging somewhat from the classic formula. Finding the right place for Doom 3 in a Doom games chronological order is a matter of personal preference.
• Reboot Era (2016-Present): This modern era revitalized the franchise with a return to the fast-paced, brutal gameplay of the originals, while simultaneously forging its own narrative path.

Several other Doom games exist, such as Doom 64, Doom RPG, and Doom Eternal's DLC, The Ancient Gods. While fascinating, they don't perfectly fit into a strict Doom games chronological order and are best enjoyed after completing the main storylines.

The Classic Doom Experience: 1993 - 1996

This is where the definitive Doom games chronological order starts for many players.

• Doom (1993): This groundbreaking first-person shooter revolutionized the gaming world. Its simple yet effective gameplay, combined with its terrifying atmosphere and groundbreaking level design, set the stage for the entire genre. The story, though sparse, established the core conflict between humanity and the demonic forces of Hell.

• Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994): This sequel expands upon the original's formula, introducing new weapons, monsters, and levels. The story continues the fight against Hell, with the demons now invading Earth itself. The increased difficulty and new enemy types made it an even more intense experience, solidifying its place in any Doom games chronological order.

• Final Doom (1996): This consists of two megaWADs—The Plutonia Experiment and TNT: Evilution—created by independent developers and officially released by id Software. They offer more levels, enemies, and weapons, extending the classic Doom experience. While not strictly canonical, they enrich the overall experience and are often included in any comprehensive Doom games chronological order.

Stepping into the Darkness: Doom 3 and its Expansion (2004-2005)

• Doom 3 (2004): A significant departure from its predecessors, Doom 3 traded the fast-paced action for a slower, more atmospheric horror experience. The gameplay emphasizes survival and resource management, setting a different tone than the classic Doom titles. The story, though connected thematically, is separate from the events of the first two games. It's a critical part of understanding the overall narrative for many and thus important to consider in your Doom games chronological order.

• Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (2005): This expansion pack continues the story of Doom 3, introducing new weapons, enemies, and levels, as well as expanding upon the narrative. It offers a darker, more disturbing experience and enhances the game's storyline.

The Modern Era: Rebooting the Franchise (2016-Present)

This is arguably the most action-packed part of any Doom games chronological order.

• Doom (2016): This reboot successfully revitalized the franchise, returning to the fast-paced, brutal gameplay of the originals while simultaneously introducing new mechanics and a modern aesthetic. The story is a new iteration, independent of the classic games and the Doom 3 era, offering a fresh take on the conflict between Hell and humanity. This game is a must-have for any Doom games chronological order.

• Doom Eternal (2020): The direct sequel to the 2016 reboot, Doom Eternal, intensifies the action, introducing new abilities, weapons, and enemies. The story expands upon the events of the 2016 game, deepening the lore and continuing the fight against the demonic hordes. This title is arguably the pinnacle of many players' Doom games chronological order.

Conclusion: Your Doom Chronological Playthrough Awaits!

Embarking on a Doom gaming journey in chronological order allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of this legendary franchise. From the classic pixelated hell of the original Doom to the modern, high-octane action of Doom Eternal, each game offers a unique experience. By following this guide, you'll not only experience the best Doom games in their intended sequence but also gain a deeper understanding of the universe, characters, and narrative arc. So, grab your shotgun, prepare for the ultimate fight against hell, and begin your chronological Doom adventure today! Start playing the Doom games in chronological order now to fully appreciate the franchise's evolution. Don't forget to share your Doom chronological playthrough experience online!