Complete Guide to Playing the Doom Series Before Doom The Dark Ages Release

Doom stands as one of the most influential first-person shooter franchises, renowned for its fast-paced, brutal gameplay and iconic demon-slaying mechanics. With the upcoming release of Doom: The Dark Ages on May 15, players new and old are revisiting the series to sharpen their skills and immerse themselves in the franchise’s evolving lore.

The Doom series centers on a straightforward narrative: demons from Hell invade our universe through portals, and the player, often referred to as Doomguy or Doom Slayer, must stop them. While early games prioritize relentless combat over story, recent entries like Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal weave richer lore and character depth into the experience.

Chronological Order of Main Doom Games

For those looking to experience the series as it evolved, here are the main titles in release order:

• Doom (1993)
• Doom II: Hell on Earth
• Doom 64
• Doom 3
• Doom (2016)
• Doom Eternal

These titles are available individually or as part of the Doom Anthology bundle across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PlayStation Plus Premium also offer access, making it convenient to explore the series.

Classic Doom Games: Fast-Paced Action with Minimal Story

The original Doom (1993) and Doom II are foundational first-person shooters that emphasize relentless combat over narrative depth. Players navigate labyrinthine levels, battling hordes of demons with an arsenal of weapons, including the iconic super shotgun introduced in Doom II. Doom 64, while a console-exclusive with updated graphics, bridges the classic gameplay with story elements that connect to newer titles.

Modern Doom Entries: Enhanced Lore and Gameplay

Doom (2016) rebooted the franchise with modern graphics, platforming elements, and a deeper narrative delivered through codex entries and dialogue. Doom Eternal expands on this with more frenetic combat, aerial maneuvers enabled by a shotgun-grappling hook, and extensive lore explaining the Doom universe’s mythology. These games are ideal for players who appreciate story alongside intense action.

Doom 3: The Horror Outlier

Unlike other Doom games, Doom 3 focuses on survival horror elements, featuring slower-paced gameplay, atmospheric lighting, and jump scares. Players must strategically use a flashlight and weapons, often switching between them to survive. This title offers a unique experience within the franchise and appeals to fans of horror alongside action.

With Doom: The Dark Ages launching soon, players can expect a continuation of the series’ rich legacy. Whether revisiting classic pixelated battles or diving into the lore-heavy modern entries, the Doom franchise offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of gamers.