As one of the earliest and most celebrated first-person shooter games, Doom is often seen as just a thrilling experience of battling demons. While it’s true that players can enjoy the excitement of defeating monsters to an energetic soundtrack,there is a deep lore and timeline that enriches the gameplay for those willing to explore it.Unlike other game series with straightforward timelines, such as Metal Gear, understanding Doom's chronology requires some effort. The journey from the original Doom to the upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages can be complex. If you try to piece together this timeline alone, you might find yourself confused quickly. We’ve explored every aspect of each game in the series so you can easily follow along in either release or chronological order.
Playing doom Games in Release Order
Doom made its debut in 1993 and has since spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. Although these early titles were groundbreaking at their time and still hold up well today, they may feel challenging for new players due to their dated mechanics. For anyone looking to experience all that this franchise offers, we recommend playing through them in release order first. This approach allows players to appreciate how far the series has come before diving into more recent entries.
Here’s a list of all official Doom games released over time:
- Doom (1993)
- Doom II: Hell on earth (1993)
- Doom 64 (1997)
- Doom 3 (2004)
- Doom (2016)
- Doom VFR (2017)
- Doom Eternal (2020)
- Doom: The Dark Ages (2025)
Exploring Doom Games Chronologically
While there are seven mainline games within the franchise's timeline starting from 1993, connecting them might seem tricky at first glance. surprisingly enough, each title fits into a larger narrative framework—even if some entries like Doom 3 stand apart from others.
The chronological order closely resembles release order but includes some adjustments worth noting:
- Doom
- Doom II: Hell on Earth
- Doom 64
- Doom: The Dark Ages
- Doom (2016)
- Doom Eternal
- Doom 3
The placement of DOOM 3 is particularly debated among fans; opinions vary on whether it serves as a prequel or fits elsewhere entirely within its own storyline separate from other titles featuring the iconic character known as the Doom Slayer.
Understanding Timeline Connections
Although many may think earlier games have little relevance today compared with newer releases like DOOM or DOOM Eternal, they actually contain references that enrich your understanding when played chronologically.
If you're keen on following along with how our hero battles against demonic forces throughout his journey—starting from his initial encounters—you’ll want to play through these titles sequentially based on their storylines rather than just by when they were launched.
while enjoying fast-paced action against hordes of enemies remains central to what makes these games fun; taking time out for deeper exploration reveals layers beneath surface-level thrills! Whether you choose release or chronological order depends largely upon personal preference—but both paths offer unique insights into this legendary gaming saga!
