Check out the chronological order of DOOM.

With over three decades of history, the DOOM series has marked generations and continues strong to this day. Throughout that time, much has changed. The game has evolved, the graphics have advanced, and the storylines have become more ambitious. However, a question persists among veterans and newcomers alike: what is the chronological order to play DOOM and follow the events of the franchise?

Next, you'll understand, taking into account all the main games, relevant spin-offs, and the most recent titles, where each phase of this war against hell begins and ends.

DOOM (1993)

It all begins with the release of DOOM in 1993. It was a success, a true game-changer. Its impact was so strong that it shaped the FPS genre as we know it. However, when we talk about the chronological order of DOOM, this is the starting point of the classic timeline.

Here, you follow a lone space marine facing demonic hordes in a Martian base. The simplicity of the concept is precisely what gave the game its strength. With independent episodes, claustrophobic scenarios, and non-stop gunfights, the game conquered the world. Furthermore, its openness to mods created an active community that remains strong to this day.

DOOM II: Hell on Earth (1994)

The 1994 sequel is a direct continuation. DOOM II takes the invasion to Earth. The destruction now reaches human cities, with more open maps and new enemies. The famous super shotgun makes its debut here and quickly became one of the most memorable weapons in the series.

The game's structure changes, abandoning separate episodes and opting for a long, continuous campaign . The deathmatch mode is consolidated in this title, strengthening the competitive multiplayer. In the chronological order of DOOM, this is the second chapter of the classic series and is a direct sequel to the first game.

Final DOOM (1996)

In 1996, the community gained official recognition. Final DOOM was developed by fans and embraced by id Software itself. It features two complete campaigns: TNT: Evilution and The Plutonia Experiment. Both take place after DOOM II and further expand the infernal conflict.

The difficulty is high, geared towards veterans. Despite not innovating in technical terms, the game holds a fixed place in the chronological order of DOOM by presenting new battles and maintaining the intensity of the saga. It is here that the scenario begins to show signs of exhaustion, both for the enemies and the protagonist.

DOOM 64 (1997)

Initially underestimated due to its Nintendo 64 exclusive release, DOOM 64 is an essential chapter in the classic series. It directly follows the events of Final DOOM. With updated graphics and a much darker atmosphere, the game introduces the threat of the Mother of Demons.

More introspective and with much more complex maps, DOOM 64 has a suffocating atmosphere. For a long time it was ignored in the official chronology, but it ended up being reintegrated after the re-release on current platforms. Thus, it occupies its place in the chronological order of DOOM as the last game of the classic era.

DOOM 3 (2004)

Arriving in 2004, DOOM 3 doesn't continue the story from what came before. Instead, it reboots the narrative. With a horror-oriented , the game retells the demonic invasion of Mars, focusing on dark settings, dramatic lighting, and a slower pace.

The reception was mixed. Some of the audience missed the fast-paced action, but many recognized the change as bold. It doesn't fit into the same line as previous games, nor into the new modern phase. In the chronological order of DOOM, DOOM 3 functions as a parallel and isolated line.

DOOM (2016)

After years of hiatus, DOOM returned in full force in 2016. This spiritual reboot recaptures the fast pace, direct combat, and brutality of its earlier days. However, here, everything gains depth. The narrative begins to explore the mythology behind hell, Argent energy, and the Maykrs.

The DOOM Slayer awakens on Mars, more ruthless than ever. The story makes it clear that he is already a legend. Records found during the campaign reveal connections to the past and suggest that this new era has much older roots.

DOOM Eternal (2020)

If DOOM (2016) was a rebirth, DOOM Eternal was an expansion in every sense. With more speed , more technical combat, and a more ambitious plot , the game shows hell taking over Earth. The Slayer now faces mythological figures, such as Khan Maykr, and must restore the balance of dimensions.

At this point, the narrative delves into themes such as ancestry, destiny, and sacrifice. We learn about the Slayer's past among the Sentinels and his origins as a warrior of Argent D'Nur. In the chronological order of DOOM, this title comes right after the 2016 reboot, expanding on everything that was presented before.

DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods – Part 1 (2020)

The first part of the expansion shows the Slayer continuing his fight after the events of Eternal. The challenges increase, the enemies evolve, and the narrative delves even deeper into the implications of the war between realms.

The game is more than just an extension of the previous campaign. It features new layers of conflict, introducing cosmic entities and taking combat to previously unseen dimensions. This chapter plays an indispensable role in the chronological order of DOOM, as it shows the direct consequences of the protagonist's rage.

DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods – Part 2 (2021)

The conclusion of this phase of the franchise. Here, the Slayer faces the Dark Lord , the original source of all destruction. The final battle is symbolic and carries the full weight of the journey up to that point. The end is definitive, not in terms of the franchise, but of the narrative begun in DOOM (2016).

After facing hell, heaven, the gods, and even himself, the protagonist concludes his journey. This game closes the modern cycle and sets the stage for revisiting the past, as we will see in the next title. In the chronological order of DOOM , this is the final point, for now.

DOOM: The Dark Ages (2025)

The latest in the series, DOOM: The Dark Ages takes everything back to the beginning. With a brutal medieval aesthetic, the game presents the origin of the DOOM Slayer. Instead of futuristic weapons, we have swords, shields, and rustic weaponry with absurd power.

The focus here is on the war between the Sentinels and the demonic creatures, showing how the protagonist came to be feared throughout the realms. Even though it was the last one released, this is the first chapter in the chronological order of DOOM , serving as a prologue to everything that came after.

Closing the timeline

Now that you've seen each stage, it's easier to understand the chronological order of DOOM. It's recommended to play the modern games in the following sequence:

1. DOOM: The Dark Ages
   
2. DOOM (2016)
   
3. DOOM Eternal
   
4. The Ancient Gods – Part 1
   
5. The Ancient Gods – Part 2
   

And if you also want to follow the classic style:

6. DOOM (1993)
   
7. DOOM II: Hell on Earth
   
8. Final DOOM
   
9. DOOM 64
   

And finally, DOOM 3, as a side story.