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While waiting for the release of Doom: The Dark Ages, let’s look back at all Doom games in chronological order.
With Doom: The Dark Ages releasing this May 15, 2025, you might be looking to play the previous installments to see what you expect in the upcoming game. The first title was released way back in 1993 by id Software. Playing through the entire series means seeing how Doom and the FPS genre itself have evolved over the years.
As you wait for the release of Doom: The Dark Ages, here is a compilation of all Doom games in chronological order.
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How Many Doom Games Are There?
At the time of writing, there are six Doom games. This does not include the add-ons and special or enhanced editions. This means that Doom: The Dark Ages will be the 7th game of the franchise.
Take note that we will only be compiling the main games and not mobile titles like Doom Resurrection, Mighty Doom, and Doom RPG.
Which Doom Game Should You Play First?
If you want the full experience, you should start with the classic Doom (1993). It’s arguably one of the most iconic games in the series. It has been ported, unofficially, on various platforms, including the strangest devices like a Piano, an Office Phone, and a Pregnancy Test. Needless to say, if it’s a device with a screen, someone has probably found a way to play Doom on it.
However, if you prefer to jump straight to modern gameplay mechanics, Doom (2016) is recommended, then Doom Eternal. Furthermore, Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to both Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal. Jumping into those titles will give you valuable context for the upcoming game’s story and lore
Also Read: Do You Need To Play the Previous Titles Before Doom: The Dark Ages?
All Doom Games in Order of Release
1. Doom (1993)
- Platform: MS-DOS (later ported to many systems)
The game that started it all. You play as an unnamed space marine fighting through the demon-infested moons of Mars. The game was released with three episodes: Knee-Deep in the Dead, The Shores of Hell, and Inferno. A fourth Episode was later released, titled Thy Flesh Consumed, as part of The Ultimate Doom, an updated version of the 1993 shooter title.
Some would argue that Doom 1993 set the standard for the FPS genre. Whether that’s up for debate or not, there’s no denying it became a cult classic that shaped gaming history.
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2. Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994)
- Platform: MS-DOS (later ported to many systems)
A direct sequel to the original Doom. This time, the demons have invaded Earth. Doomguy, the moniker for most protagonists of the series, is tasked with taking human survivors to space while he gets left behind to close the portal to hell. This game offers bigger levels, new enemies, and the debut of the iconic and fan-favourite Super Shotgun.
Despite being old, the game recently received two episodes: No Rest for the Living in 2010 and Legacy of Rust in 2024. The next DLC, titled Final Doom, started out as a community-made custom map in 1996. However, it was eventually added to the updated version of Doom II.
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3. Doom 64 (1997)
- Platform: Nintendo 64 (later remastered for modern platforms in 2020)
The Nintendo game, Doom 64, is often overlooked. This game is a sequel to Doom II, where, after a hard-fought battle on Earth, Doomguy flies to space to stop an escaped demon and its reincarnated enemy.
The game was remastered in 2020. It also included a bonus content, The Lost Level, which is set after the game’s conclusion. These additional missions take place after Doom 64’s ending and serve as a narrative bridge connecting the classic series to the 2016 reboot.
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4. Doom 3 (2004)
Platform: PC, Xbox (later re-released)
There is no confirmed information on where Doom 3 fits in the game’s timeline. I like to believe that it’s a reimagining of the original Doom, with a focus on horror and storytelling. The game is slower paced, darker tone, and more cinematic presentation. If you are not a fan of jump scares, you should probably skip this one.
Unlike the other main protagonists of the Doom franchise, the character in Doom 3 is called Doom Marine and not Doomguy. He travels to a Mars laboratory to investigate strange occurrences. As expected, a demonic presence causes these strange incidents.
Doom 3 included an add-on titled Resurrection of Evil, which was set two years after the main story’s conclusion. The game was later remastered as a remastered version, Doom 3: BFG Edition, in 2012. This also included a new expansion titled The Lost Mission. If you have a VR headset, try the Doom 3: VR Edition.
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5. Doom (2016)
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.
The franchise’s reboot, Doom 2016, is where Doom evolved into an entirely different gameplay. It’s faster-paced and brutal, giving enemies various weak points to incentivise players to use every weapon they have.
This game also introduced the Glory Kills mechanic, where you can rip and tear enemy limbs to gain ammo, armor, or health points. Additionally, the Doom Slayer was also introduced in this game as a mythic warrior.
A brutal reboot that modernized Doom with fast-paced combat and cinematic ‘Glory Kills.’ This game also reintroduced the protagonist as the legendary Doom Slayer, no longer just the ‘Doomguy,’ but a near-mythical force of destruction.
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7. Doom Eternal (2020)
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia
Summary: A direct sequel to Doom (2016), with more lore, more demons, and even faster gameplay. It also expands the universe significantly. Earth is once again under siege by Demonic forces led by three Hell Priests, and Doom Slayer is the only one who can stop it.
It looks like id Software did not fully abandon Doomguy. In Doom Eternal’s story, you get to see how the Doom Slayer is deeply connected to the classic hero’s origins. Doom Eternal includes two expansions: The Ancient Gods Part 1 and Part 2.
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8. Doom: The Dark Ages (Coming May 15, 2025)
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
A medieval-themed prequel to Doom (2016) and Eternal, this game explores the origins of the Doom Slayer in a brutal, fantasy setting. Expect melee-heavy combat, dark gothic environments, and a “never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell,“ according to the publisher, Bethesda Softworks.
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