DOOM is widely regarded as one of the most influential game franchises of all time. It didn’t just help shape the first-person shooter genre — it redefined what action could look like, laying the groundwork for icons like Call of Duty and Halo. Decades later, DOOM is still evolving, pushing boundaries and thrilling players across generations.
Since its debut in 1993, the franchise has spawned a long list of titles — from enhanced editions and add-ons to major mainline entries. And with DOOM: The Dark Ages on the horizon, there’s no better time to revisit the saga’s core timeline and canon expansions.
Whether you’ve already torn through your favorite installment or you’re gearing up for the newest release, here’s a complete rundown of every main DOOM game in the order they were introduced.
DOOM (1993)
The original DOOM, released in 1993, set a new standard for the first-person shooter genre, forever changing how we experience action in games. Players assume the role of a nameless space marine stationed on Mars, where a routine military assignment turns into a desperate fight for survival.
After the Union Aerospace Corporation opens a portal to Hell, the mission becomes clear: stop the demonic invasion by any means necessary. The game’s core focus is combat—fast, visceral, and designed for maximum intensity. While the mechanics are more straightforward than in modern entries, DOOM (1993) remains a landmark title and an unforgettable experience for newcomers and veterans alike.
DOOM not only changed the way we play, but also raised the bar for game design, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. id Software released three episodes: Knee-Deep in the Dead, The Shores of Hell, and Inferno. The game concludes with the discovery of a demon invasion of Earth—setting the stage for its sequel.
The original DOOM is so impactful that it was included in the Library of Congress’s Game Canon, a curated list of games recognized for their cultural and historical significance.
Highlights:
- Demonic invasion via an interdimensional portal
- The shocking reveal of Deimos floating above Hell
- Final battles take place deep within Hell
Iconic Weapons:
- Shotgun – The essential demon-slaying tool
- Chainsaw – Brutal and unforgettable
- BFG 9000 – Legendary for its sheer power
DOOM II: Hell On Earth (1994)
Released just a year later, DOOM II: Hell on Earth continues the story with the demonic invasion reaching Earth. Players once again take on the role of Doomguy as he fights to save humanity and seal the portal between worlds.
The sequel builds on the first game with bigger levels, new enemy types, and the debut of the iconic Super Shotgun—a staple of the series ever since. While it retains the fast-paced gameplay of the original, DOOM II expands the universe significantly.
Newer editions often include Final DOOM (1996), which adds two additional episodes—TNT: Evolution and The Plutonia Experiment. These are sometimes considered side stories, but remain essential experiences for fans of the early games.
Highlights:
- Fight through Earth’s devastated cities and military outposts
- Face off against the formidable Icon of Sin
Iconic Weapons:
- Super Shotgun – A devastating upgrade that became a fan favorite
- The BFG, Rocket Launcher, and Chainsaw return
DOOM 64 (1997)
Sometimes an overlooked gem in the DOOM roster, DOOM 64 is neither a direct port nor a full reboot. In fact, some consider it another spin-off, similar to Final DOOM, since it wasn’t developed by id Software—the franchise’s original creators.
However, many dedicated fans agree that DOOM 64’s plot is integral to the story of the newer DOOM games. DOOM II ends with humanity trying to rebuild Earth, while Doomguy chooses to remain in Hell to continue fighting the demons. In DOOM 64, he commits to protecting humanity from future invasions—a decision that smoothly connects to the narrative of later DOOM titles.
Featuring redesigned graphics, 3D models, dynamic lighting, and an ominous, ambient soundtrack, DOOM 64 was praised as “the best-looking DOOM game yet” upon its release. Originally launched exclusively for the Nintendo 64, the game was remastered in 2020 to critical acclaim, bringing DOOM 64 to a new generation of players and further solidifying its place in the DOOM timeline.
Highlights:
- Introduction of the Mother Demon, a powerful new threat
- A darker, more narrative-focused journey
Iconic Weapons:
- Super Shotgun – Still the definitive monster-slayer
- Unmaker – A powerful new energy weapon
- Updated visuals for returning classics
DOOM 3 (2004)
DOOM 3 is widely recognized as the most suspenseful entry in the series, known for its jump scares and dense atmosphere. Introduced a decade after DOOM II, it reimagined the franchise with a focus on survival horror and immersive storytelling.
Players once again step into the boots of a space marine facing a demonic outbreak at a UAC research facility—echoing the premise of the original DOOM. This time, however, the experience takes a more cinematic turn, introducing voice logs, PDA interactions, and scripted sequences to deepen the narrative.
Lighting, sound design, and environmental tension play a central role in shaping the gameplay. The addition of the flashlight mechanic—forcing players to switch between illumination and combat—adds a memorable layer of suspense and strategy.
Its placement in the franchise timeline is still debated, but many fans position it after DOOM 64, based on its tone, story elements, and release chronology.
Highlights:
- Atmospheric horror replaces fast-paced action
- Use of a PDA system for logs and puzzles
Iconic Weapons:
- Plasma Gun and BFG return
- Introduction of the Soul Cube, a demonic artifact used to heal and destroy enemies
DOOM (2016)
If you like a little more narrative with your demon-slaying, DOOM (2016) might be the perfect place to jump in. This reboot reintroduces the series for modern consoles, adding deeper lore and storytelling without sacrificing the fast-paced action that defines DOOM.
From the opening moments, the game throws you into the chaos, emphasizing fluid movement, aggressive combat, over-the-top violence, and relentless waves of enemies. The protagonist—now known as the DOOM Slayer—awakens in a UAC facility already overrun by demons, once again becoming humanity’s last line of defense.
With the addition of jumping, platforming and exploration take on new depth. The fresh approach to classic mechanics and modernized weapons brings the DOOM experience into the present while honoring its roots.
A VR spinoff, DOOM VFR, followed in 2017. Set after the events of DOOM, it stars Dr. Peters, a UAC employee navigating the aftermath of the invasion.
Highlights:
- Exploration of Argent Energy and Hell’s exploitation
- The Slayer’s mythic origins begin to emerge
Iconic Weapons:
- Combat Shotgun, Gauss Cannon, and a modernized Chainsaw
- Glory Kills mechanic introduced – visceral finishers that replenish health
- The BFG 9000 returns in all its glory
DOOM Eternal (2020)
DOOM Eternal picks up where DOOM (2016) left off, raising the stakes with faster combat, deeper lore, and an expanded arsenal. Earth is under siege, and the DOOM Slayer must hunt down the three Hell Priests to stop the invasion.
With new movement mechanics like dashing and the Meat Hook grapple, combat becomes more vertical and aggressive. The game also introduces celestial realms, ancient Hell lore, and a massive orbital base, adding a cosmic scale to the conflict.
Puzzle-solving and exploration are more prominent, but the pace never slows. Armed with the Crucible blade and a revamped arsenal, the Slayer pushes through his most ambitious mission yet— delivering a high-octane finale to the modern saga.
The story continues in The Ancient Gods – Part One and Part Two, where the Slayer launches a final assault across dimensions. The arc concludes with a showdown against the Dark Lord, revealing new truths about the Slayer’s origins.
Highlights:
- The rise of the Makers and betrayal by the Khan Maykr
- Revelations about the Slayer’s ties to the Night Sentinels
- Final showdown with the Dark Lord
Iconic Weapons:
- Super Shotgun with the Meat Hook
- Ballista, Crucible Blade, and the colossal BFG-10000
DOOM: The Dark Ages (2025)
Released on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on May 15th, 2025, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the latest drop from id Software. Designed as a prequel to DOOM (2016), it places players in a medieval-inspired world torn apart by demonic invasion.
Set in the early days of the Slayer’s legend, this entry reveals how the original Doomguy became the iconic DOOM Slayer. The game introduces a new aesthetic and tone while preserving the signature intensity fans love.
Early reception has been overwhelmingly positive. According to Metacritic, the game holds “generally favorable” reviews, and Empire magazine awarded it a rare 5-star rating, calling it a “perfect evolution” of the franchise.
From all of us at Displate, we’re giving DOOM: The Dark Ages a solid 10 out of 10 on the Displatemeter — a perfect storm of lore, intensity, and demon-slaying action. For fans old and new, it’s a hell of a way to (re)discover the saga.
Rip And Tear… Then Decorate Your Lair
From the classic 1993 launch to the battlegrounds of DOOM Eternal, the DOOM franchise has carved out a legacy of unrelenting action, iconic weapons, and one of gaming’s most legendary protagonists.
Whether you’ve been part of the legacy for decades, or recently joined the Slayer’s crusade, the unmatched energy and brutal charm of the games are sure to keep you coming back for more. So why not bring a piece of that infernal legacy into your home?
Celebrate your love for the franchise with high-quality DOOM-themed Displates – premium metal posters featuring stunning artwork celebrating the best of the DOOM universe. Whether you opt for a neon DOOM Slayer helmet or iconic logo art, there’s a Displate to suit every fan’s shrine.
