Doom is easily one of the most popular and recognizable video game IPs out there, and it's easy to see why this is the case. It's a historical franchise that — along with Wolfenstein — pioneered the evolution of the first-person shooter genre. Doom has evolved through the ages, going through several gameplay changes and a massive scaled story.
RelatedDoom: Every Game In The Series, Ranked
Fancy some ultra-violence? From the 1993 original to the brand new Doom Eternal, we're ranking every game in the Doom franchise from worst to best.
PostsThe history of Doom encompasses multiple decades of innovation and over the top violence, which has become a staple of the FPS genre ever since. Every game in the series is notable in some way or another. For ardent gamers who want an in-depth look into the history of Doom, here are all the games in the series, listed in the chronology of their release dates.
Updated on May 24, 2025, by Axel Bosso: With the launch of Doom: The Dark Ages, we know more about the third (and currently, last) entry in the reboot Doom Slayer trilogy. We decided to update this article with galleries and other adjustments.
8 Doom (1993)
The Game That Started It All
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedDoom (1993)
First-Person Shooter Systems 4.5/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 86/100 Critics Rec: 92% Released December 10, 1993 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) id Software Publisher(s) id Software Engine Doom engineWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONOne of the most iconic and impactful games ever made, Doom puts you in the role of a marine sent to a research facility on Mars. When a portal to Hell unleashes a horde of demons, it's up to you to blast them into oblivion.
Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Franchise DOOM Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox (Original), PS1, Sega Saturn, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Android, iOS OpenCritic Rating Mighty How Long To Beat 5 Hours X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 527 MB (November 2023) PS Plus Availability Premium Powered by Expand CollapseUnlike its brother series Wolfenstein, Doom started out as an out-and-out FPS. The Doom Slayer, affectionately known to fans as Doomguy, shot down waves of monsters from hell... and the series has never looked back since its first installment, released all the way back in 1993.
The first Doom was nothing short of a monumental achievement that showed just how much fun it could be to just mow down waves of enemies without a care in the world. The runaway success of this legendary title spawned an iconic series that is still beloved to this day.
7 Doom 2: Hell On Earth (1994)
The Labyrinthic Levels Start Here
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedDoom 2
FPS Systems 3.5/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 100% Released October 10, 1994 ESRB M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Violence Developer(s) id Software Publisher(s) GT Interactive Engine id tech 5WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONGiven the massive success of the original Doom, it was only a given that id Software would capitalize on this success. A sequel was developed to allow the Doom franchise to shine even more, and this was successfully created with Doom 2: Hell on Earth.
The gameplay of Doom 2 is similar to its predecessor, but it's the level design that ends up being a world-class upgrade from the original Doom. Levels are bigger, more sprawling, and non-linear, praising people for straying off the beaten path and rewarding them with a whole host of collectibles — a form of level design that is replicated in the modern Doom titles as well.
6 Final Doom (1996)
More Doom Isn't Always A Good Thing
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
LikeFinal Doom
FPS Systems Released May 31, 1996 ESRB m Publisher(s) id Software Engine ddom engine, unity Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Franchise DOOMWHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALFinal Doom was another chapter in the classic Doom series that ended up combining two megawads (basically a collection of levels) into a massive package that offered up more of the beloved Doom goodness. However, the game did have its fair share of detractors.
Related“You Control The Buttons You Press”: The Doom Twitter Account’s Response Remains The Gold Standard Defense Of Game Design
With Doom: The Dark Ages out, it's time to revisit an iconic social media moment.
PostsMost people pointed out the fact that, with the thousands of levels that fans could download online, Final Doom was pretty much a waste of money. It was only for hardcore fans of Doom, who wanted to support the series and play some well-constructed levels as well.
5 Doom 64 (1997)
The Best Old Looking Doom... But Not As Fun
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedDoom 64
FPS Systems 4.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 76/100 Critics Rec: 76% Released April 4, 1997 ESRB t Developer(s) Midway Games Publisher(s) Midway Games Engine doom engineWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONDoom 64 is one of the few Doom games that was exclusive to select consoles, before the game was finally ported over to modern systems after a 13-year gap. This chapter in the series sees the iconic Doom Slayer go through another batch of levels, as he destroys all the hellspawns in their path.
While Doom 64 was one of the better-looking Doom games at the time, players and critics alike had to admit that the Doom formula had become somewhat stale. This, coupled with the fact that dozens of levels of Doom could be downloaded online and played at a moment's notice, made Doom 64 feel even more unnecessary, although the game was well-made and enjoyable.
4 Doom 3 (2004)
The Black Sheep Of The Original Trilogy Was Good
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedDOOM 3
FPS Systems 4.5/5 Released August 3, 2004 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence Developer(s) id Software Publisher(s) Activision, Aspyr Engine id Tech 4 Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Franchise DOOMWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONAfter a seven-year hiatus, id Software decided to release a new chapter in the Doom series, in the form of a numbered sequel that would take the franchise in a new direction. This was Doom 3, a new perspective compared to the previous Doom games, and one that emphasized the cosmic horror and story aspects of the game.
Doom 3 was such a major success for id Software, so much so that they actually focused on this game for almost a decade. The success of Doom 3 and the positive fan reception led to the creation of multiple different expansions, as well as unique game editions, including:
Doom 3: Resurrection Of Evil (2005)
An expansion pack for Doom 3, Resurrection of Evil, was a worthy addition to the atmospheric and engaging levels of Doom 3. With new weapons and features debuting in the game, Resurrection of Evil ended up being a worthy purchase for any fan of the Doom series and of the original Doom 3.
Alongside the new weapon types, four new enemy types and a wide array of new content debuted within the game. Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil was a blast to play, and though it didn't really tread too much new ground, it was appreciated by players.
Doom 3: BFG Edition (2012)
Most people who've played Doom 3 have definitely tried out the BFG Edition — the definitive release of Doom 3 that ended up overhauling the graphics, control system, and various gameplay mechanics. This was all done to make the game more accessible to new players.
Some of the new additions in Doom 3: BFG Edition were rightly criticized, such as the broken autosave mechanic that became a source of irritation for many players. However, the overall game is certainly a step-up over the original Doom 3, and the best way to experience this classic.
3 Doom (2016)
One Of The Best FPS Ever Made
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
LikeDOOM
FPS Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 86/100 Critics Rec: 92% Released May 13, 2016 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) id Software Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks Engine id tech 6, id tech 5 Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONAfter the release of Doom 3: BFG Edition, the franchise was silent for a good, long while. Doom players assumed that this historic IP had been silently put to rest. However, this was far from the case — id Software was actually hard at work trying to revolutionize the gameplay of the classic Doom titles for a modern generation.
RelatedDoom: The Dark Ages Vs. Doom Eternal - Which Game Is Better?
Doom: The Dark Ages went in a big different direction from Doom Eternal. Was it for the better?
Posts 1This led to the debut of a franchise reboot, simply called Doom. Fans instantly gravitated towards this fast-paced shooter with hellish game design and a metal, sci-fi aesthetic. It served as the perfect mashup of retro gaming and modern gameplay changes, pushing fans to be hungry for the future of the franchise.
2 Doom Eternal (2020)
The Pinacle Of Doom For Many Fans
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedDOOM Eternal
FPS Action Systems 5.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 89/100 Critics Rec: 96% Released March 20, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence Developer(s) id Software Publisher(s) Bethesda Engine id Tech 7WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONWith the massive success of Doom's reboot, it was only a matter of time before id Software would release a sequel that could make everything bigger, badder, and better. This was achieved with the creation of Doom Eternal, an extremely impressive game that was even more metal, violent, and hard-hitting.
Doom Eternal features numerous gameplay improvements, with traversal being an obvious highlight in this regard. These changes elevate the experience to an entirely different level, and the end result is nothing short of magical. However, despite the massive campaign, Doom Eternal still had more content up its sleeves.
Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods (2020)
A two-part DLC pack, The Ancient Gods is an expansion to the awesome story of Doom Eternal. Traveling through the cosmos and battling new opponents, the Doom Slayer now competes against the forces of the Devil itself, Davoth the Dark Lord. Yeah, that's the level of power scaling the Slayer is dealing with now.
This is honestly the Doom saga at its most epic, as players battle their way through Urdak, all while being aided and acting as the leader of the forces of Earth. Not only is it a fantastic ending for the Doom Slayer's arc, but the DLC is filled with breathtaking levels and vicious new monsters.
1 Doom: The Dark Ages (2025)
Back To The Roots
CloseYour Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow FollowedDOOM: The Dark Ages
FPS Systems 3.5/5 8.2/10 Released May 15, 2025 ESRB m Developer(s) id Software Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks Engine id Tech Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise DOOMWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONThe latest installment in the Doom franchise sends the series to the past: we get to know the Doom Slayer before the events of Doom 2016. This change of setting is portrayed in its new equipment, more focused on melee combat, like the spectacular shield.
If you didn't like the speed and platforming of Eternal, you are in luck since The Dark Ages presents a slower combat with heavier movement. Plus, you get to ride a mech and a cyber-dragon.
NextDoom Is Going To Live On Forever
Like Tetris, Doom should be remixed and reimagined for eternity.
Posts
