DOOM (2016) vs. DOOM Eternal: Which Game Should You Play First?

For most newcomers, play DOOM (2016) first and DOOM Eternal second. Bethesda describes DOOM Eternal as the direct sequel to DOOM, so that order preserves the release and story progression. You can start with Eternal if its denser combat systems, movement challenges and larger progression layer sound more appealing, but beginning with the 2016 game gives you the clearest introduction to the modern series.

The short answer: start with DOOM (2016)

The default recommendation is straightforward: play DOOM (2016), then DOOM Eternal. Bethesda’s announcement calls DOOM Eternal “the direct sequel to DOOM,” which makes the earlier game the natural starting point for anyone who values continuity.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4	$27.49	Buy on Amazon
2		Doom: Eternal (PS4)	$24.92	Buy on Amazon
3		Doom: Eternal (Xbox One)	$30.01	Buy on Amazon
4		DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5	$69.47	Buy on Amazon
5		Numskull Pinky Doom Eternal in-Game Collectible Replica Posable Toy Figure - Official Doom...	$27.95	Buy on Amazon

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That recommendation is about order, not a claim that Eternal is impossible to understand on its own. The available evidence does not establish that a first-time player will be lost by beginning with the sequel. Instead, the two games offer different introductions to the same fast, aggressive style: the 2016 release emphasizes a direct combat focus, while Eternal adds more resource decisions, traversal and progression systems.

Choose DOOM (2016) first if you want:

• the release and narrative sequence Bethesda established;
• a more immediately legible combat loop before learning additional systems;
• an introduction centered on weapon feel, speed, movement and combat flow.

Choose DOOM Eternal first if you specifically want:

#1 Best Overall

DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4

• Gain access to the latest demon-killing Tech with the DOOM Slayer's advanced praetor suit, including a shoulder-mounted flamethrower and the retractable wrist-mounted DOOM Blade
• Upgraded guns and mods, such as the Super shotgun's new distance-closing meat hook attachment, and abilities like the double Dash make you faster, stronger, and more versatile than ever
• You can't Kill demons when you're Dead, and you can't stay alive without resources. These tools are the key to your survival and becoming the ultimate demon-slayer
• A new class of (destructible) demon
• Battle mode is the new 2 versus 1 multiplayer experience built from the ground up at id software

$27.49

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• a more layered resource loop involving health, ammunition and armor;
• more movement challenges, including dashes, wall climbing and platforming;
• additional progression systems and secrets from the beginning.

The second list reflects a TIME writer’s observations from approximately three hours with Eternal. It is useful for identifying the sequel’s design direction, but it is not a controlled comparison or a guarantee that every player will prefer those additions.

How the games differ before you choose

This table separates documented differences from areas where a like-for-like figure is not established. Do not treat the absence of a listed value as proof that a feature is absent; it means only that no comparable value is available here.

Why release and story order favor DOOM (2016)

Bethesda’s sequel description matters

Bethesda’s official announcement uses the phrase “the direct sequel to DOOM” for DOOM Eternal. That is the strongest reason to play the 2016 release first: you encounter the setup before the continuation, rather than meeting the series through its second chapter.

Playing in order also lets you notice how the combat and movement ideas develop from one game to the next. You learn the basic rhythm in the earlier release and then encounter the sequel’s added demands with a point of comparison. This is a practical advantage for a newcomer, not a claim that the sequel’s story cannot be followed independently.

Can you play DOOM Eternal first?

Yes, if your priority is the sequel’s systems rather than release order. The evidence does not show that Eternal is incomprehensible without DOOM (2016). Starting there is most defensible when you already know you enjoy games that ask you to juggle several combat resources and movement options at once.

Rank #2

Doom: Eternal (PS4)

• Experience the ultimate combination of speed and power with the next leap in push-forward, first-person combat
• As the DOOM Slayer, return to take your vengeance against the forces of Hell
• Set to an all-new pulse pounding soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon, fight across dimensions as you slay new and classic demons with powerful new weapons and abilities

$24.92

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If you begin with Eternal, you can later play DOOM (2016) as the earlier entry in the progression. The trade-off is that the 2016 game may feel like a simpler introduction after you have already learned the sequel’s expanded approach.

Combat feel: direct momentum versus layered decisions

What the 2016 game is designed to foreground

In a 2016 TIME interview, DOOM co-director Marty Stratton identified speed, weapon feel, movement and map flow as central priorities. He also described the campaign as combat-focused and fun. Those comments point to a clear entry-level appeal: the game teaches its identity through forward motion and encounters rather than through a large set of interlocking management systems.

That does not mean the 2016 release lacks depth. It means the supplied developer description places the emphasis on how combat feels and flows. If you want to learn the modern DOOM style without first accounting for every additional layer reported for Eternal, this is the safer first choice.

What changes in Eternal

TIME’s preview of the sequel describes a loop in which combat actions help replenish health, ammunition and armor. This creates more decisions during an encounter: you are not only choosing how to attack, but also considering which action restores the resource you need next.

The same preview reports additional progression systems and secrets. Together, those features make Eternal the more system-heavy starting point in this comparison. Some players will find that richer decision-making exciting immediately; others will prefer to establish the basic combat rhythm first.

Rank #3

Doom: Eternal (Xbox One)

• Slayer Threat Level at Maximum - gain access to the latest demon-killing tech with the DOOM Slayer's advanced Praetor Suit, including a shoulder-mounted flamethrower and the retractable wrist-mounted DOOM Blade. Upgraded guns and mods, such as the Super Shotgun's new distance-closing Meat Hook attachment, and abilities like the Double Dash make you faster, stronger, and more versatile than ever
• Unholy Trinity - you can't kill demons when you're dead, and you can't stay alive without resources. Take what you need from your enemies: Glory kill for extra health, incinerate for armor, and chainsaw demons to stock up on ammo. These tools are the key to your survival and becoming the ultimate demon-slayer
• A New Class of (Destructible) Demon - obliterate more demons than ever before, each with unique attacks and abilities. Fan-favorite classics such as the Pain Elemental, Archvile, and Arachnotron make their return, while a horde of totally-new demons join the roster including the DOOM Hunter, Marauder, and the Gladiator. Rip apart your favorite demons to the core with DOOM Eternal's "destructible demons" system and take your power fantasy to new levels

$30.01

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Because the preview covered roughly the opening three hours, use it to understand the sequel’s direction rather than as proof that every later encounter works identically or that all players will judge the complexity the same way.

Movement and platforming: decide how much traversal you want

Eternal’s movement toolkit

The preview specifically mentions double jumps, dashes and wall climbing, along with secrets and platforming. Those elements make traversal an explicit part of the sequel’s identity. If you enjoy moving through an arena as much as fighting in it, this is a meaningful reason to choose Eternal first.

Movement challenges also change the pace between fights. You may be evaluating a route, looking for a secret or preparing a jump rather than simply advancing from one combat space to the next. Players who prefer a campaign built primarily around direct encounters may find the earlier game’s stated combat focus a better introduction.

How to use this preference in your decision

• Choose 2016 first if platforming sounds like an interruption to the combat you came to play.
• Choose Eternal first if dashes, wall climbing, double jumps and searching for secrets sound like part of the appeal.
• Choose in release order if you want to experience the sequel’s traversal additions as an evolution rather than as your baseline.

The available material does not provide a directly comparable traversal inventory for DOOM (2016), so this decision should be based on the sequel features documented above, not on an assumption that the earlier game has no movement options.

Which game fits your preferred learning curve?

Start with DOOM (2016) for a cleaner first step

The 2016 game is the better default when you are new to the series, unsure how much system management you enjoy, or primarily interested in the feel of high-speed combat. Its developer-described priorities give you a focused starting point, and the sequel can then add complexity without requiring you to unlearn your expectations.

Rank #4

DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5

• Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
• In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
• A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
• As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
• Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.

$69.47

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Start with Eternal for immediate system density

Eternal is the reasonable first game for players who actively seek layered combat decisions. The health, ammunition and armor loop described by TIME, plus the movement and progression additions, gives you more to monitor and more ways to express skill from the outset.

Do not use “easier” as the deciding label

The supplied evidence does not establish a controlled difficulty comparison, universal player ranking or current critic-score dataset. It would therefore be inaccurate to promise that one game is universally easier, harder or better. The useful distinction is the kind of attention each game asks for: direct combat flow in the earlier release versus a more explicitly managed combat-and-traversal loop in the sequel.

A practical play-order plan

Plan A: the recommended sequence

1. Play DOOM (2016) first. Treat it as your introduction to the modern series’ speed, weapons, movement and combat flow.
2. Move to DOOM Eternal. Expect the sequel to build on that foundation with the resource, traversal, secret and progression elements described in the preview.
3. Adjust your expectations rather than judging the sequel by sameness. The sequel retains the push-forward combat framing but asks you to make more decisions during and between encounters.

Plan B: start with Eternal

1. Choose Eternal when its added systems are your main attraction. This is especially sensible if you want movement challenges and resource management immediately.
2. Use the sequel as your systems-first entry. The available evidence does not establish that prior play is mandatory for comprehension.
3. Play DOOM (2016) afterward if you want the earlier chapter. Approach it as the preceding release and a more direct combat-focused starting point, not as a technical replacement for the sequel.

PC requirements and buying checks

Verify current PC information

Bethesda Support’s DOOM Eternal page lists 8 GB of system RAM and 50 GB of storage in the accessed requirements. Bethesda also notes that its recommendations were revised from specifications printed on the physical PC box. That qualification matters: printed packaging can become outdated, and requirements or supported configurations can change.

Before installing, open the current Bethesda Support page and compare its complete requirements with your computer. Also check the live store listing for the edition and platform you intend to buy. The available material does not provide a current, directly comparable requirements table for both games, so do not infer that the same specification applies to DOOM (2016).

Use live platform listings for price and availability

Prices, editions, stock and platform support are volatile. Check the store attached to your platform at the time of purchase rather than relying on an old listing or physical package. No current price matrix or stock status is established here.

Best Value

Numskull Pinky Doom Eternal in-Game Collectible Replica Posable Toy Figure - Official Doom Merchandise - Limited Edition

• Renowned for its incredibly robust defense capabilities, it’s best not to attack The Pinky head on as his incredibly strong armored front allows him to endure high amounts of damage
• Standing at a mighty 135mm (5.3 inches) tall, this officially licensed collectable is an exact replica to the in-game toys that you can find in DOOM Eternal
• Try out different poses by adjusting the figure’s limbs to your own liking, or display it in its original packaging to preserve its value
• Hunt down all DOOM Eternal figurines and complete your collection; an excellent gift for gamers, fans of the DOOM series and collectors
• Official Bethesda merchandise designed and engineered by Numskull

$27.95

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Collector editions are a separate purchase question

Bethesda’s Gear Store documented an Eternal Collector’s Edition containing the game, a SteelBook, a wearable helmet replica, cassette and soundtrack download codes, a lore book and a lithograph. The page showed $199.99 and out of stock when accessed; that was a temporary page state, not a current offer. Treat it as background information and verify live availability before spending money.

Content and tone: graphic violence is part of the package

Both games are built around intense, graphic violence. Stratton said of DOOM: “Violence-wise, it’s not for everybody, but I think it’s all in good fun.” Bethesda’s Eternal launch page lists blood and gore, intense violence and strong language.

If those elements are a concern for you or someone sharing your space, check the current platform rating information before buying. The games’ energetic tone does not make the content less graphic; the humorous framing and the violence exist together.

How to make the choice in one minute

Bottom line for different players

For a first-time DOOM player

Play DOOM (2016) first. It is the most reliable way to learn the modern series’ stated priorities and then appreciate what the sequel adds.

For a systems-focused action player

Starting with DOOM Eternal is valid if its resource loop, traversal and progression systems are the reason you are interested. You are choosing complexity and movement variety over release order.

For someone buying only one game today

Make the choice from the same split: choose DOOM (2016) for the direct combat-focused introduction, or DOOM Eternal for the sequel’s more layered combat and traversal design. Confirm the current platform listing, requirements and content rating before checkout.

Final recommendation

Unless you have a specific reason to prioritize the sequel’s extra systems, play DOOM (2016) before DOOM Eternal. That order follows Bethesda’s direct-sequel description and gives you a clear progression from the earlier combat-focused design to the sequel’s resource management, movement challenges, secrets and progression layer. Starting with Eternal is still a sound choice for players who want those systems immediately; it is an alternative preference, not a required correction to the recommended order.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4

A new class of (destructible) demon

$27.49

Bestseller No. 2

Doom: Eternal (PS4)

As the DOOM Slayer, return to take your vengeance against the forces of Hell

$24.92

Bestseller No. 3

Doom: Eternal (Xbox One)

$30.01

Bestseller No. 4

DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5

$69.47

Bestseller No. 5

Numskull Pinky Doom Eternal in-Game Collectible Replica Posable Toy Figure - Official Doom Merchandise - Limited Edition

Official Bethesda merchandise designed and engineered by Numskull

$27.95

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