If you mean the events in the modern DOOM Slayer story, play DOOM: The Dark Ages → DOOM (2016) → DOOM Eternal → The Ancient Gods – Part One → The Ancient Gods – Part Two. For a broader route that includes the classic games, start with DOOM (1993) → DOOM II → DOOM 64, then continue with that modern sequence. DOOM 3 is a separate, optional retelling; release order is another valid choice if you want to experience the series as players first encountered it.
Modern DOOM Slayer story order
Bethesda describes DOOM: The Dark Ages as a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. id Software describes DOOM Eternal as a direct sequel to DOOM (2016), and identifies The Ancient Gods as expansions to Eternal’s campaign. Play them in this order:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4 | $27.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X | $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
|
Doom - Xbox One | $27.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
DOOM + DOOM II (Limited Run Games #144) - for Playstation 5 | $44.62 | Buy on Amazon |
- DOOM: The Dark Ages
- DOOM (2016)
- DOOM Eternal
- DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods – Part One
- DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods – Part Two
The two Ancient Gods chapters continue Eternal’s story; Part Two concludes the Slayer saga. Play them after the main Eternal campaign rather than between its missions.
Fuller continuity-oriented order, including the classic games
If you want to include the classic sequel chain before the modern Slayer story, use:
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
- DOOM (1993)
- DOOM II
- DOOM 64
- DOOM: The Dark Ages
- DOOM (2016)
- DOOM Eternal
- The Ancient Gods – Part One
- The Ancient Gods – Part Two
Bethesda describes DOOM II as the sequel to the original and DOOM 64 as a sequel to DOOM II. The transition from DOOM 64 into The Dark Ages is a practical continuity-oriented playthrough recommendation, not an official exhaustive canon list covering every game and add-on.
Where DOOM 3 and the classic extras fit
DOOM 3
DOOM 3 is optional for the Slayer story route. Bethesda describes it as an action-horror retelling of the original DOOM, so it can be played separately without inserting it into the sequence above. Bethesda’s Steam guidance lists DOOM 3, Resurrection of Evil, and BFG Edition as distinct install or launch choices.
Rank #2
- 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.
Final DOOM, Master Levels, and extra episodes
Final DOOM and Master Levels for DOOM II are optional classic scenarios. Bethesda’s Steam guidance lists them as separate launch options included with DOOM II. The current DOOM + DOOM II release also lists No Rest for the Living, Sigil, and Legacy of Rust. Bethesda’s cited pages do not place every extra episode in one authoritative continuous canon timeline, so treat these as additional play rather than required steps in the core order.
Story chronology or release order?
Choose story chronology if you want the modern Slayer narrative to unfold in event order: The Dark Ages comes before DOOM (2016), followed by Eternal and its two story expansions. Choose release order if you want to encounter the games roughly as players first did. These goals differ because The Dark Ages is a modern prequel, not an early series release. A full release-order list would also have to account for editions and add-ons; the sequence above is the story-focused route.
Rank #3
- 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.
Choosing a collection or storefront
Check the platform and the exact edition before buying: DOOM bundles do not all contain the same games. Bethesda’s support notice says that from September 14, 2026, the updated digital DOOM Anthology includes DOOM + DOOM II, DOOM 64, DOOM 3, DOOM (2016), DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition, and DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition. The notice applies to Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. It also says earlier Xbox One and PlayStation 4 digital bundles were delisted; prior purchasers may still download and play their versions. See Bethesda’s current Anthology support notice and check the live listing for your platform.
Do not assume the physical DOOM Anthology has the same contents as that updated digital bundle. Bethesda Gear’s physical listing describes a SteelBook and five-inch BFG replica and names DOOM (1993), DOOM II, DOOM 64, DOOM 3, DOOM (2016), and DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition; it does not list The Dark Ages.
Rank #4
- A Relentless Campaign: There is no taking cover or stopping to regenerate health as you beat back Hell's raging demon hordes
- Return of id Multiplayer: Dominate your opponents in DOOM's signature, fast-paced arena-style combat
- Near-Limitless Gameplay: Doom SnapMap – A Powerful, but Easy-to-Use Game and Level Editor That Allows for Limitless Gameplay Experiences on Every Platform
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, strong language
For classic play, DOOM + DOOM II is another route. Bethesda’s release page describes original and enhanced versions and lists Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch options, alongside its included extra episodes and map packs. Confirm the current storefront and platform listing before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DOOM + DOOM II on a region-free physical disc.
- Includes: DOOM, DOOM II, TNT: Evilution, The Plutonia Experiment, Master Levels for DOOM II, No Rest for the Living, Sigil & Sigil II, Legacy of Rust (a new episode created in collaboration by id Software, Nightdive Studios and MachineGames).
- A new Deathmatch map pack featuring 25 maps
- Total of 187 mission maps and 43 deathmatch maps in DOOM + DOOM II
- # of Players: Single System 1-4, Local wireless 1-8, Online 1-16
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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