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There is no single best Doom game for every player. Choose DOOM (2016) for a modern campaign rooted in the classic games, DOOM Eternal for faster, more acrobatic combat, or DOOM: The Dark Ages for a heavier, more grounded approach. For the originals, start with DOOM (1993) and DOOM II.
Which Doom game should I play first?
If you want a modern game, start with DOOM (2016). GamesRadar describes it as bringing the appeal of the original games into a modern campaign, making it a straightforward entry point before DOOM Eternal. GamesRadar’s series guide is one critic’s perspective, not a definitive ranking.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Evercade The Doom Collection | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Doom Slayers Collection (Doom, Doom II, Doom III (DLC) + Doom 2016 | $156.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Trapped in a Video Game: The Complete Series | $26.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition | $89.97 | Buy on Amazon |
If you prefer to see where the series began, play DOOM (1993) and then DOOM II. You can also begin with DOOM 64 or DOOM 3, but they are distinct choices rather than required steps before the modern games. Bethesda’s DOOM Anthology physical collection bundles all five of those games alongside DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition.
What is the best modern Doom game?
The best fit depends on how you want combat to feel. The modern entries are not interchangeable: their movement and combat emphasis differ.
#1 Best Overall
- Officially licensed Evercade version of DOOM
- Includes DOOM, DOOM II, six mission packs and a set of Deathmatch multiplayer levels
- Play solo or alongside friends in split-screen multiplayer on supported Evercade devices
- Includes original soundtracks plus Andrew Hulshult's "IDKFA" remixes
- Compatible with all Evercade and Super Pocket devices
| Game | Best fit | What distinguishes it |
|---|---|---|
| DOOM (2016) | A modern campaign with a strong connection to the classics | GamesRadar characterizes it as combining what made the original games special with a modern campaign. |
| DOOM Eternal | Players who want faster, more acrobatic combat | GamesRadar says it expands on the reboot’s weapons, enemies, and lore. |
| DOOM: The Dark Ages | Players who want heavier, more grounded combat | Bethesda presented it as emphasizing power over Eternal’s acrobatics. It is a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. |
GamesRadar’s comparison of the modern games supports the distinction between the 2016 entry and Eternal; Bethesda’s announcement of The Dark Ages describes its prequel role, while its Developer_Direct presentation contrasts its grounded power with Eternal’s acrobatic style.
Is Doom Eternal better than Doom 2016?
Neither is an automatic upgrade for every player. DOOM Eternal builds on the modern reboot with more weapons, enemies, and lore, but its expanded, acrobatic combat is a different fit from DOOM (2016)’s more direct modern campaign. Pick Eternal if you want that added movement and complexity; choose the 2016 game if you want the modern series’ more classic-oriented starting point. These are editorial recommendations based on the stated design differences, not an objective quality verdict.
Rank #2
- The DOOM Slayers Collectiontakes players through more than two decades of demon-slaying - from the classic games that popularised the first-person shooter to the fan favourite franchise reboot, wield an arsenal of powerful weapons as you battle demon hordes on Mars, on Earth, and across Hell in four critically acclaimed games: DOOM, DOOM II, DOOM 3, and DOOM (2016)
- Doom Slayers collection (PlayStation 4)
- Sony
- Doom Slayers Collection (Doom, Doom II, Doom III (DLC) + Doom 2016
- Sony
Where does Doom: The Dark Ages fit?
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, so it takes place earlier in the modern series’ story. That does not make it a required first game: it is best chosen for its heavier combat approach, not simply because of its position in the timeline.
Bethesda’s Developer_Direct announcement described the goal as making an experience “as fun to play as it was to make” and “good enough to become the best game id has ever made.” That was an aspiration expressed during development, not an objective verdict on the finished game.
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Rank #3
Bethesda announced the game for Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on May 15, 2025. The announcement establishes launch-platform messaging, not current Game Pass catalog availability in every region. Steam lists May 14, 2025 as the release date; that listing and Bethesda’s May 15 announcement are different dates from different sources, not a single date to combine. In a Steam snapshot retrieved October 8, 2026, 86% of 19,851 English-language user reviews were positive. That is platform-specific user sentiment at that snapshot, not a critic score or lasting measure of quality. Steam’s listing provides the platform review snapshot, and Bethesda’s announcement gives its launch-platform messaging.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Revelations expansion worth considering?
DOOM: The Dark Ages – Revelations is a current expansion option for players interested in a blend of the series’ combat styles. In a review published July 14, 2026, PC Gamer praised its combination of Eternal-style movement and level design with The Dark Ages’ timing-based combat, and estimated 10–15 hours of play. That runtime and assessment are one outlet’s review, not a universal expectation or a critical consensus. PC Gamer’s Revelations review explains its judgment.
Rank #4
- Brand Name:Xbox
- Video game region: region free
- Display Platform: PS5
What about Doom 3 and Doom 64?
DOOM 3 is worth considering if you want a different variation on the series, but the available evidence here does not support labeling it either the strongest or weakest entry. DOOM 64 is another classic-era option; Bethesda says its 2020 enhancement added upgraded visuals, native 60 FPS, and the Lost Levels. Bethesda’s DOOM 64 announcement describes that enhanced release.
How should you read Doom rankings?
Rankings reflect their publishers’ preferences and criteria, not a settled series-wide consensus. IGN’s 2025 ranking video explicitly presents its order as its own ranking; use it as one critical viewpoint rather than a definitive answer. IGN’s Doom ranking is useful if you want to compare another outlet’s preferences with your own.
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Bethesda’s Gear Store describes the physical DOOM Anthology as a collection of six game editions: DOOM (1993), DOOM II, DOOM 64, DOOM 3, DOOM (2016), and DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition. It also includes a SteelBook case and a five-inch replica BFG with LED lights and a stand. The listing establishes the described contents, not current stock or price. Check Bethesda’s Anthology listing for its current details.
Quick Recap
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.
