Doom is often celebrated as a pivotal title in the evolution of first-person shooter (FPS) games, often referred to as the “granddaddy”of the genre due to its profound impact.
This iconic franchise has undergone remarkable transformations, evolving from its pixelated origins of battling hellish foes to engaging in visceral combat against demons, all set to the backdrop of electrifying metal soundtracks.
With the highly anticipated next installment on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to delve into the rich, three-decade history of demon-slaying adventures of the legendary Doom Slayer as he faces down armies of the unholy.
In this article, we will rank every main Doom title released since the original 1993 game, culminating with the acclaimed Doom Eternal. Please note that we will not include any downloadable content (DLC), expansions, or unofficial modifications in our rankings.
11 Mighty Doom
The True Evil Is Microtransactions
Recall those collectible Mini Slayer figurines fondly remembered from Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal? In Mighty Doom, you step into the shoes of the Mini Slayer, navigating a whimsical version of the Doom universe to rescue his beloved pet rabbit, Daisy, from familiar demonic foes.
If the gameplay resembles the mechanics of Habby’s mobile title Archero—an engaging single-stick shooter where players advance through levels while dispatching demons—it’s no coincidence. Mighty Doom provides a fresh take on the formula, albeit in a more cartoonish setting.
Regrettably, Mighty Doom faced a downturn when it was pulled from the App Store following Bethesda’s closure of Alpha Dog Games in May 2024, effectively ending its availability for new players.
Rest in peace, Mighty Doom; you had the potential to be a celebrated addition to the franchise.
10 Doom Resurrection
Do People Still Play Rail Shooters?
Doom Resurrection, a rail shooter that debuted on iPhone in 2009, utilized the same game engine and assets as Doom 3. It serves as a prequel, placing players in the role of an unnamed marine navigating through a demonic onslaught on Mars.
The game features eight levels reminiscent of classic rail shooters from arcades such as House of the Dead 2, where players tilt their phones to aim rather than using traditional arcade props.
Despite its attempt to engage fans, Doom Resurrection fell short and was perceived as a cash grab, lacking the charm and depth expected from a Doom title.
9 Final Doom
Difficult As Hell
Despite its misleading title, Final Doom was not the franchise’s last title but rather a sequel to Doom and Doom II, launching on PCs in 1996 and later on PlayStation 1.
This third entry, originally a level pack from the hobbyist group TeamTNT, became an official product following interest from Doom creator John Romero.
Final Doom retains the essence of its predecessors but stands out due to its significantly increased difficulty and different atmospheric soundtracks composed for its PlayStation iteration, which also lent music to Doom 64.
It’s known as one of the toughest titles in the series, plagued by lower frame rates and punishing level designs that tested even the most skilled players.
8 Doom RPG
It’s Actually… Not Bad?
For those who remember the early mobile gaming days on Nokia or Motorola devices, Doom RPG made its mark as a turn-based RPG adaptation of the FPS classic.
At first glance, it seemed impossible to translate the frenetic action of Doom into a mobile format, yet Doom RPG successfully employed turn-based mechanics to create strategic gameplay.
Unfortunately, like many older titles, it remains largely forgotten, buried under layers of time and overshadowed by more prominent games.
7 DOOM II RPG
A Direct Upgrade
Building on the success of its predecessor, id Software launched Doom II RPG in 2009, featuring enhancements that improved the gameplay experience.
This sequel utilized the same engine as Wolfenstein RPG, introducing 3D-generated environments while retaining the beloved 2D sprites known in the Doom series.
With smoother art and gameplay, players encountered engaging NPCs and more intense combat encounters compared to the original Doom RPG.
Humor permeates the experience as players discovered surprisingly effective unconventional weapons, such as a water gun that sprayed holy water to terrify foes.
6 Doom 64
Darker, Grittier
Doom 64, initially an exclusive for the Nintendo 64, was released separately from its PC counterparts and only received ports decades later in 2020.
Competing with iconic titles like GoldenEye 007, Doom 64 distinguished itself with its darker and grittier tone, a new artistic direction, and expanded atmospheric depth.
While gameplay remains true to the classic Doom formula, its distinct weapons and darker narrative elements make it a unique entry, with the Unmaker introduced as a standout feature that was later echoed in Doom Eternal.
Despite being overshadowed at launch, it has gained recognition as an unsung hero in the Doom legacy.
5 DOOM 3
A Noticeable Shift Into Horror
Doom 3 sparked debates among fans due to its significant shift toward survival horror elements, deliberately slowing gameplay to cultivate an atmosphere of dread.
Deviating from the continuity of earlier entries, Doom 3 essentially reinvents the narrative, yet still positions the Doom Slayer as he battles demonic forces on Mars.
This installment emphasizes horror, enhancing the claustrophobic feel with tight, dimly lit environments and jump-scare-esque enemy encounters.
While initially controversial, it holds a cherished spot among fans for redefining experience within the Doom universe.
4 DOOM
Can It Run Doom?
My initial encounter with Doom was through a port available within Doom Eternal, minimizing my firsthand experience of its original iterations.
Playing the “classic”version showcased remarkable gameplay, especially given its nearly three decades of age, and its compatibility with almost any device.
Doom’s simplicity has turned it into an enduring meme, inspiring the infamous “It Runs Doom”trend where enthusiasts attempt to run the game on an array of bizarre devices.
Not only did it set benchmarks for the FPS genre, but Doom remains one of the most beloved classics in video game history.
3 DOOM II
It Can’t Get Better Than This, Right?
My own experience playing Doom II mirrored that of its predecessor through a modern adaptation in Doom Eternal. However, it provided even more enjoyment due to numerous enhancements.
Doom II brought numerous upgrades, including more heavy metal music and heightened intensity in combat dynamics.
The introduction of the Super Shotgun, a weapon now synonymous with the Doom Slayer, further cemented the game’s legacy as one of the franchise’s most iconic titles.
2 Doom (2016)
Fight Like Hell
Although my childhood was filled with clips of previous titles, Doom (2016) marked my official entrance into the franchise, and I quickly became enchanted by its fast-paced gameplay.
As a fabulous successor to older titles, it improves upon the foundation with breathtaking visuals, an engaging narrative, and innovative mechanics such as Glory Kills.
This modern rendition further evolves the story, transforming the Doomguy into the formidable and intense Doom Slayer.
The adrenaline surging through gameplay, complemented by Mick Gordon’s heart-pounding soundtracks, creates an experience like no other within the shooter realm.
Despite facing criticism for some repetitive aspects, Doom (2016) remains a standout among FPS titles of the decade.
1 DOOM Eternal
KAR EN TUK
If Doom (2016) can claim its spot as one of the defining shooters of the 2010s, then Doom Eternal firmly establishes itself as a monumental title shaping the FPS landscape of the 2020s.
With its blistering pace, impactful compositions from Mick Gordon, and visually stunning designs, Doom Eternal propels players into the exhilarating role of the Doom Slayer.
Building on its predecessor’s foundation, Doom Eternal amplifies the action experience with a myriad of movement mechanics and weapons, enabling players to dismantle demons with fervent ease.
The enhanced graphics create a vivid and immersive environment, making the player feel truly invincible amidst chaos, even serving as a cathartic escape during daunting times.
Moreover, the integration of cheat codes dramatically increases replay value, allowing players to enjoy the game in varied ways.
Interestingly, the game launched on the same day as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, creating a wave of crossover art and memes that showcased a unique moment in gaming culture.
Doom Eternal is a tribute to the FPS genre and the rich legacy of the Doom franchise—a must-play for any fan of shooter games. If the enthusiasm for the phrase “HELL YEAH”were embodied in any game, it would undoubtedly be Doom Eternal.
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