Doom Eternal
Sequel to Doom (2016) with resource management and platforming.
Doom Eternal is a first-person shooter from 2020, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. It follows the 2016 *Doom* reboot as the seventh mainline entry in the series. The story sees the Doom Slayer returning to stop Hell from consuming Earth and to thwart the Maykrs, an alien race trying to wipe out humanity. The game adds new weapons and enemy types, with a strong emphasis on resource management: players restore health, armor, and ammo by executing enemies up close. Alongside the single-player campaign, a multiplayer mode called Battlemode pits one player as the Doom Slayer against two players controlling demons, with victory going to whichever side eliminates the other.
Development started in 2017, aiming to fix issues from the 2016 game by adding more visual variety and gameplay options. Platforming sections were introduced to change the pace and make non-combat areas more interesting. The team described the game as a "fantasy combat puzzle," where players must pick the right tools to exploit specific enemy weaknesses. Unlike the previous game, id Software built the multiplayer component in-house to tie it to the campaign. Mick Gordon composed the soundtrack, but a conflict with id Software ended their partnership. Announced at E3 2018, *Doom Eternal* launched in March 2020 for PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch port in December 2020 and PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions in June 2021.
Critics gave the game positive reviews, praising its campaign, graphics, level design, soundtrack, and combat, though some disliked the heavier storytelling and platforming. It was a commercial hit, achieving the franchise's best opening weekend sales. A two-part standalone campaign DLC, *The Ancient Gods*, set after the main story, released between October 2020 and March 2021. The game earned five nominations at The Game Awards 2020, including Game of the Year and Best Action Game, plus a nomination for Action Game of the Year at the 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. A prequel, *Doom: The Dark Ages*, came out in 2025.
**Gameplay**
*Doom Eternal* is a fast-paced first-person shooter where players control the Doom Slayer fighting Hell's demons. Combat requires constant movement. The Slayer has many weapons, plus throwables like grenades and ice bombs.
- Release date
- March 2020
- Developer
- id Software
- Publisher
- Bethesda Softworks
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One (March 2020); Nintendo Switch (December 2020); PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S (June 2021)
- Game mode
- Single-player, multiplayer (Battlemode)
- Dlc
- The Ancient Gods (two-part standalone campaign DLC, October 2020 – March 2021)
- Nominations
- Five nominations at The Game Awards 2020, including Game of the Year and Best Action Game; nomination for Action Game of the Year at the 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards
Lore & Background
Early production of Doom Eternal began in 2017. A core development goal was to address the shortcomings of the 2016 game, introduce more visual diversity, and add more gameplay variety. Platforming segments were introduced to break up the game's pacing and make non-combat scenarios more engaging. The team described the game as a 'fantasy combat puzzle', as players must choose the best tools to exploit specific enemy weaknesses. Unlike its predecessor, id Software developed the multiplayer component in-house to connect it to the single-player campaign. Mick Gordon composed the soundtracks, but a conflict with id Software led to both parties severing their relationship. The game was announced during E3 2018.
Reader's Guide
Doom Eternal is significant for refining the formula of its predecessor while introducing new systems that deepen player engagement. The game's emphasis on resource management—requiring players to execute enemies in close range to gain ammo, armor, and health—creates a high-risk, high-reward loop that rewards aggressive play. The addition of platforming segments and 'Destructible Demons' adds variety and tactical depth. The multiplayer mode, Battlemode, offers an asymmetrical experience where one player as the Doom Slayer fights two player-controlled demons. The game's commercial success, including the highest opening weekend sales for the franchise, and its multiple award nominations underscore its impact. The release of The Ancient Gods DLC and a prequel, Doom: The Dark Ages (2025), further expanded the series' narrative and reach.
Did You Know?
- Doom Eternal introduces a grappling hook on the Super Shotgun that slingshots the player toward enemies.
- The game features a 'Destructible Demons' system where enemies' bodies progressively deteriorate as they take damage.
- Players can select 'Sentinel Armor' after repeated deaths in a combat encounter to significantly reduce incoming damage.
- The multiplayer mode Battlemode pits one player as the Doom Slayer against two player-controlled demons.
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