Let’s face it: if you’ve ever touched a first-person shooter, Doom probably had something to do with it. Since its explosive debut in 1993, Doom isn’t just a game; it’s a feeling. It’s the rush of running headfirst into a demon horde armed only with a shotgun and some guts. It’s the satisfaction of surviving Hell’s fury, teeth clenched and heart racing. Few franchises have left such an undeniable mark on the gaming world. From its humble pixel beginnings to jaw-dropping modern epics, Doom has managed to stay relevant for over three decades. But here’s the big question: which Doom game is truly the best? In this article of the best DOOM games ranked, we’re taking you deep into the fiery depths to rank every Doom game, from the quirky spin-offs to the genre-defining legends. Whether you’re an old-school fan or brand-new to the franchise, we’ve got you covered with an engaging mix of nostalgia, battles, and brutal rankings of the best Doom games.
The Best Doom Games: How We Ranked the Doom Games
Ranking the Doom games was no small task. Every single entry in the series has something to offer, whether it’s the clever twists of a mobile spin-off or the sheer chaos of newer installments. To make sense of the madness, we focused on specific criteria:
- Gameplay feel – Does it deliver that perfect blend of speed, chaos, and satisfaction?
- Innovation – How much did this game redefine Doom or the FPS genre as a whole?
- Soundtrack and designs – Because let’s be real: Doom’s music makes slaying demons feel like an art form.
- Fan impact – Which Doom games are players still talking about (and playing!) decades later?
And let’s not forget, a little personal bias comes into play for any Doom fan. After all, we’ve lived these games. Every ripped and torn demon cemented why Doom has earned its legendary status.
The Best Doom Games Ranked
Time to gear up; here are the best Doom games ranked, starting from the quirky to the ground-shaking icons.
9. Doom RPG (2005)
- The RPG experience you need from Doom.
Admittedly, Doom RPG is not your typical Doom game: a key aspect that makes it one of the best Doom games. It swaps out the ruthless speed for turn-based strategy on mobile devices. Think slower pacing, dungeon-crawling exploration, and even chats with NPCs.
It’s a weird spin on classic Doom, but there’s charm here, especially if you like seeing something outside the franchise’s comfort zone. The controls are simple, the maps are classic Doom, and while the gameplay doesn’t scream “Slayer,” it’s surprisingly satisfying for its platform.
Would we pick it over other entries? Probably not. But it’s an interesting oddball if you’re curious!
8. Doom VFR (2017)
- The VR version of Doom.
“Step inside the Slayer’s boots,” they said. And Doom VFR delivers, more or less. This VR experience is a spectacle, allowing players to step face-first into Doom’s nightmarish worlds. Seeing the Coliseums of Hell up close? Terrifyingly cool.
But with VR comes some necessary limitations. Instead of the fluid motion of classic entries, you mainly “teleport” around the environment, which slows down the chaos. That said, the gunplay is thrilling, the environments are gorgeous, and it’s undeniably one of the most immersive ways to experience Doom.
It’s not your typical entry, but for fans of VR gaming, it’s a memorable experiment.
7. Doom 3 (2004)
- Horror-heavy reboot; flashlight simulator with jump scares.
Atmospheric, eerie, and way slower than the rest; that’s Doom 3, one of the best Doom games, in a nutshell. It broke away from the fast-paced chaos of classic Doom to experiment with tension. Dark corridors. Creepy whispers. A flashlight you needed just to see what’s hiding around the corner.
To some, this was an incredible shift. Doom 3 captured survival horror elements while delivering a story heavier than usual for the franchise. Others found it too slow, missing the brutal combat they loved in older entries.
Love it or hate it, you can’t deny its impact. And for its time? Doom 3 looked stunning, especially when you cranked up that PC rig to play it.
6. Final Doom (1996)
- Same engine with more pain.
Imagine taking everything people loved about Doom… and cranking the difficulty up to unforgiving levels. Final Doom isn’t a sequel in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a compilation of ludicrously hard campaigns (TNT: Evilution and The Plutonia Experiment) designed to challenge even the most experienced Slayers.
The levels are tight and creative, the enemies relentless, and the payoff for surviving feels well-earned. While it doesn’t bring major innovations to the series, it’s a great “classic challenge” for fans who crave more punishment.
Make no mistake; Final Doom isn’t for the faint of heart.
5. Doom 64 (1997)
- Spooky atmosphere overhaul.
Let’s give props to Doom 64. For years, this Nintendo 64 gem was overlooked, overshadowed by its predecessors. But eventually, fans rediscovered its brilliance and the reason why it’s one of the best Doom games: darker visuals, haunting atmospheres, and some of the smartest level puzzles in the franchise.
It’s the quiet middle child of the Doom family, but it offers plenty of surprises. If you missed this one back in the day, do yourself a favor and check out the remaster. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and gameplay evolution.
4. Doom Eternal (2020)
- Introduced the Meat Hook, wall climbing, and lore.
Madness in motion; that’s one way to describe Doom Eternal. This modern masterpiece isn’t just a game; it’s pure chaos unleashed. The movement system is fast and agile, the combat requires both precision and brains, and the lore digs deeper than ever before into the Slayer’s demonic origins.
Some players found the added resource management mechanics overwhelming, but once mastered, the gameplay feels like an artful dance of doom. Plus, Mick Gordon’s soundtrack absolutely obliterates your speakers.
3. Doom (2016)
- Rebooted with relentless speed.
When Doom (2016) arrived, it was like tossing gasoline on the franchise and lighting the match. This reboot didn’t just revive Doom; it modernized it for a new generation. It captured the essence of the original; the speed, the chaos, the brutality, while introducing fresh concepts that felt completely natural.
For many fans, this is where the series found its footing again, proving fast-paced FPS gameplay can still thrive in today’s slower, story-heavy market.
2. Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994)
- Introduced iconic enemies like the Revenant.
If Doom (1993) was lightning in a bottle, then Doom II was the explosion that followed. Bigger maps, deadlier enemies, and the glorious addition of the Super Shotgun made this sequel unforgettable and solidified its place among the best Doom games.
The gameplay polished everything players loved about the first game while introducing tougher challenges, especially with its creative level designs. It’s safe to say: without Doom II, we wouldn’t have the FPS genre thriving like it does today.
1. Doom (1993)
- Fast, brutal, moddable; ran on everything, probably your fridge too.
Is it surprising that the original Doom clinched the #1 spot? Not at all. This is where it all began: the dizzying speed, the demon hordes, the heart-pounding music. Doom (1993) wasn’t just innovative; it changed gaming entirely.
Trapped inside maze-like corridors, you were free to wreak havoc with pixelated flair in a way that hadn’t been done before, and everyone remembers the first time they heard At Doom’s Gate kick in. Iconic doesn’t even begin to describe it.
In the End: A Franchise That’s Forever Iconic
No matter which Doom title you play, there’s one thing you can count on: every entry is packed with heart-pounding energy. Whether you’re shredding demons in pixel art or orchestrating chaos in next-gen visuals, Doom remains proof that gaming doesn’t need frills; it just needs pure, unrelenting fun. What about you, Slayer? Which Doom game fires up your nostalgia the most? Share your rankings of the best Doom games, and let’s keep ripping through these fiery discussions!
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FAQ Section
Q1: Which Doom game is best for newcomers?
Doom (2016) is the perfect jumping-in point. It delivers fast-paced gameplay that’s modern but still pays homage to the classics.
Q2: What’s the hardest Doom game?
Final Doom takes the cake here. Its brutal difficulty is legendary among fans of the franchise.
Q3: Do Doom games have connected stories?
Not originally. But modern entries like Doom Eternal have built deeper lore connecting the Slayer to the franchise’s past.
Q4: Is Doom Eternal better than Doom (2016)?
It depends on what you’re after. Doom Eternal is faster and more complex, but Doom (2016) keeps things simple and true to earlier chaos.
