Doom Eternal
DOOM Eternal is the 2020 sequel to DOOM (2016), developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. It builds upon the reboot’s fast-paced foundation with deeper combat systems, complex movement mechanics, and expanded lore, turning the series into a modern power fantasy rooted in skill and momentum.
Development
Following the success of DOOM (2016), directors Marty Stratton and Hugo Martin aimed to make a sequel that was faster, more challenging, and more strategic. Using an evolved version of id Tech 7, the team enhanced the game’s visual fidelity while keeping its trademark smooth performance.
Development focused on empowering players to “think like the Doom Slayer.” Every resource—health, armor, and ammo—is tied to aggressive play, encouraging players to manage combat rhythm through constant offense.
The game was first shown at QuakeCon 2018 and released on March 20, 2020, for PC and consoles. A Nintendo Switch version followed later that year.
Gameplay and Features
DOOM Eternal expands the combat loop of its predecessor with more weapons, mobility options, and layered mechanics.
Key features include:
New movement tools such as dashing, wall climbing, and a shoulder-mounted flamethrower.
Weapon mods and upgrades that allow tactical customization.
Resource triage, where players balance health from glory kills, armor from flame belch, and ammo from chainsaw kills.
A wider variety of demons, each with unique weak points and counters.
Larger, more vertical arenas designed for constant motion and awareness.
The game also introduced a hub area called the Fortress of Doom, where players can explore between missions, unlock collectibles, and view lore items.
Story and Setting
The story picks up after DOOM (2016). The Doom Slayer returns to battle an invasion of Earth by the forces of Hell. The narrative expands the universe, introducing elements of ancient alien civilizations, divine beings, and the Slayer’s origin as part of the Night Sentinels.
While still focused on gameplay, Eternal provides more story context through codex entries, cutscenes, and environmental storytelling, blending mythology and heavy metal imagery into one cohesive world.
Expansions
Two major DLC campaigns, The Ancient Gods – Part One and Part Two, were released in 2020 and 2021. They continue the Slayer’s journey beyond the destruction of Hell, introducing new enemies, environments, and some of the toughest challenges in the series.
Reception
DOOM Eternal received widespread critical acclaim for its refined gameplay loop, level design, and soundtrack by Mick Gordon. Reviewers praised its balance between complexity and fluidity, calling it a masterclass in modern FPS design.
The game won multiple awards and quickly became one of id Software’s most successful releases, both commercially and critically.
Legacy
Eternal solidified DOOM’s return as one of the most respected franchises in gaming. It pushed the “combat puzzle” philosophy to its limit, combining speed, strategy, and spectacle. The game’s modding community continues to thrive, extending its lifespan through fan-made challenges and custom content.