Decoding the Doom Timeline: Bridging the Gap Between Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal
Determining the exact temporal gap between Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal requires a bit of sleuthing, as the game narratives dance around specific dates while offering enough contextual clues for a reasonable estimation. The most widely accepted answer, based on in-game information and developer commentary, is approximately three years. While Doom (2016) is set in 2149, Doom Eternal’s story unfolds in 2163, a timeskip that accounts for the demonic invasion of Earth and the subsequent events leading to the Slayer’s return. This answer is based on an assumption that Doom 2016 ends in 2149.
Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of the Doom timeline and explore some frequently asked questions surrounding the games, their chronology, and the legendary Doom Slayer.
Understanding the Doom Universe: A Chronological Overview
Before diving into the FAQs, it’s crucial to establish a rudimentary understanding of the Doom universe’s timeline. This helps contextualize the events and provides a clearer picture of how the games fit together. The Doom series, while rebooted and reinterpreted several times, generally follows a narrative thread where the forces of Hell threaten humanity, and the Doom Slayer (formerly known as Doomguy) steps up to become their ultimate adversary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Doom Timeline
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Doom timeline, connecting the plot threads and clarifying any confusion surrounding the Doom saga:
1. Are Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal directly connected?
Yes, Doom Eternal is a direct sequel to Doom (2016). The storyline picks up after the events on Mars, with Earth now facing a full-scale demonic invasion. Gameplay mechanics are also carried over and refined, building upon the foundation established in the 2016 reboot.
2. Which game comes first, Doom (2016) or Doom Eternal?
Doom (2016) precedes Doom Eternal. Playing Doom (2016) first is highly recommended to understand the story’s setup, the re-introduction of the Doom Slayer, and the game’s core combat mechanics.
3. What year does Doom (2016) take place?
Doom (2016) is primarily set in the year 2149. This is when the demonic invasion of the UAC facility on Mars occurs, triggering the events that lead to the Doom Slayer’s awakening.
4. What is the setting for Doom Eternal?
Doom Eternal primarily takes place on Earth, which has been ravaged by demonic forces. The game also features locations in Hell and other dimensions, as the Doom Slayer seeks to eliminate the source of the demonic invasion.
5. Is Doomguy the same as the Doom Slayer?
This is a complex question with a simplified answer: yes. Doom Eternal officially confirms that the Doom Slayer from the modern games is the same Doomguy from the classic Doom games (Doom, Doom II, Doom 64). He has simply become more powerful and imbued with supernatural abilities over time.
6. What happened at the end of Doom (2016)?
At the end of Doom (2016), Dr. Samuel Hayden betrays the Doom Slayer, trapping him in a sarcophagus and taking the Crucible. This sets the stage for Doom Eternal, where the Slayer is awakened to confront the demonic invasion of Earth.
7. What’s the story behind the Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC) in Doom?
The Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC) is a powerful, multi-planetary corporation that conducts research on Mars, which ultimately leads to the discovery of Hell and the demonic invasion. In Doom Eternal, the UAC is shown to be corrupted and complicit in the demonic invasion, having made deals with the forces of Hell.
8. Is Doom 3 canon in the Doom timeline?
The canonicity of Doom 3 within the overall Doom timeline is debatable. It’s often considered a reboot or a re-imagining of the Doom story, rather than a direct continuation of the original Doom and Doom II storyline.
9. Is there a definitive Doom timeline?
While there’s no strictly official, developer-endorsed definitive Doom timeline, most fans and lore enthusiasts piece together a plausible chronology based on in-game information, developer statements, and narrative connections between the games.
10. Why is Doom Eternal so different from Doom (2016) in gameplay?
Doom Eternal builds upon the fast-paced combat of Doom (2016) but introduces a more aggressive resource management system and a greater emphasis on movement and platforming. The game encourages players to constantly switch weapons, use glory kills for health, chainsaw enemies for ammo, and use the flamethrower for armor, creating a more strategic and dynamic combat experience.
11. What is the Doom Slayer’s ultimate goal?
The Doom Slayer’s primary goal is to eradicate the demonic forces of Hell and prevent them from invading or corrupting other worlds. He is driven by an unyielding rage and a desire for vengeance against the demons who have caused immense suffering.
12. Who are the Maykrs in Doom Eternal?
The Maykrs are an ancient and technologically advanced alien race that play a significant role in Doom Eternal’s story. They are revealed to be the creators of the demons and are manipulating events to sustain their own existence, adding a new layer to the conflict.
13. Where can I find more in-depth lore about the Doom universe?
You can find more information about the Doom universe by playing the games themselves, exploring in-game lore entries, reading official Doom novels and comics (though their canonicity is debated), and visiting fan-made wikis and forums dedicated to Doom lore.
14. How does the original Doom (1993) fit into the modern Doom games?
As mentioned earlier, the modern Doom Slayer is confirmed to be the same Doomguy from the original Doom (1993). The Slayer’s origins and his long history fighting demons are explored in greater detail in Doom Eternal, providing a direct connection to the classic games.
15. Is there more Doom content planned for the future?
While there are no officially announced new Doom games as of this writing, the success of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal makes it highly likely that more Doom content will be developed in the future. Fans eagerly await any news or announcements regarding the continuation of the Doom saga.
The Enduring Appeal of the Doom Franchise
The Doom franchise has maintained its popularity for decades due to its fast-paced, visceral gameplay, its iconic protagonist, and its compelling themes of good versus evil. The recent reboots have successfully modernized the franchise while staying true to its core values, attracting both longtime fans and new players. Whether you’re a seasoned Doom Slayer or new to the series, the Doom universe offers a thrilling and unforgettable gaming experience. If you are interested in learning more about game development, you can explore resources such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.