Do I Need Doom Eternal to Play Ancient Gods? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: No, you do not need the base game, Doom Eternal, to play The Ancient Gods DLC. This standalone expansion offers a separate campaign experience, accessible even if you haven’t purchased or played the original Doom Eternal. This might come as a surprise to some, as most DLCs typically require the base game to function. Let’s delve deeper into what this means for you and explore other related questions you might have.
Standalone Access Explained
The developers made a conscious decision to allow The Ancient Gods campaign to be enjoyed as a standalone experience. This was partly to broaden access to players who might be interested in the continuing narrative of the DOOM Slayer but hadn’t yet invested in the full Doom Eternal package. Both The Ancient Gods Part One and Part Two have been released with standalone options, meaning that you can purchase and play them independently. However, when purchasing, be sure to select the standalone version if you don’t already own the base game.
This doesn’t mean that the DLC is somehow separate from the events of Doom Eternal; it directly picks up where the main game leaves off. It’s a continuation of the story, but structured in a way that is accessible without needing to play the base game first. The standalone version typically includes the Battlemode aspect of the original game.
Why This Matters
This is a significant move because it gives players more flexibility. Perhaps you’ve heard great things about The Ancient Gods and are curious about the hype, but you’re unsure about investing in the main game. Or perhaps you’re solely interested in the post-game storyline. This standalone option caters to all types of players.
It’s worth noting that while The Ancient Gods can be played separately, having played Doom Eternal first may enrich the experience. You’ll understand the mechanics and story beats better, and appreciate the narrative’s continuation. The combat system of Doom Eternal is also fairly complex, and experiencing it first through the base game can ease the transition into the DLC’s more demanding challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will provide even more insight into the world of Doom Eternal and The Ancient Gods:
1. What is The Ancient Gods DLC About?
The Ancient Gods – Part One is the first campaign expansion for DOOM Eternal. It begins immediately after the events of the main game, where the DOOM Slayer’s actions have caused an imbalance across realms. The legions of Hell have begun a full assault on the heavens. You’ll battle your way through the Urdak, fighting for the cosmos’s fate. The Ancient Gods – Part Two acts as the conclusion to this saga.
2. How many parts are there to The Ancient Gods DLC?
The DLC is divided into two parts: The Ancient Gods Part One and The Ancient Gods Part Two.
3. Is The Ancient Gods DLC worth playing?
Absolutely! Both parts of The Ancient Gods are highly recommended. Part One delivers more of the signature DOOM Eternal gameplay, while Part Two expands the game in exciting new ways. They build upon what makes the base game great and offer some of the most challenging and rewarding gameplay in the series.
4. How long does it take to complete The Ancient Gods DLC?
The Ancient Gods – Part One is roughly 5-7.5 hours long, depending on whether you aim to complete just the main objectives or go for 100% completion. The Ancient Gods – Part Two is around the same length.
5. What is included in the standalone versions?
The standalone versions of both The Ancient Gods Part One and Part Two include the full campaign content and typically also include Battlemode, the multiplayer component of Doom Eternal.
6. How do I get The Ancient Gods if I already own Doom Eternal?
If you own the base version of Doom Eternal, you will purchase the Add-On products and not the standalone version. Check on your respective store front (e.g., PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam) to find the correct DLC version.
7. Are there any differences in difficulty between The Ancient Gods and Doom Eternal?
Yes, The Ancient Gods is generally considered to be more challenging than the base game. The enemies are tougher, and the encounters are more intense.
8. Does The Ancient Gods DLC introduce new weapons or abilities?
While The Ancient Gods doesn’t introduce new weapons, you retain the arsenal you acquired in the base game, minus the Crucible. The focus is on mastering your existing tools and tactics to survive the even more challenging combat scenarios.
9. What are the system requirements to play The Ancient Gods?
The system requirements for The Ancient Gods are the same as the base game:
* OS: 64-bit Windows 7 / 64-Bit Windows 10
* Processor: Intel Core i5 @ 3.3 GHz or better, or AMD Ryzen 3 @ 3.1 GHz or better
* Memory: 8 GB RAM
* Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti (4GB), GTX 1060 (3GB), GTX 1650 (4GB) or AMD Radeon R9 280(3GB), AMD Radeon R9 290 (4GB), RX 470 (4GB)
10. Is the story of The Ancient Gods a prequel?
No, The Ancient Gods is a direct sequel to the events of Doom Eternal. It picks up the narrative right after the ending of the base game.
11. Is Doom Eternal a hard game?
Yes, Doom Eternal is known for its challenging combat, especially on higher difficulty settings. Names like “Hurt Me Plenty” and “Ultra-Nightmare” are indicative of the experience.
12. In what order should I play Doom games?
A chronological way is:
1. Doom Eternal (2020)
2. Doom (2016)
3. Doom 3 (2004)
4. Doom 64 (1997)
5. Final Doom (1996)
6. Doom II: Hell on Earth (1994)
7. Doom (1993)
13. Is there a canon order in the Doom franchise?
The general consensus is that Doom 1, Doom 2, Doom 64, Doom 2016, and Doom Eternal are canon. Doom 3 is considered to be non-canon.
14. How long does it take to complete the base Doom Eternal game?
The main story of Doom Eternal takes around 14-15 hours to complete. Players who aim for 100% completion can expect to spend roughly 27 hours with the game.
15. Does playing Doom Eternal improve my aim?
Yes, the game can help improve your aim and reflexes, particularly with the need to consistently target enemy weakpoints during fast-paced combat. It’s useful practice for other first-person shooters.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned DOOM Slayer or a newcomer eager to jump into the fray, the availability of The Ancient Gods as a standalone expansion is excellent news. This flexibility ensures more players can experience the thrilling conclusion of the DOOM Slayer’s saga. By understanding that you don’t need Doom Eternal to play The Ancient Gods, and utilizing this comprehensive guide, you can be fully equipped to tackle the challenging and rewarding experience that awaits you. Now go forth and rip and tear!