Installing WADs on Doom: A Comprehensive Guide

To install WADs on Doom, you can use a source port like GZDoom or Chocolate Doom, which support loading WAD files directly, or use the Doom engine’s built-in WAD loading feature by placing the WAD file in the Doom installation directory and launching the game with the -file parameter. The process involves downloading the desired WAD file, placing it in the correct directory, and then launching Doom with the WAD file loaded, either by using a source port or by using the Doom engine’s command-line parameters.

Understanding WADs and Doom

What are WADs?

WADs are archives used by Doom and other games based on the Doom engine to store game data, including levels, textures, sprites, and sound effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I open a WAD file? You can open a WAD file using a WAD editor or a source port like GZDoom, which allows you to view and edit the contents of the WAD file.
2. How do I play Doom WADs on Steam? To play Doom WADs on Steam, you need to run Doom or Doom 2 on Steam once, then copy the WAD files from the Steam installation directory to a folder with GZDoom, and launch GZDoom with the WAD file loaded.
3. How do Doom WADs work? Doom WADs work by storing game data in a compressed archive format, which is loaded by the Doom engine when the game is launched.
4. What is the WAD file for Doom? The WAD file for Doom is the default format for package files that contain sprites, levels, and game data.
5. Can I sell a Doom WAD? Yes, it is perfectly legal to sell WAD files under certain conditions, such as creating WAD files for the shareware version of Doom or Heretic.
6. How does Doom render walls? Doom renders walls by traversing the BSP tree and drawing subsectors in order of distance from the camera, using a linked list to clip segs rendered later on.
7. How do I install Doom mods? To install Doom mods, you need to download the WAD file for the mod, create a PORT file for the mod, and import the PORT file into your Doom installation.
8. Can Dolphin play WAD files? Yes, Dolphin can play WAD files, which are used to distribute WiiWare games.
9. What is the load order for Doom? The general load order for Doom is Maps → Music Mods → Main/Gameplay Mods → Addons → Custom HUDs.
10. How do I create a WAD file? You can create a WAD file using a WAD editor or a source port like GZDoom, which allows you to create and edit WAD files.
11. What is port 666 in Doom? Port 666 is the default port used by Doom for multiplayer games.
12. Why is Doom so easy to port? Doom is easy to port because it is written in C, which is a portable programming language, and its source code is freely available.
13. How much can Doomguy carry? Doomguy can carry 459 lbs of gear when fully loaded.
14. How much did Doom 1 sell? The original Doom sold 3.5 million physical copies and 1.15 million shareware copies from its 1993 release up through 1999.
15. Where are Doom WADs stored? Doom WADs are typically stored in the Doom installation directory, or in a separate folder specified by the user.