Is Doom 1 Canon? Unpacking the Lore of a Classic

Yes, absolutely! Doom (1993), the game that essentially birthed the modern first-person shooter genre, is indeed considered canon within the broader Doom universe. It serves as the foundational cornerstone for the entire franchise, directly informing the narratives, character motivations, and even the gameplay mechanics of the sequels, reboots, and expansions that followed. While the Doom series has undergone reboots and retcons, the core events of Doom 1 remain a vital part of the overall established storyline. It is not an alternate timeline, a spin-off or an “unrelated” version of the Doom-universe but rather a cornerstone in the history of the Doom Slayer and the beginning of his eternal war.

The Core of the Canon

Doom 1 establishes the very premise of the series: a lone space marine, nicknamed Doomguy (later revealed to be the Doom Slayer), battling demonic forces that have invaded military bases on Mars’ moons and then directly into Hell itself. It is the origin of all the hellish carnage that comes after and while the game lacks a complex narrative, it sets up the crucial elements that will define the entire saga:

• The demonic invasion: The game showcases the terrifying might of Hell and the constant battle against hordes of monsters like Imps, Cacodemons, and Barons of Hell.
• Doomguy’s Origins: The game is the first entry where the space marine (who is the Doom Slayer) battles the forces of hell, thus initiating the journey that will lead him to become the legend.
• The Setting: The military base setting on Phobos and Deimos provides the initial visual language for the classic Doom feel, while also presenting the transition into the demon-infested landscapes of Hell itself.
• The Gameplay Loop: The relentless, fast-paced, run-and-gun action, heavily reliant on a versatile arsenal, became a core gameplay element that defines the entire series.

The Evolution of the Canon

While Doom 1 is canon, the series’ lore has expanded significantly. Subsequent games, like Doom II, Doom 64, Doom (2016), and Doom Eternal, build on the events of the original. Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal act as a soft reboot, introducing new lore elements while acknowledging the original trilogy. These games retcon the Doomguy into the Doom Slayer, further solidifying him as an ancient, powerful warrior with a long and bloody history of fighting demons. The core story elements and locations from the original Doom and Doom II remain relevant within the new narrative.

Doom 3, however, is the only non-canonical main series game, considered a reimagining of the original and not a direct continuation or part of the same universe. The RPG spinoffs are considered as secondary elements that are not in the main canon. Despite this, Doom 1 retains its status as a crucial and non-negotiable piece of the overall Doom canon. The origins and early battles of Doomguy are essential to understanding his role in the story, which he’ll always be the main character of.

The Importance of Doom 1

Doom 1’s canonical status is not just about story continuity; it also has profound implications for the series’ fanbase. It’s a connection to the past that allows older players to feel nostalgic, and new players to understand the history of the saga. It acts as:

• A Foundation: It’s the original experience, from which every subsequent title drew its inspiration.
• A Shared Experience: Many players have played the original title, making it a shared experience that connects all fans.
• A Celebration: Doom 1 is a celebration of the roots of the FPS genre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are all Doom games canon?

Not all Doom games are considered part of the main canon. Doom 1, Doom 2, Doom 64, Doom (2016), and Doom Eternal are all generally regarded as canon and share the same timeline (albeit retconned). Doom 3 and the RPG spin-offs are not.

2. Is Doom 2016 a sequel to Doom 1?

Doom (2016) is a soft reboot of the series but it still recognizes the events of Doom 1, Doom 2 and Doom 64. It reimagines the Doomguy as the Doom Slayer and recontextualizes the events within the original story.

3. Is Doom 3 a retelling of Doom 1?

Yes, Doom 3 is a reimagining of the original Doom, it’s set on the same Martian research base but with a horror-focused gameplay and it’s not considered part of the same canon as the main Doom series.

4. Where does Doom 1 take place?

Doom 1 takes place in military bases on the moons of Mars, specifically Phobos and Deimos, before moving into Hell itself.

5. How old is the original Doom game (1993)?

Doom was first released in its entirety on December 10, 1993. The first levels were launched on December 1, 1992. So at this time, it’s just turned 30 years old.

6. How old is Doomguy/Doom Slayer?

The age of Doomguy/Doom Slayer is intentionally vague, and he may be centuries or even eons old. In-game lore suggests he has fought demons for a very long time, crossing multiple “ages”. The events of the original Doom games are implied to have happened in the past of the new reboot, which happens in 2152, making him at least 130 years old chronologically, but lorewise is much older.

7. Is Doom 3 a creepy game?

Yes, Doom 3 is considered creepy, depressing, thrilling and engaging, with horror-focused gameplay and a generally more intense atmosphere, compared to the other games.

8. Is Doomguy the lead character in Doom 3?

Yes, Doomguy, (later the Doom Slayer) is the protagonist of Doom 3, along with other games in the series.

9. Is Doom 1 connected to Doom Eternal?

Yes, the events of Doom 1 are very much the foundation for the events in Doom Eternal. The codex entries in the newer titles clearly demonstrate the connection between all the games, save for the spin-offs.

10. Do you need to play Doom 1 before Doom 2?

While it is advisable for context, it’s not strictly necessary. The classic Doom games are light on story, and Doom 2 can be enjoyed without knowing the plot of the original game, but the lore is better understood if played in the original order.

11. Are Doom 1 and 2 the same game?

Doom 1 and 2 share the same core gameplay, but Doom 2 is generally more action-oriented and run-and-gun in comparison with the moody, suspenseful, original Doom.

12. Is Doom 3 a bloody game?

Yes, Doom 3, like most games in the series, is quite bloody, with plenty of gore, body parts and skeletal remains.

13. Is Heaven canon in the Doom universe?

The existence of Heaven is rarely acknowledged in the Doom series. Only a few hints to angels are introduced in Doom 3. There are currently no official or explicit references to Heaven in the Doom canon.

14. Is the Doomguy the same as the Doom Slayer?

Yes, the codex entries in Doom Eternal confirm that Doomguy, from the original Doom games, is indeed the same person as the Doom Slayer of the reboots. The retcon solidified it as one continuous timeline.

15. Did Doomguy have a pet bunny?

Yes, the original Doomguy owned a pet rabbit named Daisy. She was killed by demons at the end of the third episode of The Ultimate Doom, a retcon the newer titles respect and references.