Doom 2016 vs. DOOM Eternal: A Slayer’s Guide to Two Hellish Masterpieces
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
No, Doom 2016 and DOOM Eternal are not the same game, although they are directly connected. Doom Eternal is a sequel to Doom 2016, building upon its predecessor’s foundation but significantly expanding and refining the gameplay mechanics, narrative elements, and overall scope. Think of it like this: Doom 2016 is a brutal, focused reintroduction to the Doom Slayer, while DOOM Eternal is a hyper-aggressive, operatic power fantasy that throws you into the heart of a cosmic war. While both offer exhilarating demon-slaying action, they deliver the experience in distinctly different ways.
Combat: The Core of the Carnage
Glory Kills and Resource Management
Both games center around the “push-forward combat” philosophy, rewarding aggressive play. Glory Kills, which are gruesome melee executions, replenish health. Chainsawing enemies provides ammunition, and setting demons ablaze with the Flame Belch ability grants armor. However, Doom Eternal takes this concept to the extreme. Players are forced to constantly cycle through weapons and resources to survive. This creates a frantic, strategic dance of death, where mastering weapon mods, enemy weaknesses, and resource acquisition is crucial. Doom 2016, while still demanding, offered a slightly more forgiving experience, allowing players to rely on a smaller selection of weapons and tactics.
Movement and Traversal
Doom 2016 introduced fast-paced movement, but DOOM Eternal amps it up significantly. The Doom Slayer gains abilities like the dash and double jump early on, enabling complex platforming challenges and acrobatic combat maneuvers. The arenas in Eternal are designed with verticality in mind, encouraging players to constantly move and utilize the environment to their advantage. This makes DOOM Eternal feel more like a first-person platformer at times, compared to Doom 2016’s more grounded approach.
Enemy Variety and Design
Both games feature a diverse roster of demonic foes, but DOOM Eternal introduces new enemy types with specific weaknesses that players must exploit. The Marauder, for instance, requires precise timing to defeat, forcing players to adapt their strategies. This emphasis on exploiting weaknesses adds a layer of tactical depth to the combat encounters. DOOM Eternal’s demon designs are also generally more stylized and grotesque, reflecting the game’s over-the-top tone.
Story and World-Building: From Mars to the Cosmos
Scope and Narrative
Doom 2016’s story was relatively simple: demons invade Mars, and the Doom Slayer is unleashed to stop them. DOOM Eternal, however, expands the lore significantly, delving into the Slayer’s origins, the history of the Maykrs, and the cosmic forces at play. The narrative is more elaborate, with cutscenes and dialogue sequences that flesh out the world and characters. This increased focus on story is a major departure from Doom 2016’s minimalist approach.
Level Design and Environments
Doom 2016 primarily took place in the UAC facility on Mars and the hellish landscapes beneath. DOOM Eternal takes the Slayer to Earth, which has been ravaged by the demonic invasion, as well as to alien worlds and celestial realms. The environments are more varied and visually stunning, showcasing the game’s advanced graphics. The level design also incorporates more intricate puzzles and platforming sections, adding a new dimension to the gameplay experience.
Graphics and Performance: Visual Overhaul
Enhancements
While both games are visually impressive, DOOM Eternal boasts significant graphical improvements. The textures are sharper, the lighting is more dynamic, and the overall level of detail is higher. This is particularly noticeable on newer consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, where DOOM Eternal runs at higher resolutions and frame rates. However, the art style is also a point of contention. Some players prefer Doom 2016’s more realistic and gritty aesthetic, while others appreciate DOOM Eternal’s vibrant and stylized visuals.
Which Game is Better? A Matter of Preference
Ultimately, whether you prefer Doom 2016 or DOOM Eternal comes down to personal preference. Doom 2016 offers a more focused and streamlined experience, while DOOM Eternal provides a more ambitious and complex one. Some argue that Doom 2016’s tighter level design and simpler mechanics make it a more consistently enjoyable game. Others praise DOOM Eternal for its challenging combat, intricate world-building, and over-the-top action. Both games are excellent in their own right and deserve to be played by any fan of the first-person shooter genre. The general consensus on canon is that doom 1, 2, 64, Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal are canon. If you want to delve deeper into the analysis of games and their impact, you may find insights from organizations like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Doom Eternal a direct sequel to Doom 2016?
Yes, DOOM Eternal is a direct sequel to Doom 2016, continuing the story of the Doom Slayer. It picks up some time after the events of the 2016 game, with the Slayer now facing a full-scale demonic invasion of Earth.
2. Do I need to play Doom 2016 before playing Doom Eternal?
While not strictly necessary, it is highly recommended to play Doom 2016 before DOOM Eternal. Understanding the gameplay mechanics and story context of Doom 2016 will enhance your enjoyment of DOOM Eternal. The refined combat system in Eternal builds upon the foundations laid in 2016.
3. Is Doom Eternal harder than Doom 2016?
Yes, DOOM Eternal is generally considered to be more challenging than Doom 2016. The game features more complex combat encounters, demanding resource management, and intricate platforming sections.
4. Does Doom Eternal have a story?
Yes, DOOM Eternal has a more extensive storyline than Doom 2016. It delves into the origins of the Doom Slayer, the history of the Maykrs, and the cosmic war between Heaven, Hell, and Earth.
5. Are the graphics better in Doom Eternal?
Yes, DOOM Eternal boasts significant graphical improvements over Doom 2016, with sharper textures, more dynamic lighting, and a higher level of detail.
6. Is Doom 2016 a reboot of the original Doom?
Yes, Doom 2016 is considered a soft reboot of the Doom series, reintroducing the Doom Slayer and the demonic invasion in a modern context.
7. What platforms are Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal available on?
Doom 2016 and DOOM Eternal are available on Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia.
8. Is Doom Eternal longer than Doom 2016?
Yes, DOOM Eternal is generally longer than Doom 2016, featuring more levels, more story content, and more side quests.
9. Does Doom Eternal have multiplayer?
DOOM Eternal features a multiplayer mode called “Battlemode,” where one player controls the Doom Slayer and two players control demons in a competitive arena.
10. What is “push-forward combat” in Doom games?
“Push-forward combat” refers to the aggressive playstyle encouraged by the Doom games, where players are rewarded for constantly attacking enemies and moving forward, rather than taking cover or playing defensively.
11. What are Glory Kills and how do they work?
Glory Kills are gruesome melee executions performed on weakened enemies. Performing a Glory Kill replenishes the player’s health, encouraging aggressive combat.
12. How does resource management work in Doom Eternal?
Resource management is crucial in DOOM Eternal. Players must constantly cycle through weapons and abilities to replenish ammunition, health, and armor. Chainsawing enemies provides ammunition, and setting demons ablaze grants armor.
13. What is the Crucible in the Doom universe?
The Crucible is a powerful energy sword that plays a significant role in the Doom lore. It is used by the Doom Slayer to defeat powerful demons and unravel the mysteries of the ancient world.
14. Who is Samuel Hayden in the Doom games?
Dr. Samuel Hayden is a UAC scientist who plays a complex role in both Doom 2016 and DOOM Eternal. He is an ambiguous figure whose motivations are often unclear, and he serves as both an ally and an antagonist to the Doom Slayer.
15. Are Doom 3 and the original Doom games canon with Doom 2016 and Eternal?
While the exact canonicity is debated, the generally accepted consensus among fans is that Doom 1, Doom 2, Doom 64, Doom 2016, and DOOM Eternal are considered part of the main canon. Doom 3 is often considered a standalone reboot with some elements being used in Doom (2016) and Eternal.