DOOM Eternal stands out as a high-octane first-person shooter that thrusts players into relentless battles against demonic hordes. Released in 2020, this action-packed title puts you in control of the Doom Slayer, tasked with halting an invasion from Hell across various dimensions. With its focus on aggressive combat and quick decision-making, the game appeals to those who enjoy fast-paced FPS experiences where survival hinges on constant movement and strategic attacks.
Gameplay
In DOOM Eternal, combat revolves around a push-forward style that rewards aggression. You control the Doom Slayer, equipped with an array of weapons like the Combat Shotgun, Super Shotgun featuring a Meat Hook for grappling onto enemies, Heavy Cannon, Rocket Launcher, Plasma Rifle, Chaingun, BFG 9000, Ballista, and the unlockable Unmaykr. Melee options include the chainsaw for ammo drops, Crucible Blade, Sentinel Argent Hammer, and Doomblade for performing glory kills that yield extra health.
Resource management plays a key role, with glory kills restoring health, the Flame Belch setting enemies ablaze to drop armor shards, and chainsaw kills providing ammunition. The shoulder-mounted Equipment Launcher deploys frag grenades or ice bombs to control crowds. Movement mechanics enhance the fluidity, allowing wall-climbing, double dashes, and swinging on bars to navigate arenas and evade threats.
Enemies vary in type and demand specific tactics; for instance, the Marauder requires precise timing to counter, while the destructible demons system lets you dismantle foes progressively, disabling their abilities by targeting weak points. This creates a layered combat loop where adapting your arsenal and positioning is essential, especially on higher difficulties like Ultra-Nightmare, which features permadeath.
Game Modes
The single-player campaign forms the core of DOOM Eternal, guiding the Doom Slayer through a story-driven series of missions across Earth and otherworldly realms to thwart demonic forces. Levels blend intense fights with exploration, including hidden collectibles and challenging Slayer Gates that unlock powerful rewards like the Unmaykr weapon.
Battlemode offers an asymmetric multiplayer experience, pitting one Doom Slayer against two player-controlled demons in best-of-five rounds. Demons such as the Mancubus, Pain Elemental, Revenant, Arch-vile, Marauder, and Dread Knight use unique abilities and summons, while the Slayer leverages full loadouts for survival.
Horde mode, introduced later, provides a wave-based survival challenge where you face escalating demon waves solo, testing endurance and skill in arena-style setups.
Updates and Expansions
DOOM Eternal has received several free updates enhancing its content. Update 6.66 in 2021 added Horde mode, expanding solo play options. Further patches introduced additional demons to Battlemode, like the Dread Knight, and addressed technical issues.
The game features two major expansions under The Ancient Gods banner. Part One continues the narrative with new levels involving the Seraphim and Life Spheres, while Part Two culminates in battles across Immora and a showdown with the Dark Lord. A 2025 update brought official mod support, allowing community-created content to refresh experiences.
Is It Worth Playing?
DOOM Eternal maintains strong appeal in 2026, thanks to its refined combat and ongoing community engagement through mods. Player reception highlights the game's strengths, with Metacritic aggregating generally favorable scores, including an 8/10 from GameSpot for its combat depth and a 9.25/10 from Game Informer praising the arsenal and soundtrack.
If you thrive on challenging FPS action that demands quick reflexes and tactical switching between weapons and abilities, this title delivers lasting value. The addition of Horde mode and mod support keeps it fresh, making it a solid choice for both newcomers seeking intense single-player runs and veterans revisiting for high-difficulty challenges. However, those preferring narrative depth or less demanding gameplay might find the focus on constant aggression overwhelming.
