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Doom Eternal

Doom Eternal is loud, brash, hellishly violent, and 100% entertainment. It might not be the perfect video game, but it absolutely is the perfect Doom game.
Doom Eternal Game Cover
88%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
grinding, stability
91% User Score Based on 131,275 reviews
Critic Score 80%Based on 11 reviews

Platforms

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Doom Eternal Game Cover

About

Doom Eternal is a single player and multiplayer shooter game with horror, fantasy, warfare and science fiction themes. It was developed by id Software and was released on March 18, 2020. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

In DOOM Eternal, players take on the role of the Slayer, battling through an epic single-player campaign against hell's armies invading Earth. Utilize an arsenal of brutal weapons, fierce movement techniques, and powerful upgrades to defeat the forces of darkness and save humanity. With intense combat, stunning visuals, and a heavy metal soundtrack, DOOM Eternal delivers a thrilling and adrenaline-fueled experience from start to finish.

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91%
Audience ScoreBased on 131,275 reviews
gameplay5.8k positive mentions
grinding917 negative mentions

  • Doom Eternal features fast-paced, engaging gameplay that encourages strategic use of various mechanics, creating an addictive combat flow.
  • The game is visually stunning with vibrant graphics and a heavy metal soundtrack that enhances the adrenaline-fueled action.
  • High replayability is praised due to multiple difficulty levels, collectibles, and the ability to experiment with different strategies and playstyles.
  • Some players find the abundance of mechanics overwhelming, detracting from the core experience of the game.
  • The story is often criticized for being convoluted and less engaging, with many players feeling it distracts from the gameplay.
  • There are notable stability issues, including bugs and crashes, which can disrupt the overall experience.
  • gameplay
    16,395 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of *Doom Eternal* is characterized by its fast-paced, frenetic action that demands constant movement and strategic use of various mechanics, such as glory kills, chainsaw executions, and resource management. While many players appreciate the depth and complexity of the combat system, some find it overwhelming and feel that the abundance of mechanics detracts from the core experience of ripping and tearing through enemies. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay loop, stunning visuals, and adrenaline-pumping soundtrack, making it a standout title in the first-person shooter genre.

    • “The gameplay is exceptional and pushes you to use every weapon and ability there.”
    • “Doom Eternal makes the absolute most it can out of each mechanic it has and mixes them together with blistering speed and powerful weaponry to create one of the most addictive combat flows of any game I have ever played.”
    • “The movement, weapon catalogue, and enemy list allows for varied gameplay and lots of fun.”
    • “Extremely stale gameplay for my taste.”
    • “Gameplay is held back by having maybe 3 or 4 actual (but mostly underwhelming) arena fights in the level with the rest of it being filled with empty corridors and platforming sections.”
    • “The gameplay loop is hyper focused so you are constantly dodging, platforming and switching weapons to dominate the waves of unique enemies this game throws at you.”
  • story
    13,816 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of *Doom Eternal* has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it attempts to expand the lore and provide a deeper narrative compared to its predecessor, *Doom (2016)*, it often feels convoluted and less engaging. Some appreciate the added depth and character development, while others criticize the story for being overly complex and distracting from the core gameplay, which remains the primary draw of the series. Overall, the narrative serves as a backdrop for the intense action, with many players choosing to focus on the gameplay rather than the story itself.

    • “The story is surprisingly rich for a series known more for chaos than narrative, deepening the doom mythos without slowing the action.”
    • “The story picks up with the doom slayer awakening to find earth overrun by demons. His mission is clear: eradicate the demonic threat and save humanity.”
    • “The story, while not the sole focus, adds a layer of depth to the experience.”
    • “There is a story here somewhere, but you’ll barely notice it while dodging fireballs.”
    • “Cutscenes look great after fixing codecs with gstreamer, but the plot feels like background noise.”
    • “But this is just disappointing, the story doesn't make sense, was expecting continuation, this feels like a different game or they just skipped part 2 and went for part 3.”
  • music
    11,867 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in *Doom Eternal* has received widespread acclaim, particularly for its heavy metal soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon, which many players describe as a defining aspect of the game. While some fans feel that the soundtrack does not quite reach the heights of *Doom (2016)*, it is still praised for its intensity and ability to enhance the adrenaline-fueled gameplay. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the mixing and integration of the music within the game, with some players expressing disappointment over the treatment of Gordon and the overall sound design.

    • “The soundtrack hits like a chainsaw through a frozen mountain.”
    • “And the music is chef's kiss; they put a lot of effort into composing the music, the combat, the enemies, and the level design!”
    • “It’s complemented by a soundtrack from Mick Gordon that is nothing short of legendary—a brutal, industrial, metal-infused score that doesn’t just accompany the action; it drives it.”
    • “The soundtrack feels like a bunch of vaguely doom-esque music just kinda shoved in.”
    • “The music is mushy and unremarkable.”
    • “The soundtrack is a step down from the original and it's pretty evident that the legendary mick gordon has not done the entire soundtrack here.”
  • graphics
    6,790 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in "Doom Eternal" have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and impressive detail that enhance the game's fast-paced action. However, some players feel that the art style has shifted towards a more cartoonish aesthetic compared to the darker, grittier tone of its predecessor, "Doom 2016," which has led to a divide in opinions. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered top-notch and well-optimized, the change in aesthetic direction has left some fans longing for the previous game's style.

    • “The graphics and gore are really good for a 2020 game; I had 144fps constantly with max settings on a RX 6750 XT at 1440p.”
    • “This masterpiece presents you with amazing graphics, amazing performance, epic battles, a great setting, and exciting gameplay.”
    • “The visuals are absolutely stunning, and the performance is butter smooth.”
    • “The graphics are a massive downgrade (despite having more locales) from 2016.”
    • “The graphics feel more cartoony and the combat is frantic & messy.”
    • “The graphics, while some look imported from the previous title, still look amazing.”
  • optimization
    2,247 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of "Doom Eternal" has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its ability to run smoothly across a variety of hardware configurations, including older systems. The game is noted for its impressive graphics and performance, often achieving high frame rates even at maximum settings. However, some users reported performance issues related to the addition of Denuvo anti-cheat software, which has since been removed, leading to improved stability and performance. Overall, the game is considered one of the best-optimized titles in recent years, setting a high standard for future releases.

    • “Doom Eternal is a pristine amalgamation of high octane, warp speed demon genocide, creative story and lore development, violence, and pinnacle performance and optimization.”
    • “The game is incredibly well optimized and has amazing music.”
    • “The performance is top notch and so far, I haven't experienced any issues whatsoever.”
    • “Encountered a massive issue where when entering a certain area the performance quickly drops from 220 fps to a slideshow before crashing.”
    • “Horrible performance, the game stutters and has severe fps dips.”
    • “The game runs really well until 10 minutes of time which the game has been open for, after which it starts stuttering really bad and the only way of fixing it is restarting.”
  • grinding
    1,102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of "Doom Eternal" has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from players, who describe it as tedious and frustrating. Many reviewers express that the constant need to farm for ammo, health, and armor disrupts the flow of combat, turning what should be an exhilarating experience into a monotonous chore. Additionally, the platforming sections and certain enemy mechanics, particularly those involving the marauder, are frequently cited as contributing to the game's overall tediousness, making it feel more like a grind than a thrilling action shooter.

    • “In terms of other campaign games I've played, it's reasonably paced, not too short and not tediously long, so that's a real benefit.”
    • “The challenges were just long enough to be difficult but not tedious.”
    • “The only way to get through it is to improve your own skill, not grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The result is often more tedious than rewarding.”
    • “It's tedious and un-fun gameplay that leaves me less likely to return for a replay.”
  • atmosphere
    945 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in "Doom Eternal" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant departure from the darker, more immersive tone of its predecessor, "Doom (2016)." While some appreciate the vibrant, arcade-like aesthetic and the detailed environments, others feel that the game lacks the intense, gritty atmosphere that characterized the earlier title, opting instead for a more cartoonish and less serious vibe. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as energetic and visually impressive, but it may not resonate with fans who preferred the atmospheric depth and horror elements of "Doom (2016)."

    • “The environments are richly textured and varied, ranging from devastated urban landscapes to infernal fortresses, all rendered with vibrant colors and dynamic lighting that heighten the apocalyptic atmosphere.”
    • “The music is once again a delight to listen to, adding atmosphere to the quiet moments of exploration and enhancing the thrill of combat.”
    • “The atmosphere is amazing, too, with epic visuals and a soundtrack that really gets you pumped.”
    • “The atmosphere is completely different; the music doesn't really feel anywhere near as dynamic and energetic to me as Doom 2016 was, and while some of the demon redesigns are cool, others just fall flat in my opinion.”
    • “The game has lost the atmosphere and many of the things that made it special.”
    • “The dark atmosphere of Doom 2016 is pretty much gone as the game feels oddly more cartoonish and cheerful than its 2016 counterpart, which yes pays homage to the original Doom's but on the other hand abandons the amazing atmosphere of Doom 2016.”
  • replayability
    890 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The replayability of "Doom Eternal" is widely praised, with many players highlighting its high replay value due to various factors such as multiple difficulty levels, collectibles, and the inclusion of master levels and DLCs. The game's fast-paced and engaging combat, along with the ability to experiment with different strategies and playstyles, contributes to its nearly infinite replayability. However, some players note that the linearity of the campaign and the lack of certain multiplayer modes may limit replay value for others. Overall, it is considered one of the most replayable first-person shooters available.

    • “Overall, this is a fantastic game, well worth the money, and has huge replay value as you try to collect everything, play with the cheat codes, and master the game.”
    • “The campaign is very replayable and mastering levels is very rewarding.”
    • “Doom Eternal is an amazing movement shooter with lots of replayability.”
    • “The gaps between encounters are long and boring enough to where I feel like it hurts this game's replay value, and I can't believe it lacked an arcade-esque mode for so long.”
    • “While the addition of collectibles and hidden challenges adds some replay value, it may not be enough to fully engage those seeking a robust post-campaign experience.”
    • “Despite this, the gameplay mechanics have improved in almost every way from the previous entry, providing some of the most fun and exciting combat I have experienced in any game, and making it much more replayable in the long run.”
  • stability
    843 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While many praise its overall performance, noting that it runs smoothly and looks great on various hardware, a significant number of players report frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that can disrupt gameplay. Issues such as freezing during respawns, audio glitches, and problems with the user interface are common, leading to frustration for some players, particularly in the DLC content. Overall, while the game is enjoyable and well-optimized for many, its stability issues remain a notable concern.

    • “Great looking game, no glitches or freezing, and it runs great.”
    • “The game runs great and looks good, but the gameplay is a disaster in my opinion.”
    • “The game is super polished and runs great.”
    • “The game freezes when I press respawn after dying; the worst part is I love this game so far.”
    • “Constantly freezes, invalidating your for-some-god-forsaken reason not autosaved progress.”
    • “This game is a buggy mess; I can't recommend it as it is a terrible buggy mess.”
  • humor
    840 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Doom Eternal" is a mixed bag, with many players finding it both amusing and over-the-top. While some appreciate the game's self-aware, cartoonish violence and the absurdity of its lore, others criticize its reliance on repetitive jokes and a more juvenile tone compared to its predecessor, "Doom 2016." Overall, the humor adds a layer of levity to the intense gameplay, though opinions vary on its effectiveness and originality.

    • “The cutscenes where the slayer interacts with other people are hilarious.”
    • “Doom eternal is great, it's like therapy, but instead of talking about your feelings, which is bullshit, you rip and tear through demons while laughing maniacally.”
    • “The humor in many of the NPC dialogues had me chuckling out loud, which is rare for a game these days.”
    • “Now the holograms are randomly placed on Earth and are super overblown, out of place, and just not funny.”
    • “This is a completely unfunny game trying its best to be funny with visual humor that belongs in a slapstick cartoon.”
    • “Like yeah I get the joke, but it's not funny the 20th time I hear it.”
  • emotional
    333 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with many players expressing feelings of empowerment and nostalgia as they embody the role of the Doom Slayer, often describing the gameplay as exhilarating and satisfying. However, some critiques highlight a lack of meaningful narrative depth and emotional resonance, suggesting that while the action is thrilling, the story fails to engage players on a deeper level. Overall, the game is frequently described as a "wholesome" experience, with many players appreciating its family-friendly values and uplifting soundtrack, despite some frustrations with gameplay mechanics and story presentation.

    • “This backstory adds emotional weight to the character, revealing his motivations and the sacrifices he has made in his eternal war against evil.”
    • “For a moment, this game made me feel a little less alone.”
    • “This game made me feel things I never felt.”
    • “Incredibly boring story that takes up too much screentime.”
    • “This means you often have to visit different planets, and all to service an incredibly boring story (three hell priests are leading the invasion of earth, kill all three and the invasion ends zzzzzzzz).”
    • “Only downsides are probably boring story (or actually the way it is presented) and 'randomness' of maps.”
  • monetization
    247 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over intrusive advertisements and the presence of microtransactions, particularly after initial promises of no such features. While some players appreciate that most content can be unlocked through gameplay rather than paywalls, others feel that the aggressive marketing and cosmetic microtransactions detract from the overall experience, labeling it a cash grab. Overall, the sentiment reflects a growing concern about the balance between monetization and player experience in modern gaming.

    • “Microtransactions are really only for skins, but most things you unlock in-game, not behind paywalls.”
    • “The monetization policy in this game is amazing; the battle pass system you don't pay for and you earn everything. My only 'complaint' is that doing horde mode mod seems to break the battle pass (this isn't fair though as I am using a mod).”
    • “No microtransactions, cheat codes, unlockables, dope soundtrack, amazing mechanics, specifically in upgrades.”
    • “Before you can even get into the game, you have to be confronted with the main menu slamming popups in your face, advertising DLC and battle passes and multiple multiplayer modes at you.”
    • “The majority of the time I spend playing this game was waiting for timed ads for DLC to let me close them; the next 60 seconds were frustration that it stopped responding to my mouse after every cut scene unless I tabbed in and out again.”
    • “It's sad how a work of passion became a corporate cash grab and it diminished a cool game into something that feels tedious and lazy.”
  • character development
    64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the improvements and depth given to the protagonist, the Doom Slayer, while others criticize the overall lack of meaningful character arcs and emotional resonance. Many players appreciate the stunning character designs and visuals, but feel that the narrative elements are often overshadowed by the fast-paced gameplay, leading to a perception that character development is either forced or minimal. Overall, while there are notable enhancements in character design and some attempts at storytelling, the focus remains primarily on action rather than deep character exploration.

    • “The doom slayer’s character development is by far the game’s most compelling story element.”
    • “Yes, there are more cutscenes, lore, dialogue, character development, etc. id Software decided that Doom Eternal needed more than just ripping and tearing... and boy were they right.”
    • “Glory kills are even more violent and creative than in the last game, weapon mods are improved and have much more utility, and Doomguy receives a great deal of much-deserved character development that calls back as far as the 1992 releases of the series.”
    • “While the game attempts to inject some narrative depth into the proceedings with dramatic cutscenes and world-building elements, the story ultimately feels like an afterthought, with little in the way of meaningful character development or emotional resonance.”
    • “The worst part is the writer's brain in me can see these things working, given the right execution - Ava going from obnoxious punk to distraught and angry at the loss of her mentor, to matured fighter is a course of character development that absolutely could work, but none of the legwork needed to make that happen believably was actually put in, and it's really easy to tell.”
    • “Zero character development, undecipherable story, tons of exposition, brutal fast-paced bloody combat... would totally play again!”
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16h Median play time
66h Average play time
14h Main story
27h Completionist
6-50h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 396 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Doom Eternal is a shooter game with horror, fantasy, warfare and science fiction themes.

Doom Eternal is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows and others.

The main story can be completed in around 14 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 27 hours to finish. On average players spend around 66 hours playing Doom Eternal.

Doom Eternal was released on March 18, 2020.

Doom Eternal was developed by id Software.

Doom Eternal has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Doom Eternal is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include DOOM, DOOM: The Dark Ages, DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One, Shadow Warrior 2, Serious Sam 3: BFE and others.