Top 8 Doom Games with the Best Combat Ranked

Summary

Doom 3 strayed from the series’ fast-paced combat, opting for survival-horror elements.
Doom 64’s combat was methodical with a focus on atmosphere, but lacked variety.
Doom Eternal refined combat with new weapons and enemy designs, offering immersive gameplay.

The Doom series holds a prominent position in video game history, being both highly influential and widely played. It played a significant role in transforming the First-Person Shooter genre and has left an indelible mark on numerous subsequent games. The core appeal of this franchise lies in its intense combat scenarios, where players find themselves engaged in furious battles against swarms of demons as they navigate through various levels, using a variety of weapons to achieve their objectives.

In essence, the Doom games with the most engaging combat effectively embody the fast-paced energy that the series is known for, offering seamless gameplay that emphasizes continual movement and maintains entertainment value. When these aspects are skillfully executed, they create an experience that few other action titles can rival.

7. Doom 3

Doom Combat Underwent Major Changes In This Game

Following the reputation of rapid tempo and continuous action, Doom 3 was launched with the intention of introducing drastic changes to the game’s playstyle. Contrary to what players were used to, the game opted for a slower pace, devoid of the dynamism that the series was renowned for, and frequently evoking feelings of survival horror rather than first-person shooter (FPS) action.

In contrast to fan anticipations for the series, the heavy emphasis on movement and frequent jump scares in Doom 3‘s combat creates a unique experience compared to previous games. However, navigating between the flashlight and weapons in dark areas disrupts the game’s overall flow, and while the visuals and atmosphere are intriguing, the combat doesn’t offer the same level of enjoyment found in other entries.

6. Doom 64

A Very Different Entry In The Franchise

Initially, Doom 64 was designed exclusively for consoles, with its PC version coming much later down the line. This game debuted with a more somber aesthetic, a haunting soundtrack, and a slower-paced combat style compared to its predecessor. Despite that, it retained the iconic weapons from Doom 2, giving them updated sprites, and introduced a new weapon, the Unmaker – a laser cannon that becomes increasingly powerful as the player collects demon keys hidden within the levels.

In contrast to its robust weaponry and introduction of fresh adversaries, Doom 64 eliminated classic characters like Revenants and Arch-Viles, impacting the diversity of combat encounters. The protagonist’s movements were given more momentum, resulting in a floating sensation that enhanced the game’s atmospheric emphasis but diminished overall dynamism. Although the combat remains effective with its distinctive scripts and thoughtfully crafted challenges, it feels more controlled and strategic compared to other games in the series.

5. Doom 2

Few Improvements Over The First Game

Despite being a follow-up to one of the most famed games in history, Doom 2 essentially built upon the foundation laid by the original game, making improvements where needed. The addition of new weapons and enemies was one such improvement, while the fundamental FPS mechanics remained largely unchanged. Most importantly, the breakneck speed established by the 1993 Doom was preserved without alteration.

Doom 2 is still cherished for its expansion on the unique aspects that made the first one stand out. The inclusion of the Super Shotgun significantly modified combat dynamics, making close-quarter battles more intense, while its intricate levels and diverse settings added depth to the gameplay. It was crucial in preserving the fast-paced nature of the series and solidifying its distinct identity.

4. Doom (1993)

Combat In This Doom Is Among The Most Fun And Important In The Series

Back in ’93, I was part of the gaming revolution when Doom burst onto the scene. This game rocked the video game world like no other, laying down foundations for countless FPS games that followed. The adrenaline-pumping gameplay was unmatched, and only a handful of series could even attempt to mimic it.

Sure, the combat was straightforward yet brutal, but don’t let that fool you. The original Doom was jam-packed with intricate maze-like levels teeming with diverse foes. As I navigated through these treacherous corridors, I constantly had to switch weapons to take down the various demons lurking in the shadows. It was a game that demanded strategy and quick thinking, making it an unforgettable experience for any gamer.

The swift action driven by continuous running and an energetic speed, which was unprecedented at the beginning of the 1990s, played a significant role in the game’s triumph and lasting impact. Although it may appear basic compared to contemporary versions, given its launch era, it offered intense, indelible combat that solidifies 1993’s Doom as one of the greatest first-person shooter games ever created.

3. Doom (2016)

The Reboot Modernized What Doom Always Did Best

2016’s Doom rejuvenated the entire franchise by updating its combat while maintaining its traditional essence, resulting in a more exhilarating gaming experience. Swift movement and relentless speed encouraged players to avoid standing still, establishing an action-packed gameplay tempo that kept the excitement high throughout every arena encounter, from start to finish.

The animations, particularly those that occur during a player’s Glory Kill on an enemy, significantly enhance the overall quality, making this reboot one of the finest executions within the series’ history. Just as the initial release revolutionized the genre, it once more introduced something novel to first-person shooter (FPS) games for contemporary players, offering intense gameplay combined with robust level design across its entire campaign.

2. Doom: The Dark Ages

Kept The Frenetic Pace But With More Focus On Melee Combats

In “Doom: The Dark Ages,” gameplay takes on a fast-paced rhythm that’s characteristic of the series, but places greater emphasis on melee combat between the protagonist and demons. This shift is evident in the character’s movement, which can feel slightly slower due to the heavy armor, and during intense battles, the character becomes more robust or tanky.

One exciting aspect that makes battles so fulfilling is the Shield Saw, a novel weapon that allows the Slayer to both deflect incoming attacks and attack enemies with a spinning blade. This significant departure from the traditional gameplay formula seamlessly integrates into the franchise’s characteristic fast-paced style, introducing new layers without compromising the series’ fundamental essence.

1. Doom Eternal

One Of The Best Combat Systems In The Entire Franchise

Enhancing upon the rapid-paced combat style introduced in 2016, Doom Eternal took the series to unprecedented heights by introducing numerous gameplay enhancements to an already immersive experience. Each iconic weapon, including the Shotgun, Heavy Cannon, and Plasma Rifle, received updates that expanded tactical possibilities in combat, not to mention the inclusion of entirely new equipment to broaden the arsenal’s capabilities.

The incorporation of these enhancements, along with the introduction of more intelligent and intricate adversary models, such as the Marauders who present some of the most challenging battles, significantly improves the combat system in Eternal, since it demands not only speed but also mastery of movement to dodge severe consequences. Consequently, this results in one of the most delightful gaming experiences within the entire series, pleasing both seasoned veterans and encouraging newcomers alike.

2025-05-16 19:54