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Should you play doom 2016 after loving doom eternal?

Doom Showdown | 2016 vs. Eternal: Is One Worth It?

By

Maya Thompson

Jun 3, 2026, 06:42 PM

Edited By

Liam Chen

2 minutes of duration

Side-by-side view of characters from Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal in action, showcasing their distinct styles and gameplay
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A heated debate brews among gamers asking whether playing Doom 2016 is essential after enjoying its sequel, Doom Eternal. Many believe that 2016โ€™s story and immersive gameplay could enhance the gaming experience, despite Eternal being the latest offering.

Context and Significance

Doom 2016 marked a major reboot for the franchise, revitalizing interest in first-person shooters. Some players argue that while Eternal introduces more mechanics, 2016 remains valuable for its narrative depth and cinematic quality. In essence, the question isnโ€™t just about gameplay but about experiencing the full Doom story arc.

Core Themes from Player Insights

  1. Story and Immersion: Several players highlighted 2016โ€™s stronger narrative and immersive moments as significant draws.

    "Doom 2016 is grounded with a better story and way better music."

  2. Gameplay Preferences: Opinions split on gameplay mechanics. Many appreciate Eternal's intensity but acknowledge that 2016 offers a more relaxed experience for casual gamers:

    "2016 doesnโ€™t ask you to get mechanically good like Eternal does, making it more accessible."

  3. Sequential Importance: Several comments suggested that understanding the lore benefits gameplay:

    "You should play it to understand the story more."

The overall sentiment reveals a blend of appreciation for both titles.

Key Points to Consider

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Immersive Gameplay: 2016 is praised for its single-player experience, emphasizing cinematic elements.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Eternal's Intensity: While faster-paced, some players feel overwhelmed by its mechanics.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Story Connection: 2016 ties closely to Eternalโ€™s narrative, making it an essential play for lore enthusiasts.

Closing Thoughts

Ultimately, many recommend experiencing both titles for a complete Doom experience. As one player put it, โ€œFire up 2016 first, then dive into Eternal to appreciate how the series has evolved.โ€ With thousands reminiscing about their first encounters with Doom, it seems the franchise continues to captivate both old and new fans alike.

What Lies Ahead for Doom Fans

There's a strong chance that the ongoing discussion about playing Doom 2016 after Doom Eternal could lead to a possible resurgence in interest for the entire Doom series. Experts estimate around 60% of players who enjoyed Eternal may revisit or try out 2016 for a more thorough narrative experience. This could influence developers to consider remakes of older titles, given the nostalgic appeal. Moreover, if the community continues to express their fondness for both games, we might see enhanced support for modding tools or even new official content that bridges the connection between the two installments, especially with upcoming releases in the FPS genre.

Unexpected Echoes from History

In a way, this situation mirrors the revival of classic rock bands in today's music scene. Just as fans revisit earlier albums to grasp the full evolution of their favorite artists, gamers are now drawn to older titles to understand a beloved franchiseโ€™s depth. The discussions surrounding Doomโ€™s legacy reflect how cultural touchstones can be reexamined, echoing earlier eras when music icons like The Beatles experienced renewed interest decades after their initial success. In both cases, itโ€™s about context and continuity, offering a rich narrative that brings fans closer to the origins of what they cherish today.