Doom Eternal: FPS Gameplay
Overview
Doom Eternal, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, is the direct sequel to 2016’s Doom reboot. Released in 2020, it takes the fast-paced, demon-slaying action to new heights with even more intense gameplay, stunning visuals, and a deeper story that expands the Doom universe.
Core Gameplay
Combat Loop
Doom Eternal’s combat is built around a tight, visceral loop that encourages constant movement and aggression:
- Push Forward Combat: The game penalizes players for hiding behind cover, rewarding aggressive play with health, armor, and ammo drops
- Glory Kills: Executing weakened demons with Glory Kills provides health
- Chainsaw Kills: Using the chainsaw on demons drops ammo
- Flame Belch: Using the Flame Belch on demons drops armor
Movement
The Doom Slayer’s movement has been significantly enhanced from the previous game:
- Dash: A quick dash maneuver that can be used to evade attacks or close distance
- Double Jump: Allows for greater vertical mobility and access to new areas
- Mantling: Enables climbing over obstacles and reaching higher platforms
- Monte Carlo: Quick-turn mechanic for tight maneuvering in combat
Weapons
Doom Eternal features an extensive arsenal of demonic-slaying weapons, each with multiple modifications:
- Combat Shotgun: Versatile close-range weapon with sticky bombs
- Super Shotgun: Iconic weapon with a meat hook attachment for grappling
- Heavy Cannon: Mid-range weapon with precision scope or micro missiles
- Rocket Launcher: High-damage weapon with lock-on or remote detonation
- Plasma Rifle: Energy weapon with stun bomb or heat blast
- Ballista: Precision sniper-like weapon with arbalest or destructo-shot
- Chaingun: Rapid-fire weapon with mobile turret or shield
- BFG 9000: Ultimate weapon that obliterates multiple demons
- Crucible: Powerful energy sword that can one-shot most demons
Demons
Enemy Variety
Doom Eternal introduces several new demons alongside returning favorites:
- Marauder: A challenging new enemy that requires precise timing to defeat
- Gladiator: A massive demon with a shield and powerful attacks
- Arch-vile: Returns with enhanced abilities to resurrect fallen demons
- Cyberdemon: Now known as the Tyrant, more powerful than ever
- Icon of Sin: The game’s final boss, a colossal demon that requires strategic fighting
Demon Weaknesses
Each demon has specific weaknesses to certain weapons and modifications, encouraging players to use the right tool for each enemy type. The game’s UI provides helpful feedback on enemy weaknesses during combat.
Campaign
Story
Doom Eternal’s story expands on the Doom universe, revealing more about the Doom Slayer’s origins and the war between Hell and Heaven. The Slayer must prevent the Khan Maykr from resurrecting the Icon of Sin and consuming Earth.
Levels
The game features diverse levels across multiple dimensions:
- Earth: Devastated cities and installations overrun by demons
- Hell: The demonic realm with twisted landscapes and structures
- Heaven: The celestial realm with pristine architecture and dangerous angels
- Urdak: The home of the Khan Maykr with advanced technology
- Phobos: The Mars moon transformed into a demonic stronghold
Collectibles
Levels are filled with collectibles, including:
- Praetor Suit Points: Used to upgrade the Slayer’s suit abilities
- Weapon Points: Used to unlock weapon modifications
- Modbots: Unlock weapon modification slots
- Runes: Provide passive abilities like blood punch enhancements or air control
- Codex Entries: Expand the game’s lore and backstory
New Features
Fortress of Doom
The Fortress of Doom serves as the Slayer’s headquarters between missions. Here, players can:
- Upgrade weapons and abilities
- Access secret areas
- View collectibles and lore
- Launch missions to different locations
Battlemode
Battlemode is Doom Eternal’s multiplayer component, featuring 2v1 asymmetrical gameplay:
- Slayer: One player controls the Doom Slayer, using all the weapons and abilities from the campaign
- Demons: Two players control different demons, working together to defeat the Slayer
Demons available in Battlemode include the Revenant, Mancubus, Arch-vile, Marauder, and more, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
Master Levels
Master Levels are reimagined versions of campaign levels with increased difficulty, new enemy layouts, and other modifiers. These provide additional challenge for experienced players.
Recent Updates
The Ancient Gods - Part Two
The Ancient Gods - Part Two is the second and final expansion for Doom Eternal. It concludes the Slayer’s story with new levels, enemies, weapons, and gameplay mechanics. The expansion features the most challenging content in the game, including new enemy types and a climactic final battle.
Quality of Life Improvements
id Software has released several updates with quality of life improvements, including:
- Better enemy balancing
- Improved performance on all platforms
- Additional accessibility options
- New Master Levels
- Enhanced Battlemode features
Conclusion
Doom Eternal continues to push the boundaries of first-person shooters with its intense combat, stunning visuals, and deep gameplay systems. Its focus on aggressive, fast-paced action has redefined the genre, making it one of the most exhilarating and satisfying FPS experiences available today.