Should I Play Doom 2016 Before Eternal?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You enjoy story continuity and want to experience the full narrative arc of the Doom reboot. Starting with Doom (2016) gives context to the events, characters, and lore that Doom Eternal expands upon, making plot twists and character motivations more meaningful.
• Good fit: You have ample free time and appreciate a slower learning curve. Doom (2016) introduces combat mechanics, movement systems, and weapon upgrades at a pace that can help you master the core loop before tackling the faster, more demanding encounters in Eternal.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You have limited gaming hours and are mainly interested in the most refined combat experience. Doom Eternal refines many systems from 2016 and adds new mechanics like the grappling hook; skipping the earlier title saves time without sacrificing core fun.
• Warning sign: You find the 2016 game’s story unimportant or prefer gameplay over narrative. If plot is a low priority, the extra hour of story exposition may feel like unnecessary filler before the action‑heavy Eternal.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides narrative background that enriches the lore and character development in Doom Eternal.
• Offers a gentler introduction to the series’ modern gameplay systems, reducing the learning curve for new players.

Cons

• Requires additional time investment (approximately 12–15 hours for a full playthrough).
• Some mechanics and enemy designs feel dated compared to the polished systems in Eternal, potentially leading to a less engaging experience for players seeking the latest gameplay innovations.

Decision Checklist

• Do I value story continuity enough to allocate extra play time?
• Am I comfortable spending roughly a dozen hours on a game whose mechanics will be refined later?
• Do I have any physical or schedule constraints that would make the extra time a significant burden?

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re unsure about committing to Doom (2016), you could watch a concise story recap video or read a plot summary online. This gives you the narrative context without the full gameplay investment. Another option is to start with the Doom Eternal “Eternal” mode that includes a brief tutorial and story overview, allowing you to jump directly into the newer title while still catching key plot points.

Final Recommendation

For players who cherish narrative depth and have the time to explore the series’ evolution, playing Doom (2016) before Doom Eternal is a worthwhile path. If your primary goal is high‑octane action and you’re constrained on time, diving straight into Doom Eternal will still deliver a stellar experience. As always, weigh your schedule, gameplay preferences, and how much story immersion matters to you before deciding.