The
DOOM series is a legendary franchise in the world of first-person shooters, spanning nearly three decades of fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping gameplay. Whether you’re playing the classic
DOOM from 1993 or the modern reboots like
DOOM (2016) and
DOOM Eternal, the series maintains its brutal and satisfying combat that requires a combination of skill, strategy, and quick reflexes. In this article, we’ll break down essential tips and guides to help you navigate through the blood-soaked arenas of the
DOOM series, ensuring you become the ultimate demon-slaying Doom Slayer.
Mastering the Basics: Combat Fundamentals 
Before diving into advanced tactics, it’s crucial to understand the core combat mechanics that define the
DOOM series. At its heart,
DOOM is about relentless movement and aggressive gameplay.
Keep Moving: Momentum is Key
In both classic and modern
DOOM games, staying in one place is a death sentence. The enemies are fast and will overwhelm you if you stay stationary. Always keep moving, strafing around enemies, and utilizing the environment to avoid taking damage. Learning to combine movement with precision shooting is essential to surviving the waves of demons.
Circle Strafing and Jumping
One of the most effective movement techniques is circle strafing, where you move around enemies in a circular motion while continuously firing at them. In
DOOM Eternal, jumping and dashing are added to the mix, allowing you to dodge attacks more dynamically.
Weapon Mastery: Knowing When to Use Each Weapon
The
DOOM series gives you access to an arsenal of weapons, each designed for different combat scenarios. Mastering these weapons is vital for managing the hordes of demons you'll face.
Shotgun and Super Shotgun
The Shotgun is your go-to weapon for close-range combat, providing a powerful blast that can take down smaller demons in one or two shots. In
DOOM Eternal, the Super Shotgun, equipped with a Meat Hook, lets you grapple onto enemies for quick kills, making it an essential tool for aggressive players.
Rocket Launcher and BFG 9000
For crowd control and high-damage situations, the Rocket Launcher and the BFG 9000 are invaluable. The Rocket Launcher excels at taking down mid-tier enemies, while the BFG 9000 can clear entire rooms of enemies in a single shot, but its ammo is limited, so use it wisely.
Glory Kills: Utilizing the Health and Ammo System
One of the standout features of modern
DOOM games, starting with
DOOM (2016), is the Glory Kill system. Understanding how and when to use this mechanic will keep you alive in the most intense fights.
How Glory Kills Work
When an enemy is staggered and glowing, you can perform a Glory Kill. These brutal finishing moves not only eliminate the enemy but also drop health packs, making them crucial for survival in harder difficulties.
Chainsaw for Ammo Management
The Chainsaw works similarly, but instead of health, it drops a massive amount of ammo when used on enemies. In
DOOM Eternal, ammo is limited, so using the Chainsaw strategically is necessary to ensure you’re never running dry in a fight.
Learning Enemy Patterns: Know Your Demons
The
DOOM series is famous for its variety of demonic enemies, each with different attacks, behaviors, and weaknesses. Knowing your enemies is half the battle.
Identifying Enemy Threat Levels
Not all demons are created equal. Weak enemies like Imps and Zombies can be taken down quickly, while mid-tier enemies like Hell Knights and Revenants require more effort. Bosses and high-tier enemies like the Marauder in
DOOM Eternal need precise timing and tactics to defeat.
Exploiting Weaknesses
Each enemy has a specific weakness. For example, Cacodemons can be instantly staggered with a grenade, while Arachnotrons can be crippled by targeting their turret. Learning and exploiting these weaknesses will make tough fights more manageable.
Efficient Resource Management: Health, Armor, and Ammo
In
DOOM, staying alive means managing your resources effectively. Learning how to maintain a balance between health, armor, and ammo will keep you in fighting shape.
Prioritizing Health and Armor
Health and armor are your lifelines in the
DOOM series. Always be on the lookout for health and armor pickups, and use Glory Kills and Flame Belch (in
DOOM Eternal) to replenish them during combat. Learning to collect these resources without breaking your combat flow is key to staying alive.
Managing Ammo in Long Encounters
While you’ll always be moving and killing in
DOOM, you’ll also need to manage your ammo. Use weaker weapons like the shotgun for smaller enemies and save your more powerful weapons, like the rocket launcher and BFG, for stronger foes. The Chainsaw is also a reliable source of ammo in emergencies.
Map Exploration: Finding Secrets and Power-Ups
Exploration plays a significant role in the
DOOM series. Each level is packed with secrets, upgrades, and power-ups that can give you the upper hand in combat.
Collecting Secrets and Upgrades
Hidden throughout each level are secrets like extra health, armor, and weapon upgrades. Taking the time to explore off the beaten path will reward you with these bonuses, making later encounters easier to handle.
Using Power-Ups to Your Advantage
Power-ups like Quad Damage and Berserk can turn the tide of battle. Knowing when and where to find these power-ups, and saving them for difficult fights, can make a significant difference in your gameplay.
How to Tackle Boss Fights
Boss fights in
DOOM are a test of everything you’ve learned. They are brutal, multi-stage encounters that require you to stay calm and react quickly.
Learning Boss Patterns
Every boss in
DOOM has a set of patterns and attacks. Watch for telegraphed movements, and learn when it’s safe to attack. For example, the Cyberdemon in
DOOM (2016) has clear signals before launching rockets or melee attacks, giving you a window to dodge or counter.
Stocking Up Before Boss Encounters
Before entering a boss arena, make sure you’re stocked up on health, armor, and ammo. Use the resources scattered around the arena wisely and don’t waste them early on. The BFG 9000 is especially useful for boss fights, so save its ammo for the final phase of the battle.
Upgrading Your Slayer: Runes and Suit Enhancements
Modern
DOOM games offer a progression system where you can upgrade your character through runes and Praetor Suit enhancements.
Choosing the Right Runes
Runes in
DOOM (2016) and
DOOM Eternal give you additional abilities, such as faster Glory Kills, increased movement speed after performing a Glory Kill, or the ability to slow down time while aiming mid-air. Choose runes that match your playstyle and enhance your weaknesses.
Praetor Suit Upgrades
The Praetor Suit can also be upgraded to improve your defense, movement, and utility. Focus on upgrades that enhance your mobility and resource management first, as these will give you the most immediate benefits in combat.
Adapting to Difficulty Levels
The
DOOM series offers multiple difficulty levels, from the relatively straightforward Hurt Me Plenty to the punishing Ultra-Nightmare. Each difficulty requires a different approach.
How to Handle Higher Difficulties
On higher difficulties, enemies are more aggressive, deal more damage, and drop fewer resources. In these modes, precision, movement, and resource management become even more critical. You’ll need to be more careful with your positioning and prioritize resource generation through Glory Kills and Chainsaw usage.
Ultra-Nightmare Mode
For the truly dedicated, Ultra-Nightmare mode offers a one-life challenge. If you die, it’s game over. In this mode, perfecting your route, understanding enemy placements, and making no mistakes are essential.
Conclusion: Becoming the Ultimate Doom Slayer
Mastering the
DOOM series is about blending fast-paced movement with precise combat, while efficiently managing your resources and adapting to your enemies. Whether you're diving into the classic entries or taking on the modern reboots, the tips in this guide will help you improve your skills and dominate the legions of Mastering the
DOOM
