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If you want to continue the modern DOOM story after DOOM: The Dark Ages, play DOOM (2016) next, followed by DOOM Eternal. Bethesda describes The Dark Ages as a prequel to both, so this route takes you through the modern games in release order. Prefer a different era or style? The classic games, DOOM 64, and DOOM 3 are worthwhile alternatives rather than required steps.

Best next game for the modern DOOM story: DOOM (2016)

Bethesda Softworks’ Steam listing calls DOOM: The Dark Ages a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. That makes DOOM (2016) the clearest next stop if you want to move from the prequel into the modern pair. The listing gives The Dark Ages a release date of May 14, 2025, and identifies id Software as developer and Bethesda Softworks as publisher: DOOM: The Dark Ages on Steam.

This is a recommendation, not a rule: the games can be approached in other orders. But starting with DOOM (2016) gives you the modern series’ entry point before moving on to its named follow-up.

Follow it with DOOM Eternal

After DOOM (2016), play DOOM Eternal to continue through the two modern games named in Bethesda’s prequel description. If your main goal is simply to play another recent DOOM, you can jump straight to Eternal; playing 2016 first is the more straightforward route through the modern pair, not a prerequisite established by the store listing.

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#1 Best Overall
DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5
  • Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
  • In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
  • A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
  • As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
  • Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.

For classic DOOM: DOOM + DOOM II

If you want to try the original era instead of following the modern arc, the official DOOM + DOOM II release brings together DOOM (1993) and DOOM II. Bethesda’s page also highlights Legacy of Rust, describing it as the newest episode for DOOM and the first official episode since DOOM II to feature new demons and weapons.

Bethesda lists Xbox, PC, Steam, PlayStation, Epic Games, GOG, and Nintendo Switch among the release’s platform and store categories. Some editions have account or version qualifications, and that category list does not guarantee availability in every country. Check your own platform’s storefront and the official DOOM + DOOM II page before choosing an edition.

Rank #2
Sale
DOOM: The Dark Ages - Premium Edition - PlayStation 5
  • Get a head start on slaying demons with the Premium Edition, including up to 2-Days Early Access and the campaign DLC. You’ll also receive the Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack, which includes matching skins for the DOOM Slayer, dragon, and Atlan.
  • Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
  • In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
  • A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
  • Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond.

Explore other branches with DOOM 64 or DOOM 3

DOOM 64

DOOM 64 is a separate classic-era option if you want to explore beyond the original games and modern pair. Bethesda includes it in the official DOOM Anthology collection; its listing establishes that it is part of the franchise catalog, not that you must play it to understand the modern games.

DOOM 3

DOOM 3 is another standalone branch to sample if you want a different franchise entry. It is also named in the DOOM Anthology contents. Neither DOOM 64 nor DOOM 3 is necessary for the modern-series route recommended above.

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Rank #3
PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition
  • Brand Name:Xbox
  • Video game region: region free
  • Display Platform: PS5
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When the DOOM Anthology makes sense

If you want a physical collection spanning multiple eras, Bethesda’s Gear Store listing describes DOOM Anthology as containing DOOM (1993), DOOM II, DOOM 64, DOOM 3, DOOM (2016), and DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition. The listed physical extras are a SteelBook case and a five-inch BFG replica. Bethesda cautions that features and availability may vary by region, so check the listing for your location before buying: DOOM Anthology at the Bethesda Gear Store.

That physical collection is distinct from digital bundles. Bethesda Support says that from September 14, 2026, the Steam DOOM Anthology bundle is updated to include DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition. The same notice says existing Xbox One and PlayStation 4 Anthology owners can continue downloading and playing their purchased versions, while the prior-generation bundle is no longer listed in digital storefronts. These details concern the Steam bundle and the specified older-console editions; they do not establish identical contents or availability on every platform or in every region. See Bethesda Support’s DOOM Anthology notice for the current platform-specific details.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition
PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition
Brand Name:Xbox; Video game region: region free; Display Platform: PS5
$89.97
SaleBestseller No. 4
Maximum Entertainment 34 Sports Games - World Edition (PS5)
Maximum Entertainment 34 Sports Games - World Edition (PS5)
Defend your own country and visit the World: United States, Australia, Japan, France…; Train yourself alone or compete with your friends!
$26.70
SaleBestseller No. 5
Rank #4
Sale
Maximum Entertainment 34 Sports Games - World Edition (PS5)
  • Enter the stadium and take part of one of the biggest competitions across 34 sports: from swimming, soccer, extreme bike, weightlifting, trampoline and much more!
  • Defend your own country and visit the World: United States, Australia, Japan, France…
  • Train yourself alone or compete with your friends!
  • An enhanced version of “30 Sport Games in 1”, with revamped design, new games and more customisation!

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